Kate Curley Park

If you are looking for a peaceful oasis amidst the city bustle, Kate Curley Park in Idaho Falls is an ideal choice. This cozy public park, covering about 9.5 acres, is located in a historic district and is rightfully considered one of the most soulful places in the USA. The park's main pride is its majestic mature trees, which create dense, cool shade even on the hottest summer days.

The park is a classic example of a family recreation space. It features a modern playground with swings (including special seats for toddlers), picnic tables, and a spacious covered pavilion. The well-maintained grounds and accessible parking make it a popular spot for both locals and travelers who appreciate peace and comfort.

Thanks to its "old town" atmosphere and impeccable lawns, Kate Curley Park regularly receives high marks from visitors. This place is perfect for enjoying an outdoor lunch, reading a book in the shade, or simply observing the slow pace of life in Idaho.

If you need to clarify event details or reserve a pavilion for a celebration, you can use the official contact information for the park administration.

In this park, everyone will find something to their liking, whether it's active play or passive nature contemplation. Families with children usually head straight for the playground, which features safe climbing structures and swings. The spacious grassy lawns are perfect for a short run or playing active games on the grass.

Those who enjoy a more relaxed pastime will appreciate the numerous picnic tables scattered in the shade of the massive trees. This is an ideal spot for a family lunch in the fresh air. During the summer months, you can often see people reading books or practicing yoga on the grass. The presence of a public restroom and convenient paths makes staying in the park as comfortable as possible.

If you are planning a large event, there is a pavilion in the southwestern part of the park that can be used for group gatherings. A stroll through the grounds also allows you to admire the local flora and watch the birds. Additionally, its proximity to the Wes Deist Aquatic Center makes it easy to combine a swim with subsequent relaxation in nature.

Getting to this picturesque corner of Idaho Falls is quite easy. The park is located in the historic numbered streets district, between South Boulevard and Holmes Avenue. If you are traveling by car, use your GPS with the address 300-398 9th St — there is convenient parking on-site, including accessible spaces for visitors in wheelchairs.

For those who prefer walking, the route from downtown takes very little time, as the park is only about 1–2 kilometers from key city landmarks. The surrounding area has a well-developed pedestrian infrastructure, and the clear street numbering helps with navigation: odd numbers lead east, while even numbers lead west.

Public transportation in the city is provided by bus routes, though it’s worth checking the current schedule in mobile apps before your trip. Alternatively, you can always use a taxi service, which will quickly drop you at the south entrance of the park, located near the popular city pool.

The history of this place is inextricably linked with the name of Kate Baker Curley, a prominent woman whose contribution to the city's development cannot be overstated. Arriving in the settlement of Eagle Rock (the former name of Idaho Falls) in 1882, she founded the first Sunday school and dedicated herself to education. As president of the Village Improvement Society (V.I.S.), Kate led hundreds of women who sought to transform the dusty town into a blooming garden.

Thanks to her energy, thousands of trees appeared in the city, sidewalks were improved, and the first public library was established. Landscaping was Mrs. Curley's true passion: she was responsible for planting many of the trees that still provide shade on the "numbered" streets today. In construction, she often used local basalt rock, giving structures a unique character.

After Kate's death in 1903, V.I.S. members decided to honor her memory by naming the new park after her. Kate Curley Park became the first planned recreation area in this part of town. The nearby Curley family home, built from lava stone, still stands as a reminder of the aesthetic taste of Kate and her husband Bowen, who served as mayor in the early 20th century.

For a standard introduction to the park, a leisurely stroll under the canopy of old trees, and a short break, 1–2 hours is usually sufficient. This is enough time for children to play on the playground and for adults to enjoy the tranquility in the shade of century-old plantings.

If you plan to have a full family picnic or want to combine your park visit with a trip to the nearby pool or a walk through the Eleventh Street Historic District, you should budget about 3–4 hours for your schedule. This will allow you to soak in the "old town" atmosphere and escape the hustle and bustle without rushing.

Kate Curley Park warmly welcomes guests daily. Official operating hours are from 05:00 to 23:00, allowing you to enjoy both early morning walks and the evening cool. Access to the grounds is open without breaks or days off.

Please note that some amenities, such as public restrooms, may be available primarily during the summer season. To clarify information about booking the pavilion or holding special events, it is recommended to visit the official website of Idaho Falls city parks.

A visit to the park can easily be combined with exploring other interesting city spots. Its location in the historic district allows you to see both natural beauty and architectural monuments in a single day, creating a rich tourist itinerary.

In the immediate vicinity of the park, you will find cozy restaurants and iconic monuments dedicated to the region's history. Below is a list of sites worth visiting if you have extra time after your walk.