Giant Eagle Waterfall Nest
Giant Eagle Waterfall Nest
4.5
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues
Read more
Full view
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
160 within 3 miles
MacKenzie River Pizza, Grill & Pub
154
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Pizza
Copper Rill Restaurant
379
0.5 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Smitty's Pancake & Steak House
516
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Culver's
19
520 ft$ • Quick Bites • Fast Food
The SnakeBite Restaurant
606
0.5 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Soups
Buffalo Wild Wings
44
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar
Arctic Circle Restaurant
7
0.2 mi
Uncle Benny's Pizza
78
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • Italian • American
Stockman's Restaurant
277
0.5 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Steakhouse • Bar
Olive Garden Italian Restaurant
263
0.5 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Attractions
20 within 6 miles
Japanese Pavilion
88
0.4 miGardens
Idaho Falls River Walk
307
0.5 miWaterfalls
The Art Museum of Eastern Idaho
31
0.3 miArt Museums
Idaho Falls Temple & Visitors Center
923
0.9 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Idaho Brewing Company
18
0.3 miBreweries
Museum of Idaho
321
0.6 miSpeciality Museums • Natural History Museums
Snake River Greenbelt
521
1.1 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Idaho Falls Zoo
272
1.2 miZoos
Willard Arts Center
14
0.5 miArt Galleries
ARTitorium on Broadway
17
0.5 miArt Galleries
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
128 reviews
Excellent
84
Very good
33
Average
9
Poor
2
Terrible
0
JackAndElaine
JackAndElaine1 contribution
Here is some information about this attraction that I found by the sculptor, Vic Payne Studios:
When Rollie and Lorin Walker visited Vic at his studio to discuss their vision of creating a monumental eagle bronze sculpture to enhance their water feature, an air of excitement and anticipation filled Vic's studio. Their water feature stood 26 feet in height and was created with hand chosen rocks from the area; setting center stage for a beautiful development called Taylor Crossing in Idaho Falls, Idaho that the Walker brother's were spearheading.
The bronze eagle monument, titled 'The Protector', portrays a mother eagle perched to feed her two young eaglets with a salmon that is held in her great talons. The father, 'The Protector', circles around his territory in majestic flight keeping a vigilant watch for anything that may bring danger to his family.
Vic created the eagles 3 times life size with a 21 foot wingspan. Each of the eaglets are 4 1/2 feet in height. The eagles were created as a landmark and symbol of Idaho Falls' history and was born from the amazing vision of the Walker brothers.
When Rollie and Lorin Walker visited Vic at his studio to discuss their vision of creating a monumental eagle bronze sculpture to enhance their water feature, an air of excitement and anticipation filled Vic's studio. Their water feature stood 26 feet in height and was created with hand chosen rocks from the area; setting center stage for a beautiful development called Taylor Crossing in Idaho Falls, Idaho that the Walker brother's were spearheading.
The bronze eagle monument, titled 'The Protector', portrays a mother eagle perched to feed her two young eaglets with a salmon that is held in her great talons. The father, 'The Protector', circles around his territory in majestic flight keeping a vigilant watch for anything that may bring danger to his family.
Vic created the eagles 3 times life size with a 21 foot wingspan. Each of the eaglets are 4 1/2 feet in height. The eagles were created as a landmark and symbol of Idaho Falls' history and was born from the amazing vision of the Walker brothers.
Written August 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
IdahoGems
Idaho Falls, ID458 contributions
Family
I was here when they first unveiled the roundabout and it was a fun community event. The waterfall has a sculpture in the middle with two eagles soaring around their nest with chicks in it and a mountain lion too. Stop in one of the nearby lots and use the crosswalks to get closeup and take some photos. I love it in the winter when the ice mixes in with the water.
Written February 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Travis
Idaho Falls, ID5 contributions
It's fun to look at, but in a busy traffic circle. We pass this frequently when doing errands and my kids get a kick out of looking for ducks in the pools at the base. It is fun even in the winter as they let the water freeze over, and it is beautiful.
Written August 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Amy B
Casper, WY140 contributions
Family
The Waterfall Nest is a unique feature in Idaho Falla. There was still a bit of water running in January. It is right the middle of a roundabout, so it’s not like a feature you can really hang and enjoy for long, but cool to check out - probably much better in the summer months!
Written January 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Scott Jackson
Rexburg, ID182 contributions
This fountain is just awesome! One of the best, if not the best, city center fountains I have ever seen. This is a must see landmark in Idaho Falls. The winter time it is really cool as well because the water is still running and it has massive frozen icicles all down it.
