Faulkner Planetarium

The Faulkner Planetarium invites you to dive into the infinite reaches of space without even leaving Idaho. It is the largest facility of its kind in the region, located in the heart of Twin Falls. As part of the Herrett Center at the College of Southern Idaho, it serves as the primary science and education hub for residents and visitors to the USA who are interested in astronomy.

The planetarium's crown jewel is its impressive 15-meter dome, which can accommodate up to 144 spectators at a time. Following a major renovation in 2021, it now uses the cutting-edge Digistar 7 projection system, which, combined with powerful Dolby 5.1 surround sound, creates an incredibly realistic picture of the universe. You can see the shimmering of distant galaxies and the details of planetary rings with stunning clarity.

The center owes its existence to patrons Earl and Hazel Faulkner, whose contribution helped bring together advanced technology and a classic natural history museum under one roof. With a high 4.8-star rating and nominations in lists of the country's best planetariums, this place is rightly considered a must-visit for anyone who values quality science outreach and dreams of touching the stars.

You can plan your visit to the Faulkner Planetarium and check the schedule for upcoming shows using the contact information below. The center's staff are always ready to provide details about current exhibitions at the Herrett Center.

The highlight of any visit is undoubtedly watching one of the immersive shows. Breathtaking scenes unfold beneath the massive dome, from detailed explorations of Saturn's rings to massive supernova explosions. The night sky presentations are particularly impressive, where hosts point out constellations, the Milky Way, and rare atmospheric phenomena like the aurora borealis. Programs often conclude with interactive sessions where you can ask experts questions.

Beyond the star shows, visitors can explore the galleries of the Herrett Center free of charge. On display are impressive fossil replicas, Native American artifacts, and even live reptile exhibits. It’s an ideal spot for families with children, offering special kid-friendly programs, workshops, and interactive zones that turn scientific learning into an engaging game.

Before leaving, be sure to stop by the small gift shop, where you can purchase space-themed souvenirs or educational kits for young explorers. Overall, a visit to the planetarium harmoniously combines educational value with pure aesthetic pleasure, leaving vivid memories for visitors of all ages.

The attraction is conveniently located at 315 Falls Ave, right on the campus of the College of Southern Idaho (CSI). This location is the geographic heart of the city, so it’s easy to find. For those traveling by private or rental car, free parking is available on campus.

If you are coming from the downtown area, a ride via taxi or services like Uber will take only about 5 minutes. Walking enthusiasts can reach the planetarium from the city center in 15–20 minutes. From the nearest major highways (US-93 or I-84), the drive takes no more than 10 minutes, making it an excellent stop while traveling through the state.

For air travelers, the nearest hub is Twin Falls Airport (TWF), located approximately 10 kilometers away. From there, the easiest way to get here is by taxi. You can also take local buses that run to the CSI campus, though it is recommended to check the current public transport schedule in advance.

The story of this place began in November 1995, when the renovated planetarium opened its doors in the Herrett Center building. It was named in honor of Earl Faulkner, a prominent figure in the Magic Valley business community, and his wife, Hazel. Their generous contribution and active fundraising efforts were instrumental in creating this modern educational center.

Over decades of operation, the planetarium has become a scientific beacon for all of southern Idaho. The facility takes special pride in its technical evolution. In May 2021, state-of-the-art equipment—the Digistar 7 system—was installed, restoring its status as the most technologically advanced planetarium in the state. Interestingly, director Rick Greenawald has led the center almost since its opening, carefully preserving an atmosphere of genuine scientific curiosity.

Despite being located in a small city, its quality is recognized at a national level. In the 2020s, it was included in the top 20 best planetariums in the USA according to the prestigious USA Today Readers' Choice Award. In this list, the "small but proud" Idaho center successfully competed with giants from New York, Los Angeles, and Washington.

To fully experience the planetarium and the adjacent museum, it is recommended to set aside 1.5 to 2.5 hours. A standard show under the dome, which includes a night sky demonstration and a themed film, lasts about one hour.

The remaining time (30 to 90 minutes) is best spent exploring the six galleries of the Herrett Center, which feature unique archaeological finds and natural history exhibits. If you plan to attend multiple shows or are traveling with inquisitive children, your visit may last up to 3 hours.

The planetarium operates on a fixed schedule from Tuesday to Saturday. Please note that Monday and Sunday are the closing days.

Current opening hours: Tuesday (9:30 AM – 9:00 PM), Wednesday and Thursday (9:30 AM – 4:30 PM), Friday (9:30 AM – 9:00 PM), Saturday (1:00 PM – 9:00 PM). Since planetarium shows start at strictly scheduled times, it is highly recommended to check the specific show schedule on the center's official website in advance.

A stroll around the Twin Falls campus area will allow you to experience the historical heritage of the Magic Valley and enjoy local hospitality. After diving into the mysteries of space, it’s pleasant to visit cozy coffee shops or walk through the city's shady historic residential districts.

Below are some interesting sites and establishments located in the immediate vicinity of the planetarium: