Orton Botanical Garden — Attraction in Twin Falls

This was more impressive than expected. It appeared to have very little fanfare so we weren't sure about it. There was limited parking inside the gates so we ended up parking along the street and apprehensively entered. There is no fee to enter and, as we began walking around, we quickly understood what we were experiencing.

This place was an incredible little slice of heaven hidden in plain sight. There were so many plants everywhere. Pathway after pathway had new varieties of desert plants and flowers to take in. It was much much larger than expected and lovingly planned out.

Like Cleo's Ferry Museum, you could tell that this place was a labor of love. The time and energy put into this garden, privately, and without any government subsidizing or control, was incredible. In some ways it exceeded the Boise botanical garden.

You should definitely take in this wonderful garden if you're in Twin Falls, on a weekend in the Summer. Be sure you check to make sure it will be open. They keep very minimal hours. If you like it, as we did, they do take donations in two boxes near the...

This is an Idaho treasure. A REGIONAL treasure. I can think of no other high-desert plant conservatory at all, much less one that comes close to the five acre splendor and aesthetic Lamar and Rosalie Orton have crafted in Twin Falls. Its a short 2-hour ride from Boise --see Malad Gorge along the way-- and its just fabulous, as are the folk that run it. There's a garden-aglow period in winter when the cactus, yucca and Joshua Trees etc. are festooned with lights, and there are many opportunities for education and classes year round. Twin Falls also has other fabulous sights. Evel Kneivel's rocket-bike ramp, and an ever-growing downtown foodie scene. Twin Falls is also a gateway to Idaho's Sun Valley/Ketchum area.

Anyway? --if horticulture is your jam, Orton Botanical Gardens is for you. It...

Magical! There is something magical about Christmas lights. Orton Botanical Gardens hit that nail on the head! From the moment you walk through the front gate you are enveloped in lights. As you walk in the gate you are warmly greeted by a volunteer, welcoming you to the gardens, advising you where to go and wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. The gardens are a beautifully decorated five acres of lighted trails, pergolas, seats and Christmas beauty. They take pride in their display and it shows. There are at least 100 thousand lights if not more. Coming here is a fantastic way to celebrate part of your Christmas and include into your holiday traditions. It is amazing and they plan on getting...