Summer Attraction Numbers Mostly Up

It’s been a mixed bag for area seasonal attractions this summer.

Some are holding on to high attendance numbers despite the economic downturn. For others, the living isn’t quite as easy.

The new Rexburg Rapids had better than expected attendance despite a closed slide. The family fun was alive all season at Pocatello’s Ross Park.

It isn’t all good news. The Pocatello Zoo reported a lean year. Zoo director Scott Ransom says some summer camps had to be canceled.

“The economy is tough on everybody, but I think we had a pretty good summer,” he said.

In Idaho Falls, Tautphaus Zoo curator Beth Rich said operations are going strong.

“This summer has been a great summer here at the zoo,” she said. “Although our numbers are a little bit down from last year… it’s not something I’m overly concerned with.”

She said numbers are down about 3,000 people total from last year. In the grand scheme of things, that isn’t much.

“Our general attendance is about 125,000 to 130,000,” she said.

Despite the dip in general attendance, today’s zoo patrons were still having fun with what’s left of summer.

“The way that they’ve planted the trees and stuff… the bushes, it’s really nice and cool,” said Sabrina Bauer, who was on a road trip and decided to stop by the zoo today.

Bear World reported car counts were down, but numbers were steady.

Lava Hot Springs said they’re it’s up in numbers this year and the Heise Hot Springs reported a 25 percent increase in visitors over last year.