Funland (Idaho Falls)

Tautphaus Park was established by Charles Tautphaus in the late 19th century when he made a six-acre lake and fed it with water from the Idaho Canal, which he helped create. It became a city park in 1910 and it was the center of many community events like rodeos and county fairs.[2] In 1934, several log buildings were constructed throughout the park by the Works Progress Administration. Two buildings were built at the southwest corner of the lake and were used as changing rooms and restrooms for bathers.[3] A group of businessmen obtained a lease from the city to open their chicken restaurant in the former dressing room building and operate amusement rides in 1947. The carousel was the first ride and others were added over the years.

Equipment mechanic Leo Larsen eventually became the owner of Funland and continued to operate it under a lease with the city until 2000. At that point, Larsen sold Funland to Ann Rehnberg who continued to operate everything as it was until she sold it to the City of Idaho Falls in 2019.[4]

In 2020, a committee was formed to oversee the revitalization of Funland. A grand re-opening was planned for the 75th anniversary of Funland in 2022, but was delayed until the summer of 2023. The historic rides and buildings will be retained with several upgrades to the grounds. One addition is a central plaza with bricks etched with the names of donors. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on August 12, 2023.[5][6][7]