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The history of Buhl began with the vision of men who could see the potential
hidden beneath the sagebrush-covered area. The U.S. government was interested
in developing the west for settlement and provided financial assistance
for early settlers under the Carey Act and the Bureau of Reclamation Act
in the early 1900's. Eager financiers from the east arrived in the area
in the early 1900's to look at the possibilities. These men had been interested
in a proposed irrigation project for the land in Southern Idaho called
the Twin Falls South Side project.
Frank H. Buhl, a Sharon, Pennsylvania native, came west to look at purchasing
a mining operation. Discovering that the mine had already been sold, he
decided to investigate the proposed irrigation project. Mr. I.B. Perrine
was involved in the project with Peter Kimberly. The three men agreed that
the project had great promise. Mr. Kimberly and Mr. Buhl formed a corporation
that helped the project to be completed.
The town of Buhl was platted in 1905. Much to the dismay of some early
residents, the town was laid out in the same diagonal design as the city
of Twin Falls. Normally a town is laid out in a north-south, east-west
direction for ease of finding places, but the Buhl townsite was arranged
to get the most benefit from the sun. Town lots were sold for as much as
$1750 each on the main streets of town in early 1906. The town was to become
the commerce center for the west-end of the county.
It was decided by members of the Twin Falls Land and Water Company that
the town should be named after Frank H. Buhl because of his decision to
donate land for the initial town site. Mr. Buhl continued to be a major
support for the fledgling town throughout his life. He contributed $25,000
towards the building of the F.H. Buhl High School
(now the middle school building), the land for the original high school
(now where a retirement housing project stands), and for Faris
Field (a game field used for baseball and soccer.)
| Businesses and Industries |
Although the city of Buhl is an agriculture-based community, there are
plenty of businesses to cater to the needs of its' citizens. Among those
of interest are: 3 grocery stores, a variety store, an arts and crafts
store, a florist, realtors, 4 banks, investment, restaurants and drive-in
food establishments, a hardware store, feed store (animal), accountants,
advertising, aircraft services, antiques, appliances, an auction service,
auto service, parts, and dealers, beauty salons, books, building materials,
doctor services, construction, a dry cleaner, convenience stores, a home
dairy service, electricians, fertilizer companies, a fitness center, food
processing plants, fuel, glass and paint, greenhouses, a health food store,
heating and repair service, insurance, lounges, a machine shop, motels,
a newspaper, a nursing home, an optical center, pharmacy, storage units,
swimming and recreational spots, veterinarians, welding, and well drilling.
| Green Giant/Seneca |
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Green Giant/Seneca is one of the area's major employers. Area farmers raise
Green Giant sweet corn and sweet sugar snap peas. The corn is harvested
from July to early October and is then either frozen or canned and shipped
world-wide. The sugar snap peas are harvested in June and July and then
frozen. |
| Clear Springs Foods, Inc. |
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Clear Springs Foods is another area business that provides community jobs.
The company raises and processes a major portion of the trout, catfish,
and tilapia that is raised in the valley. The fish products are shipped
country-wide and are advertised as "Idaho Trout" on menus at
fine restaurants and in stores.
Clear Springs also provides a visitor center where guests can view trout
and sturgeon from a pond with an underground viewing window and above ground
platform. A nice picnic area is also available. |
| Balanced Rock |
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The famous rock is 40 feet tall and weighs approximately 40 tons. Shaped
like a question mark, the rock is accessible to hikers by path. To visit
this attraction, travel 17 miles south from Buhl. There are no charges
to access this site; the only necessity is a pair of good walking shoes
to ascend to the base of the famous balancing rock! |
| Alligator Farm |
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A very unique enterprise in Buhl is the raising of alligators. Using the
naturally hot water springs in the area, alligator farmers raise the animals
for meat export. The indoor pens where the younger animals are warm, extremely
humid quarters. Older animals are able to enjoy the outdoors in a fenced-in
warm water area. |
| Clear Lakes Country Club |
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The golf-centered country club caters to year round golfers with features
such as an 18-hole course, a view of the Snake River, a beautiful club
house setting for lunch or dinner, and friendly competition. Visitors can
access this golfer's haven by driving north on Clear Lakes to the old Clear
Lakes Grade Road. |
| Banbury's Hot Springs |
| Banbury's Hot Springs sports an open hot-water heated pool area and enclosed
hot tubs. The area features a nice picnic and camping area, as well. It
is on the Snake River and signs direct visitors from Highway 30 about 15
miles from Buhl. |
| Miracle Hot Springs |
| Miracle Hot Springs is right off Highway 30 about 14 miles from Buhl. It
is a small hot springs heated pool and is a nice, relaxing place to swim
or soak. A nice camping area is also available to accommodate travelers.
Another attraction may include having a massage by appointment. |
| Sligar's Hot Springs |
| This pool is a family owned and run establishment with an enclosed pool
and hot tubs available. Sligar's is open year round. Camping spots are
available and there is also a picnic area for visitors to enjoy right on
the Snake River. The area is located directly across from the Thousand
Springs area and is about 17 miles from Buhl on Highway 30. |
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