Written October 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ifmom
Idaho Falls, ID26 contributions
Solo
This sculpture is in the middle of a roundabout. It may be unique but it is nothing special. In the winter the waterfall freezes and in warm months it flows. I don’t suggest going out of your way to look at it but if you drive down Utah ave, you can’t miss it.
Written February 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kory Godfrey
Rigby, ID3 contributions
I'm a big waterfall fan. This is definitely on my list of all time favorite art pieces for reason alone. Add to it the life-like mountain lion, eagles, real driftwood, and ice in the winter... I'm genuinely surprised that there aren't more accidents around this circle.
Written July 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
cudrow
Fort Walton Beach, FL174 contributions
Couples
It is a beautiful water feature in the middle of a roundabout. There is places to park so stop by if you have the time. I thought it was impressive. Mostly if you are in town.
Written September 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
cmhprh
Kenosha, WI441 contributions
Couples
Disclaimer: I hate roundabouts. Enough said. But this one has taken care of one problem by putting magnificent art in the middle of it.
First, the official name of the sculpture is "The Protector." The sculptor is Vic Payne. This was installed in 2006. But everyone knows it as the "Giant Eagle Waterfall Nest."
You can drive around this sculpture, or walk around on sidewalks. From any angle, it's impressive -- and quite awesome. There's a mother eagle landing at her nest, with two eaglets waiting for her; on the other side of the nest is the father eagle, keeping watch.
Except the wingspan of these parent eagles is 21 feet! And the whole thing fills the middle of the . . . well, anyway.
Others have commented about it, summer and winter. We saw it in the winter, when there was plenty of ice and some snow, but the waterfalls were still there. And it's truly an awesome sight to see. Think about the skill of the sculptor, not only in making realistic representations, but in putting the darned thing together! That pap eagle that's soaring? He's got to be very heavy, and he's connected to the base somehow through the end of one wing. That's some serious physics, right there!
I'm not sure this is worth a diversion into town -- as others have said, "it's just a roundabout." True. But if you're in Idaho Falls, you should make a point to see it. Park somewhere nearby (there's plenty of options there), and take half an hour and walk all the way around it. It's impressive.
Thank you, Vic Payne (the sculptor). This is magnificent!
First, the official name of the sculpture is "The Protector." The sculptor is Vic Payne. This was installed in 2006. But everyone knows it as the "Giant Eagle Waterfall Nest."
You can drive around this sculpture, or walk around on sidewalks. From any angle, it's impressive -- and quite awesome. There's a mother eagle landing at her nest, with two eaglets waiting for her; on the other side of the nest is the father eagle, keeping watch.
Except the wingspan of these parent eagles is 21 feet! And the whole thing fills the middle of the . . . well, anyway.
Others have commented about it, summer and winter. We saw it in the winter, when there was plenty of ice and some snow, but the waterfalls were still there. And it's truly an awesome sight to see. Think about the skill of the sculptor, not only in making realistic representations, but in putting the darned thing together! That pap eagle that's soaring? He's got to be very heavy, and he's connected to the base somehow through the end of one wing. That's some serious physics, right there!
I'm not sure this is worth a diversion into town -- as others have said, "it's just a roundabout." True. But if you're in Idaho Falls, you should make a point to see it. Park somewhere nearby (there's plenty of options there), and take half an hour and walk all the way around it. It's impressive.
Thank you, Vic Payne (the sculptor). This is magnificent!
Written March 12, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Alabamatripcreator
Alabama678 contributions
Couples
My husband read about this incredible sculpture so on arrival in Idaho Falls it was a must see for us. WOW!!! Totally amazing! It beautifully captures the spirit of the eagles and other wildlife. This is a must see when in Idaho Falls. A friend of mine in ID told me how gorgeous it is in the snow. This was a real highlight to our trip.
Written August 7, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
No questions have been asked about this experience
Giant Eagle Waterfall Nest (Idaho Falls) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Giant Eagle Waterfall Nest
- Hotels near Giant Eagle Waterfall Nest:
- (0.37 mi) Residence Inn by Marriott Idaho Falls
- (0.28 mi) SpringHill Suites Idaho Falls
- (0.35 mi) Candlewood Suites Idaho Falls, an IHG Hotel
- (0.51 mi) Home2 Suites by Hilton Idaho Falls
- (0.51 mi) Destinations Inn
- Restaurants near Giant Eagle Waterfall Nest:
- (0.10 mi) Culver's
- (0.17 mi) Arctic Circle Restaurant
- (0.25 mi) MacKenzie River Pizza, Grill & Pub
- (0.49 mi) Copper Rill Restaurant
- (0.21 mi) Buffalo Wild Wings