Notes from the host
Historic Gooding College Near North Canyon Medical Center
West Wing: 15 bdrs 9 bathrms (what you are paying for now, through VRBO)
East Wing: 6 bdrs 4 bathrms additional $350/night, only pay if you need it, due on arrival not when you book with this website.
Video Tour:
Main Floor: www.youtube.com/watch?v=79XWUjoUakE
Lower Floor: www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8ug7S7EKhE
Upper Floor: www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Mx-HEkWIl8
The Gooding University Inn, the old Gooding College building, is full of history and makes an excellent getaway for 1 person to large reunions. This is not a "cookie cutter" stay, the facility is unique and is full of charm. It was abandoned and neglected for many years and is now being remodeled and updated. There is a lot of work done, but it is "a work in progress", if you are looking for a Marriott like facility this is not it. The environment is open and rustic, with large hallways and rooms and some parts of the building needing finishing touches. We know you will enjoy making treasured memories with us.
This beautiful historic building was the Gooding College, built in 1920. It has been restored/modernized and makes a wonderful getaway for family get-togethers and other events.
West Wing:
The west has 15 bedrooms (each sleeps 2-8 people), 9 bathrooms, and a fully remodeled/modernized kitchen, dining room, game room and more . Currently we have beds for over 60 people, plus cribs and portable playpens. Also the Theater Room with High Definition Surround Sound and 3D movies, and a large play/gathering room (22'x75’) is included. Please take a look at the photos to see how beautiful this building is.
East Wing ($350/night, due on arrival)
The east wing will add 6 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms to your space. If you need the extra space the east wing sleep 36 additional people in comfort. THE EAST WING IS ONLY AVAILABLE IF YOU ARE RENTING THE WEST WING.
Check In: 4:00 pm (contact us if you need to come or drop stuff off early)
Check Out: 11:00 am (let us know if you leave early, so we can get a jump on cleaning)
Gooding is a quiet small town but there's lots to do:
Gooding City of Rocks
Gooding City of Rocks is an area of unusual and highly scenic rock formations. Erosion has carved fascinating spires and hoodoos from the underlying deposits of solidified volcanic ash. Excellent hiking, sightseeing and solitude. About 15 miles north of Gooding on Highway 46, turn west at the BLM sign for Little City of Rocks. Follow the signs and travel about 7.5 miles on a generally well-maintained dirt road, which is suitable for passenger vehicles if conditions are dry. For more about the geology of Gooding City of the Rocks
Our property is perfectly situated for enjoying the best of southern Idaho’s Magic Valley. Whether you’re looking for easy swimming with lifeguards, scenic drives, short hikes, unique rock formations, or relaxed local dining, there’s something for every age and interest. Most spots are within a 5–40 minute drive.
Swimming, Lakes & Water Play
Dierkes Lake & Shoshone Falls — One of our absolute favorites and a must-do for any group! Enjoy cliff jumping, a large sandy beach perfect for younger children, a lifeguarded swimming area, kayak and paddleboard rentals, playground, swings, picnic shelters, restrooms, and fishing. There are also walking trails around the lake. Shoshone Falls is included with the same small day-use fee.
Gooding Public Pool — Convenient and well-maintained local pool just 5 minutes away. Only $3 per person (kids 3 and under free). Features a park with playground equipment and open space to run around. Perfect for a quick cool-down on hot summer days.
Waterfalls, Canyons & Scenic Drives
Shoshone Falls (“Niagara of the West”) — Stunning 212-foot waterfall with paved, accessible paths and viewpoints.
Malad Gorge State Park — Dramatic 250-foot-deep canyon with easy rim walks and bridge views over Devil’s Washbowl.
Three Island Crossing State Park (Glenns Ferry) — Historic Oregon Trail site featuring the Oregon Trail History and Education Center, visible wagon ruts, interpretive trails along the Snake River, picnic areas, and river access for fishing and boating.
