PARKS &
RECREATION

Thousand Springs Snapshot

Billingsley Creek

Malad Gorge

The Malad River crashes down stairstep falls and into the Devils Washbowl, then cuts through a beautiful 250-foot gorge on its way to the Snake River, 2-1/2 miles downstream. Watch a short video.Views of the gorge are best from the sturdy bridge that crosses the canyon. You can take a short hike to discover nearby fingers of the gorge where crystal-clear springs produce ponds and streams.Ritter Island offers excellent opportunities for photography and birdwatching. Nestled alongside the picturesque Snake River, between two magnificent springs, the property provides a sense of serenity and solitude - the perfect venue for small events and someday, small retreats. 

Ritter Island

Ritter Island offers excellent opportunities for photography and birdwatching. Nestled alongside the picturesque Snake River, between two magnificent springs, the property provides a sense of serenity and solitude - the perfect venue for small events and someday, small retreats. The site will continue to host the annual Thousand Springs Art Festival that it has become famous for and offering the public the opportunity to tour the existing historic structures.  

Learn more about Ritter Island.

It is anticipated that the homes onsite will convert easily into overnight accommodations for families wanting to experience the property’s charm.

Learn More

Read about the history and background of Ritter Island from the Nature Conservenc:

• History and Background of Ritter Island

Kelton Trail

The Kelton Road offers views of the abutments for the bridge that carried wagons traveling the Oregon Trail. From about 1864 to 1883 this was on the regular route that carried mail, freight and passengers between Boise and the railhead at Kelton, Utah. The trail had so much traffic that grooves were cut into the rocks, but by July 1884, a traveler on the old route noticed that "grass grows over the defunct overland Kelton stage road where a weary traveler once traveled in clouds of dust..."

Niagara Spring

Tumbling down the canyon side at 250 cubic feet per second, Niagara Springs is a sight you won’t soon forget. The churning water is the icy blue of glaciers. The springs are a National Natural Landmark and part of the world-famous Thousand Springs Complex along the Snake River.

The park provides your best opportunity to drive into the 350-foot-deep canyon, but be cautious: The road is narrow and steep. We advise you not to risk it in a motorhome or while pulling a large trailer. Take a quick video tour.

The Idaho State Parks Passport: Your State Park Saving Option!

The Idaho State Parks Passport allows Idaho motorists to support Idaho State Parks by agreeing to pay an additional $10 in conjunction with renewing their license plates through the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) and County Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Offices.  The Passport sticker allows participating Idahoans unlimited daytime entry to Idaho state parks, IDPR operated recreation areas and boating access sites. The Passport will also provide nightly discounts on camping.  

When you pay the additional $10 for your passport, you'll receive a sticker that will adhere to your motor vehicle.  The sticker will provide unlimited access to all 30 state parks for the entire registration year.  

Out-of-state guests will have a savings option too, with the purchase of an Idaho State Park Motor Vehicle Entry Fee (MVEF) Annual.

The Beloved Archie B. Teater and His Painting of an Idaho State Park

(Archie Boyd Teater)

1901 – 1978 - During a career that spanned over fifty years, Archie Boyd Teater continued to paint in the outdoor light. His plein air landscapes were inspired by the mountainous beauty of his birthplace in Idaho. Throughout his lifetime, Teater continued to paint the Western landscape, in addition to the landscapes of the many countries he visited. Landscapes and street scenes from Scandinavia, the British Isles, Western Europe, Africa, Russia, the Middle East, the Orient, South America, Australia and New Zealand comprise what is known as his International Collection.

Teater’s paintings have been featured in museum exhibitions next to work by artists such as Frederic Remington, Charles Russell, Thomas Moran, Thomas Hart Benton, in addition to John Sloan and John Carroll in New York galleries.

Teater, born in 1901, balanced his early painting career between the need to earn a living and his passion for painting. He worked alongside miners, trappers and lumberjacks who had little patience or understanding for the sensitive artist, and so he would often take his wagon into the mountains, where he enjoyed the solitude, to work for days on his landscapes.

