Ritter Island is nestled between the famous Snake River and Ritter Creek fed by the Minnie Miller Spring.
Distance from Twin Falls Cottages – 30 miles.
When staying at Twin Falls Cottages (Twin Falls, Idaho), there are so many adventurous places to visit! Ritter Island is one of our family’s favorite places to kayak or to splash in cold, clear, spring water on a hot summer day. The water is so clear that you can see and appreciate the details of the plants growing below the water’s surface.
Ritter Creek / Ritter Island
Address: 1205 Thousand Springs Grade, Wendell, ID 83355, United States
Things to Do – Enjoy your day picnicking, throwing ball or frisbees, playing with your dog, or playing in the crystal clear cold spring waters, on a hot summer day. Visit the waterfalls and the historic Minnie Miller Guernsey breeding farm with history dating back to 1918.
Waterfalls
Yes! Add waterfalls to your list of things to see at Ritter Island. The two main waterfalls are Lemmon Falls and Minnie Miller Falls. Personally, Lemmon Falls is one of my favorite waterfalls near Twin Falls. There are also a handful of small springs dotted around the island.
Lemmon Falls / Ritter Island
Address: 1205 Thousand Springs Grade, Wendell, ID 83355, United States
Kayaking Around The Island Or To Blue Heart Springs
Around the Island – Kayak along the creek and into the Snake River. Then, follow the river along the other side of the island down river. You’ll need to pull your kayak out of the water for a moment and re-enter the creek from the other side, and you’ll have made a complete loop.
To Blue Heart Springs – Most people visit Blue Heart Springs by paddling from across the river. On our last Ritter Island kayaking adventure, we decided to follow the Ritter Island creek out to the Snake River and paddle up river from there. Most kayakers float the creek out to the river, follow the river to the right and float along the back side of the island, and then float the other end of the creek back to their starting pint. Instead of turning right, we decided to turn left and paddled up river to Blue Heart Springs. It was a long but very worthwhile trip. Once you leave the creek, it’s padding all the way to Blue Heart Springs since your are paddling against the river flow. We took a little break from the river and paddled along another quiet creek along the way. It was a beautiful time. Shiny blue dragonflies greeted us all along our way.
Just a quiet creek along the Snake River between Ritter Island and Blue Heart Springs
Address: 1205 Thousand Springs Grade, Wendell, ID 83355, United States
On our way back from Blue Heart Springs, we followed the river flow until we got to the mouth of the creek we came from. We could have continued along the river, pass the island, and then follow the creek back to our original starting point. Instead, we decided the more adventurous route. I’ll be honest, it was a tough paddle! Paddling up creek was much more difficult than paddling up river. I really had to dig those paddles strong and quick. That last stretch was tough, but rewarding.
Annual Thousand Springs Festival of the Arts
Generally, late September, Ritter Island hosts an annual event with over 100 artists displaying their craft. It’s called the Thousand Springs Festival of the Arts. Enjoy your day listening to music, browsing artist stands, riding a horse or mule drawn wagon, splashing in the water or a non-motorized water sport such as canoeing, kayaking or SUP. For more information on this year’s upcoming event… Thousand Springs Festival of the Arts.
You won’t regret visiting Ritter Island! It’s definitely worth the drive.
