Idaho's Premier Museum, Planetarium & Observatory · Twin Falls, ID
Published in partnership with Herrett Center
Book online anytime
| Mon | Closed |
| Tue | 9:30 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Wed | 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Thu | 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Fri | 9:30 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Sat | 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
| Sun | Closed |
Nestled on the College of Southern Idaho campus in Twin Falls, the Herrett Center for Arts & Science has served as the Magic Valley's hub for cultural and scientific exploration since its founding. The center is a multi-disciplinary institution combining museum galleries, Idaho's largest planetarium, and a fully accessible observatory. Visitors can explore anthropological artifacts from prehistoric American continents, natural history specimens from Idaho and beyond, rotating art exhibitions in the Jean B. King Gallery, and astronomy programs that span daytime solar viewing to nighttime telescope sessions. Museum admission is always free, reflecting the center's mission to make learning accessible to all.
The Faulkner Planetarium is Idaho's largest and most advanced domed theater, offering weekly science and astronomy shows that transport audiences across the universe. Current productions like 'One Step Beyond: A Journey to Mars' combine cutting-edge visuals with educational storytelling. The Centennial Observatory features day and night viewing sessions, including popular solar viewing during International Astronomy Day events and telescope nights where visitors can explore planets, stars, and deep-sky objects. Both facilities are staffed by educators and astronomy outreach specialists who make complex science approachable for all ages.
Beyond astronomy, the Herrett Center preserves and interprets one of the region's most significant collections of archaeological and natural history materials. The museum galleries feature artifacts from Idaho's indigenous cultures, including stone tools and pottery, alongside exhibits on regional geology and paleontology. The center also hosts the Herrett Forum lecture series, bringing in scholars like Dr. Jaap Vos from the University of Idaho to discuss topics ranging from demographic shifts to environmental science. A research library and object collections are available to scientists, citizen-scientists, and students conducting original research on local history and archaeology.
The Herrett Center serves educators across Idaho with field trip programs and group visits designed for explorers of all ages. Programs blend art, science, and natural history into hands-on learning experiences aligned with curriculum standards. Monthly public programs like Reptile Revue (first and third Tuesdays at 6 p.m.) offer free, drop-in opportunities to interact with live animals and learn from naturalists. The center's gift shop features STEM learning kits, books, gemstones, and works by local artists, while event rental spaces provide a unique venue for conferences, gatherings, and corporate events with a backdrop of gallery exhibits and planetarium technology.
Best for: Families with kids interested in science and space, school groups planning educational field trips, astronomy enthusiasts and stargazers, researchers studying regional archaeology or natural history, art lovers exploring Idaho culture, tourists visiting Twin Falls, couples seeking unique date night experiences
Service area: Twin Falls, ID and the Magic Valley region of southern Idaho
Why choose Herrett Center: The Herrett Center is Idaho's premier institution combining museum, planetarium, and observatory under one roof. Unlike standalone museums or science centers, it offers free gallery admission year-round and operates the state's largest and most advanced planetarium. Its research library and object collections provide access unavailable at typical tourist attractions, while its location on the CSI campus ensures academic rigor and community programming unmatched by commercial venues.
Idaho's Largest Planetarium: The Faulkner Planetarium is the state's largest and most advanced domed theater, offering immersive shows on astronomy, space exploration, and earth science with cutting-edge projection technology.
Free Museum Admission Year-Round: Admission to the museum galleries is always free, making world-class anthropological artifacts, natural history specimens, and rotating art exhibitions accessible to everyone in the community.
Fully Accessible Observatory: The Centennial Observatory is wheelchair-accessible and offers both daytime solar viewing and nighttime telescope sessions, with staff astronomers available to guide visitors through observations.
Research Library & Object Collections: The center maintains a specialized library and object collections available to researchers, citizen-scientists, and students conducting work on regional archaeology, stone tool production, and natural history.
How much does it cost to visit the Herrett Center?
Admission to the museum galleries and art exhibits is always free. Planetarium shows and special observatory events are ticketed separately. Check the website for current planetarium show pricing and schedules. Many public programs like Reptile Revue and International Astronomy Day activities are also free.