Archie and his wife lived, part of the time, in Hagerman Idaho. Frank Lloyd Wright designed a home and studio for Archie and his wife Patricia in 1952. The home, overlooks the Snake River, and is the only studio designed by Wright for another artist.

IDAHO LANDSCAPES
From the high desert near his home above the Snake River in Hagerman Valley to mountain towns nestled below the alpine peaks of the Sawtooth Mountains in central Idaho, the artist never failed to find either the simple beauty of the land or the dramatic grandeur of nature.

The Painting Entitled:

“Thousand Springs, As They Were”

Thousand Springs State Park, with its five beautiful units and multiple areas, is a testament to why the area is called the Magic Valley. Visitors can view wagon ruts and bridge abutments at Kelton Trail, explore the magnificent Malad Gorge, access the riding arena at Billingsley Creek, step back in time and tour historic structures at Ritter Island and Bonnieview, take in the scenery at Earl M. Hardy Box Canyon Springs Nature Preserve, view Niagara Springs, fish at Crystal Lake. Day use opportunities abound within the units of Thousand Springs State Park.

 “Minnie Miller Ranch, Gooding County”

The Ritter Island/Minnie Miller Farm property was part of the Thousand Springs Preserve purchased by the Nature Conservancy. It is now part of Thousand Springs State Park. In 1918 Minnie Miller purchased what is now the state park at sheriff’s auction. A successful businesswoman and farmer, Minnie Miller was also concerned about protecting the natural wonders found at Thousand Springs. In 1944 her classic dairy farm was featured in National Geographic magazine as one of the state’s most impressive. Hundreds attended her annual ice cream social and heard educational and agricultural speakers. The farm passed to Judge Wallis Ritter in 1954. For the next 31 years Judge Ritter and his heirs fought diversion of the farm’s free flowing springs. In 1986 the Nature Conservancy purchased the farm for $1.2 million and in December of 2006 the farm with 300 acres including Ritter Island and 2 miles of Middle Snake riverfront passed to the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation. The original farmstead includes a two-story stone farmhouse, three small cottages, a well-preserved dairy farm, and other farm buildings.

Thousand Springs Snapshot

Billingsley Creek

Malad Gorge

The Malad River crashes down stairstep falls and into the Devils Washbowl, then cuts through a beautiful 250-foot gorge on its way to the Snake River, 2-1/2 miles downstream. Watch a short video.Views of the gorge are best from the sturdy bridge that crosses the canyon. You can take a short hike to discover nearby fingers of the gorge where crystal-clear springs produce ponds and streams.Ritter Island offers excellent opportunities for photography and birdwatching. Nestled alongside the picturesque Snake River, between two magnificent springs, the property provides a sense of serenity and solitude - the perfect venue for small events and someday, small retreats. 

Ritter Island

Ritter Island offers excellent opportunities for photography and birdwatching. Nestled alongside the picturesque Snake River, between two magnificent springs, the property provides a sense of serenity and solitude - the perfect venue for small events and someday, small retreats. The site will continue to host the annual Thousand Springs Art Festival that it has become famous for and offering the public the opportunity to tour the existing historic structures.  

Learn more about Ritter Island.

It is anticipated that the homes onsite will convert easily into overnight accommodations for families wanting to experience the property’s charm.

Learn More

Read about the history and background of Ritter Island from the Nature Conservenc:

• History and Background of Ritter Island

Kelton Trail

The Kelton Road offers views of the abutments for the bridge that carried wagons traveling the Oregon Trail. From about 1864 to 1883 this was on the regular route that carried mail, freight and passengers between Boise and the railhead at Kelton, Utah. The trail had so much traffic that grooves were cut into the rocks, but by July 1884, a traveler on the old route noticed that "grass grows over the defunct overland Kelton stage road where a weary traveler once traveled in clouds of dust..."

Niagara Spring

Tumbling down the canyon side at 250 cubic feet per second, Niagara Springs is a sight you won’t soon forget. The churning water is the icy blue of glaciers. The springs are a National Natural Landmark and part of the world-famous Thousand Springs Complex along the Snake River.