Niagara Springs & Thousand Springs State Park — Churning glacial-blue springs and canyon views. Great for fishing and wildlife watching.
Perrine Coulee Falls — Short trail to a beautiful waterfall you can walk behind. The mist is wonderfully refreshing on hot days.
Box Canyon Springs Trail — One of the most beautiful hikes in the area. Features stunning turquoise water, a waterfall, and a scenic canyon. Highly recommended.
Auger Falls — Pleasant waterfall hike with nice canyon views.
Easy Hikes, Trails & Unique Rock Formations
Gooding City of Rocks (Little City of Rocks) — Fascinating volcanic rock formations, hoodoos, and scenic hiking with a sense of solitude. About 15–20 minutes north.
Dead Horse to Tea Kettle Cave — Unique and easy hike to ancient lava tube caves, including the interesting “Tea Kettle” formation with a hole in the ceiling.
Snake River Canyon Rim Trail — Paved and mostly flat trail with flexible distances and spectacular canyon and waterfall views. Excellent for easy walking or biking.
Dierkes Lake Trail — Scenic loop around the lake with options to explore hidden lakes, canyon overlooks, and unique geology.
Mogensen Trail — Peaceful, easy out-and-back trail near the river with beautiful views and a unique perspective passing under the Perrine Bridge. Very family-friendly.
Kelton Trail — Easy, flat historical trail (part of the Oregon Trail) in the Thousand Springs area. Great for a relaxed walk.
Parks & Relaxed Outdoor Time
Centennial Waterfront Park — Paved paths along the Snake River, playground, and picnic areas. Easy access to trails.
Family Entertainment
Glow Games Family Fun Center (Twin Falls) — Excellent indoor option featuring laser tag in a large space-themed arena, glow-in-the-dark mini golf, and an arcade. Great for all ages and perfect for hot days or evenings.
Putters Mini Golf (Twin Falls) — Fun outdoor mini golf course with 18 holes plus a bonus 19th hole. Themed with local landmarks like Shoshone Falls and the Perrine Bridge. Also serves Hawaiian shaved ice.
Indoor & Educational Attractions (Great for Hot Days)
Gooding County Historical Museum — Located right across the street from us! A wonderful small museum focused on Gooding County history, pioneer artifacts, old photographs, and local stories. Very convenient for guests.
Herrett Center for Arts and Science (Twin Falls) — Free museum with fossils, natural history exhibits, Native American artifacts, and art. Includes the Faulkner Planetarium (small fee for shows). Fully accessible and air-conditioned.
Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument — Interesting stop to explore ancient fossils and history (visitor center with exhibits).
Shoshone Bird Museum of Natural History — Natural history museum featuring taxidermy birds and animals, plus a cave to explore. A nice stop for families.
Twin Falls County Historical Museum — Local history museum focused on Magic Valley agriculture, pioneer life, and early 1900s artifacts (located in the old Union School between Twin Falls and Filer).
Adventure & Specialty Activities
Water Sports & Equipment Rentals — Local outfitters including Idaho Water Sports, Invert Sports, Paddle the Snake, and River Rat Twin Falls offer kayak, paddleboard, and river gear rentals.
Horseback Riding — Options include Idaho High Desert Equestrian Center and Buhl Horseback Riding.
BASE Jumping Viewing — Watch tandem BASE jumpers from the Perrine Bridge area (spectacular to observe).
Nearby Dining (All about 5 minutes away)
Zeppe’s — Local favorite pizza with arcade games, air hockey, and pool tables. Fun and casual.
El Toro — Excellent authentic Mexican food (try the Molcajete).
Year-Round & Winter Fun
Camping — Beautiful mountain camping areas about 35 minutes north.
Skiing — World-famous Sun Valley and nearby Soldier Mountain. Cross-country skiing also available.
Snowmobiling & Snow Play — Flat valley lands and the Gooding County Snow Park offer excellent snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and sledding.
Hosted byLana and Daniel Brown
