For the first time, Museum of Idaho is offering tours of Keefer’s Island

The following is a news release from the Museum of Idaho.

IDAHO FALLS — The Museum of Idaho is thrilled to announce its first-ever tours of Keefer’s Island, a captivating historic site nestled off the Idaho Falls Snake River Walk.

Accessible only by boat, this living relic of the Old West has long piqued the curiosity of passersby.

Thanks to a new partnership with Snake River Ferry and Idaho Falls Parks & Recreation, the public now has the chance to step foot on Keefer’s Island and delve into its fascinating past.

The tours, offered during the first two weekends of July, will provide a glimpse into the remarkable story of the Keefer family, who arrived in Eagle Rock (now Idaho Falls) in 1884.

The Keefers’ contributions to infrastructure, community development, and public service left an indelible mark on the city.

“The Keefers played a crucial role,” says Chloe Doucette, MOI Managing Director. “William Keefer, father of Fred Keefer who built the island cabin, literally created the falls that give Idaho Falls its name!”

These tours offer a unique opportunity to explore the history of this influential family and the town they helped build.

“The Keefers have a cult of personality,” Doucette continues. “They have a Wild West aura. Taxidermists, snake charmers, ranchers, and deputy sheriffs – they combine traits that make them fit so well into the story of the West."

Tours are available during the first two weekends of July (Friday-Sunday). Space is limited, so booking in advance is highly recommended. A limited number of tickets will also be available for purchase on a first-come, first-served basis at the John’s Hole Forebay Boat Dock on the days of the tours.

Tours will be offered on the following days and times:

-July 5, 6, 7
– July 12, 13, 14

Each tour begins on the hour and lasts approximately 45 minutes.

○ Fridays and Sundays: 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m., 5 p.m.
○ Saturdays: 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m., 5 p.m.

Location: John’s Hole Forebay Park Dock (1417 River Pkwy, Idaho Falls).

Keefer’s Island Tours are made possible by the Snake River Ferry and Idaho Falls Parks & Recreation.