The park provides your best opportunity to drive into the 350-foot-deep canyon, but be cautious: The road is narrow and steep. We advise you not to risk it in a motorhome or while pulling a large trailer. Take a quick video tour.

The Idaho State Parks Passport: Your State Park Saving Option!

The Idaho State Parks Passport allows Idaho motorists to support Idaho State Parks by agreeing to pay an additional $10 in conjunction with renewing their license plates through the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) and County Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Offices.  The Passport sticker allows participating Idahoans unlimited daytime entry to Idaho state parks, IDPR operated recreation areas and boating access sites. The Passport will also provide nightly discounts on camping.  

When you pay the additional $10 for your passport, you'll receive a sticker that will adhere to your motor vehicle.  The sticker will provide unlimited access to all 30 state parks for the entire registration year.  

Out-of-state guests will have a savings option too, with the purchase of an Idaho State Park Motor Vehicle Entry Fee (MVEF) Annual.

The Beloved Archie B. Teater and His Painting of an Idaho State Park

(Archie Boyd Teater)

1901 – 1978 - During a career that spanned over fifty years, Archie Boyd Teater continued to paint in the outdoor light. His plein air landscapes were inspired by the mountainous beauty of his birthplace in Idaho. Throughout his lifetime, Teater continued to paint the Western landscape, in addition to the landscapes of the many countries he visited. Landscapes and street scenes from Scandinavia, the British Isles, Western Europe, Africa, Russia, the Middle East, the Orient, South America, Australia and New Zealand comprise what is known as his International Collection.

Teater’s paintings have been featured in museum exhibitions next to work by artists such as Frederic Remington, Charles Russell, Thomas Moran, Thomas Hart Benton, in addition to John Sloan and John Carroll in New York galleries.

Teater, born in 1901, balanced his early painting career between the need to earn a living and his passion for painting. He worked alongside miners, trappers and lumberjacks who had little patience or understanding for the sensitive artist, and so he would often take his wagon into the mountains, where he enjoyed the solitude, to work for days on his landscapes.

Archie and his wife lived, part of the time, in Hagerman Idaho. Frank Lloyd Wright designed a home and studio for Archie and his wife Patricia in 1952. The home, overlooks the Snake River, and is the only studio designed by Wright for another artist.

IDAHO LANDSCAPES
From the high desert near his home above the Snake River in Hagerman Valley to mountain towns nestled below the alpine peaks of the Sawtooth Mountains in central Idaho, the artist never failed to find either the simple beauty of the land or the dramatic grandeur of nature.

The Painting Entitled:

“Thousand Springs, As They Were”

Thousand Springs State Park, with its five beautiful units and multiple areas, is a testament to why the area is called the Magic Valley. Visitors can view wagon ruts and bridge abutments at Kelton Trail, explore the magnificent Malad Gorge, access the riding arena at Billingsley Creek, step back in time and tour historic structures at Ritter Island and Bonnieview, take in the scenery at Earl M. Hardy Box Canyon Springs Nature Preserve, view Niagara Springs, fish at Crystal Lake. Day use opportunities abound within the units of Thousand Springs State Park.

 “Minnie Miller Ranch, Gooding County”

The Ritter Island/Minnie Miller Farm property was part of the Thousand Springs Preserve purchased by the Nature Conservancy. It is now part of Thousand Springs State Park. In 1918 Minnie Miller purchased what is now the state park at sheriff’s auction. A successful businesswoman and farmer, Minnie Miller was also concerned about protecting the natural wonders found at Thousand Springs. In 1944 her classic dairy farm was featured in National Geographic magazine as one of the state’s most impressive. Hundreds attended her annual ice cream social and heard educational and agricultural speakers. The farm passed to Judge Wallis Ritter in 1954. For the next 31 years Judge Ritter and his heirs fought diversion of the farm’s free flowing springs. In 1986 the Nature Conservancy purchased the farm for $1.2 million and in December of 2006 the farm with 300 acres including Ritter Island and 2 miles of Middle Snake riverfront passed to the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation. The original farmstead includes a two-story stone farmhouse, three small cottages, a well-preserved dairy farm, and other farm buildings.