Location: Boise
Top Things to do in Boise
10 Things to Do in Boise That You Shouldn't Miss
Nature is a big part of Boise, Idaho. The snow-capped Rocky Mountains serve as a backdrop, the Boise River and its riverfront paths wind through the city and skiing is a short drive away. Boise's varied museums include the Idaho History Museum, the Boise Art Museum, the Basque Museum and Cultural Center and the interactive Discovery Museum of Idaho. Unique attractions include Old Idaho Penitentiary and historic Pioneer Village. Old Boise offers shopping, dining, culture and nightlife.
Restaurants in Boise
1. Boise River Greenbelt
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Flows through Boise and provides more than 25 miles of scenic paths for biking, hiking and jogging.
Reviewed By IdahoTravelerUSA - Boise, Idaho
You’ll love The Boise Greenebelt. It meanders for miles from the Lucky Peak area to Eagle Idaho. It runs along the Boise River right through the center of Boise. I’ve often seen deer, bald eagles and blue heron while walking the greenbelt. The greenbelt is great for running, sunning and biking. It runs through several city parks and is a must do while in Boise. The most recent addition to the greenbelt is bike rentals. Download the SoBi (social bikes) app and off you go. Keep in mind The Boise River is a powerful river, not a safe place to swim.
2. Kathryn Albertson Park
Overall Ratings
5 based on 205 reviews
Reviewed By Sowellman - Boise, Idaho
Another great Boise park. The 41-acre park is nestled south of the Boise River across from Ann Morrison Park off Americana Boulevard. The park, meant to attract resident and migratory wildlife, is off-limits to vehicles and bicycles. Dogs are also banned during the waterfowl nesting season from March 1 to June 30. A two-mile aggregate path winds through the park and its shallow ponds.
On a recent visit, nearly a dozen white-tailed deer were calmly munching on grass and other vegetation as they strolled through the park.
3. Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 215 reviews
Reviewed By RockwallTraveler - Ntexas
This is a very tastefully constructed exhibit of Anne Franks life. Of all places around the US this exhibit in Boise is unique and possibly compensates for the Antisemitism and Anti-Civil Rights culture of Northern Idaho.
4. World Center For Birds of Prey
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 525 reviews
Experience birds of prey eye-to-eye and explore the mysteries of their flight, survival, and relationship with humans. Live bird demonstrations and falconry heritage tours complement hands-on exhibits for all ages. Enjoy panoramic views of the Treasure Valley from the interpretive trail and gazebo, or browse the gift shop. Admissions and purchases support conservation programs worldwide.
Reviewed By Bowmanator22 - Charlotte, North Carolina
I owe many of my great experiences to the TripAdvisor community, and this is another. This is an educational outing for folks of all ages. The raptor shows give an opportunity for a close encounter with these impressive birds. The volunteers are very knowledgeable and helpful, and love to share their enthusiasm for birds of prey. I spent about 1.5 hours, and could have spent more. $10 for an adult is very reasonable, and well worth the price.
5. Julia Davis Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 183 reviews
Reviewed By gborotraveler - NC
Walked over one morning from our nearby hotel. Great park in the heart of the city. Well landscaped, great sidewalks, overall very well maintained. Building a new history museum at entrance, across the street is the Art museum and the zoo is in the heart of the park. Just across the river from BSU. Imagine it is even nicer in the spring and summer but was quite nice for a Feb. morning.
6. Old Idaho Penitentiary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 736 reviews
In 1872 the Idaho Territorial Prison opened its doors to some of the most desperate and mean criminals the West could offer. In 1973 the Idaho State Penitentiary closed to inmates. Now our doors are open for visitors to explore over 100 years of Idaho's unique prison history. Open year-round, visitors of the Old Idaho Penitentiary can walk through solitary confinement, cell blocks, and the gallows. Visit today and relive the Old Pen's exciting past of daring escapes, scandals, and executions. Call for more details about special events, educational programs and guided tours.
Reviewed By rfuchs0917 - Jacksonville, FL
My husband and our teen son loved this exhibit. It took us over an hour to see all the buildings we were allowed into. Would recommend taking a look if you are in Boise.
7. Idaho Botanical Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 304 reviews
Cultivate. Educate. Celebrate. Enhance your community and enrich your life. The Idaho Botanical Garden is a lush 15-acre tapestry of dappled shade and vibrant splashes of color. A peaceful haven nestled in the Boise Foothills, located in the heart of Old Penitentiary Historic District. The Garden promotes gardening in the Treasure Valley using native and domestic plants that are adapted to the intermountain region.
Reviewed By CBunten - Boise, Idaho
If you have a chance to visit the Idaho Botanical Gardens at Christmas time, do it! It is a beautiful winter wonderland and you won't be disappointed. ...they serve hot chocolate and hot apple cider for you to sip while wondering the trails through the gardens. Even if you've already seen the gardens in the summer, don't miss it!
8. Basque Museum & Cultural Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 165 reviews
Contains exhibits and collections that provide a look at the Basque heritage, history and culture.
Reviewed By TravelinGal2010 - Boise, Idaho
My niece and I visited the Museum after hearing about it for years. Having grown up with friends who are Basque, it was fascinating to learn more about their culture. Shortly after we arrived, a docent invited us to go next door to tour the Basque Boarding House, which offered yet another glimpse of the culture. We finished our day by having lunch at the Basque Market across the street. I would highly recommend the museum to anyone who desires to learn more about a little known culture that is a vital part of Idaho's history. The small gift shop offers cards and gifts.
9. Albertsons Stadium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 224 reviews
at Boise State University
Reviewed By Meg P
We attended a wedding reception at the Stueckle Sky Center at Albertson Stadium. What an amazing view! It was an exceptional venue with an incredible view overlooking the football field with the beautiful city and spectacular mountains in the background. The staff were very helpful and friendly and the food was very good!
10. Idaho State Capitol Building
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 579 reviews
Reviewed By Robert S - Lawrence, Kansas
Boise and the natural beauty of the area add to the majesty of the capitol building.
We could not get a guided tour. You need 5 people to get one, and this was a weekday in January. So, we explored the building.
There are lots of displays about Idaho history, politics and resources. We visited the legislative chambers and our favorite place was the beautiful rotunda which had an immense US flag hanging in it.
It is well worth a visit.
You can learn a lot about a state by visiting it's capitol building.
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