What can I see at the Herrett Center?
The center includes museum galleries with anthropological artifacts (including Native American stone tools and pottery), natural history specimens, rotating art exhibitions in the Jean B. King Gallery, Idaho's largest planetarium with weekly shows, and the Centennial Observatory for solar and nighttime telescope viewing. Current exhibits and planetarium shows change regularly — check the website for what's on display during your visit.
Is the Herrett Center good for kids?
Yes, the Herrett Center is designed for all ages. Planetarium shows are family-friendly and explain complex science in accessible ways. Monthly Reptile Revue events (first and third Tuesdays at 6 p.m.) let kids interact with live animals. International Astronomy Day features hands-on activities like water bottle rockets. The museum galleries include touchable exhibits and specimens that engage young learners, and field trip programs are available for school groups.
Can I use the observatory and when are telescope nights?
The Centennial Observatory is open for public viewing during scheduled events, including nighttime telescope sessions and daytime solar viewing. The observatory is fully wheelchair-accessible. Specific viewing nights are posted on the website and often coincide with special astronomy events like International Astronomy Day. Staff astronomers guide visitors and explain what you're seeing through the telescopes.
Do you offer educational programs for schools and groups?
Yes, the Herrett Center offers field trip programs and group visits for all ages, blending art, science, and natural history into hands-on learning experiences. Programs can be tailored to curriculum standards. Contact the education department through the website to plan a visit or request information about available programs.
Can researchers access the collections?
Yes, the Herrett Center maintains a research library and object collections available to scientists, citizen-scientists, and students. Collections focus on regional archaeology, stone tool production, natural history, and astronomy. Visit the Researchers' Corner section of the website for access policies and to inquire about specific materials.
What planetarium shows are currently playing?
Planetarium shows change regularly. As of the latest update, 'One Step Beyond: A Journey to Mars' is showing. The Faulkner Planetarium offers weekly show schedules covering topics from space exploration to earth science. Check the website for current showtimes, ticket prices, and show descriptions.
Can I rent the Herrett Center for an event?
Yes, the Herrett Center offers event rental spaces including gallery spaces and a large community room for conferences, corporate events, and private gatherings. Each space has a unique backdrop of exhibits or planetarium technology. Contact the center through the Rental Options page on the website for availability, pricing, and booking details.
“A++ 100% Shining and pillar of excellenc for the community. We enjoyed the candor and presentation today in the planetarium as well as story time and live reptiles. Thank you!”
— Casey Sorensen, Google Review
“Plenty of free parking. Free entry to the museum / center. Great place to take kids of all ages. The place is clean, well lit, easy to navigate, and very interesting. If you have time and are in the area, you should stop by and spend an hour exploring here.”
— Jeremy Leishman, Google Review
“The Herrett Center is a fascinating museum with a great blend of anthropology, astronomy, and natural history. The exhibits are well-designed, informative, and easy to enjoy in a single visit. The planetarium is a standout feature, offering high-quality shows led by knowledgeable staff. It’s a peaceful, educational spot perfect for families, students, or anyone curious about science and culture.”
— Sara Montgomery, Google Review
“Informative intresting museum on campus of College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls city. It is for all age groups. It is educative for school children. Center has Anthropological artefacts & natural history specimens. It has 3 sections 1 Natural history - 6 galleries showing fossils, ancient stone tools, Native American cultural items 2 Astronomy - Faulkner Planetarium & Centennial observatory 3 Art gallery No admission fee Opening times are different on different days Sunday, Monday closed Planetarium has some shows on fee. Souvenir shop & restroom available. Replica of Huntington canyon mammoth is interesting”
— Anil Aggarwal, Google Review
“I enjoyed the museum. All of the exhibits were interesting. I especially liked the Journeys, Native American and Andean (Peruvian) exhibits. The Natural History and Artwork exhibits were good, as well.”
— Raymond Ellis, Google Review
Book online: Plan Your Visit →
Phone: (208) 732-6655
Address: 315 Falls Ave, Twin Falls, ID 83301 (Get directions)
Website: herrett.csi.edu
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