Community spirit and outdoor fun in Rupert
The rural community of Rupert has seen significant growth in recent years, but it’s still holding on to its close-knit identity. “It’s a small-town, tight community. Everybody loves the county fair and hanging out at Rupert Square. Every Fourth of July is like a big family reunion with people that live here and have lived here,” says Lloyd Smith, the broker/owner of Mountain West Realty since 1996. “If you’re looking for a nice, quiet place to live, this is it.” Rupert is in South Central Idaho, a region known as the Magic Valley. The area's more established homes are built around downtown, but subdivisions are popping up on the outskirts to make room for newcomers. The Snake River is just minutes away, offering recreation opportunities, while annual events and festivals showcase Rupert’s community spirit.
Established and modern homes are available in southern Idaho
Ranch-style homes and cottages line the gridded streets that surround downtown Rupert. They are often close together on tight lots, with tall pines and leafy trees offering protection from the desert sun. Most streets have sidewalks, providing room for a stroll through the community. New Traditional homes are also becoming common in the area. “I sit on our county planning and zoning board, and we’ve had a lot of new subdivisions fire up. We’ve just seen a lot of people move in from out of state,” Smith says. The newer homes feature a mix of materials, including stucco, stone and siding. They typically come with attached garages, whereas the older homes rely on driveways or on-street parking. Prices typically range from around $150,000 to around $470,000.
Natural beauty and recreation along the Snake River
The outdoor recreation of southern Idaho is one of the biggest draws to the region. The Snake River is close to Rupert and offers plenty of activities. A boat launch just north of Interstate 84 is an ideal spot to start a day of motorboating, paddling or trout fishing. Lake Walcott State Park is about 12 miles northeast and has room for boating, fishing and camping. The park is known for its world-class 21-hole disc golf course and is also part of the Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge, home to birds like Canada Geese, Bald Eagles and pelicans. Traditional parks within Rupert include Neptune Park, which has a baseball field, tennis courts, a disc golf course and a pool. Multiple other green spaces around the community offer picnic tables and playgrounds.
Rupert events and festivals bring the community together
Annual events bring excitement and activity to Rupert. The community celebrates the 4th of July for an entire week, with events like a 5K run and a parade. The Minidoka County Fair & Rodeo is held at the end of July and includes live music, livestock shows, fair food and a rodeo. Rupert is also known as Christmas City, USA, due to its spirit around the holiday season. Festivities begin with the lighting of Rupert Square, and the Christmas market sells locally made gifts and toys throughout December.
Locally owned businesses line the streets of downtown
Shops and restaurants surround Rupert Square. Smith says Doc’s Pizza is a go-to spot for many residents, while the Drift Inn is another popular eatery. Housed in a former bank building and now open as a hotel and restaurant, this spot serves American comfort food like chicken fried steak and prime rib. Thrift stores, gift shops and bookstores are some of the businesses in the area. Chains like Dollar Tree and Family Dollar are also nearby. Groceries are available at Ripley’s Family Markets. Smith says locals can drive about 10 miles southwest to Burley for more shopping and dining options.
Minidoka County schools offer a variety of paths
Rupert Elementary School and East Minico Middle School each get a C from Niche. Minico High School receives a B-minus and offers several career-focused courses. Students can study industries like agriculture, broadcast technology and culinary arts. Seniors at Minico complete a senior project, which includes a research paper, community service and presentation. The school also offers dual credit classes through the College of Southern Idaho.
Gathering with neighbors for worship
There are several congregations of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Rupert. The church also has a seminary on South 300 West. Other denominations in town include Baptist, Episcopal and Methodist churches.
Highways offer quick drives through southern Idaho
State Highway 24 leads south of the community to the cities of Burley and Heyburn. It also connects to Interstate 84, an east-west highway through Idaho. Twin Falls is the largest city in the Magic Valley, about 44 miles west of Rupert along I-84.
Written By
Matthew Atkins
