The 10 Best Nature & Parks in , Treasure Valley

April 5, 2022 Tonie Szymanski

Discover the best top things to do in , United States including Boise River Greenbelt, Ridge to River Trail System, Esther Simplot Park, Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area, World Center For Birds of Prey, Municipal Park, Julia Davis Park, Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge, Veterans Memorial Park, Morrison-Knudsen Nature Center.
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1. Boise River Greenbelt

Boise, ID 83706 +1 208-608-7600 http://www.cityofboise.org/departments/parks-and-recreation/parks/boise-greenbelt/
Excellent
84%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,436 reviews

Boise River Greenbelt

Flows through Boise and provides more than 25 miles of scenic paths for biking, hiking and jogging.

Reviewed By marmot3 - Boise, United States

The beautiful Boise River flows through the heart of the city. Flanking the river on one side or the other or sometimes both, is the gently winding Boise River Greenbelt, a paved path that runs for 25 miles, from Lucky Peak Dam upriver to the town of Eagle downriver. Along the way, there are many entrances and exits, so you can make your Greenbelt experience as long or short as you wish. Previously, it was totally non-motorized, though recently e-bikes became admissible--with a speed limit. When my family gathered for a reunion in Boise in June, we loved our "bike hike" on the Greenbelt. Some people had brought their own bikes; others rented from bike shops downtown. One family rented a bike trailer/carrier for their little kids. Off we all went, our ride taking us through four leafy city parks, past the zoo, the Anne Frank Memorial, the Fallen Firefighters Memorial, Quinn's Pond and the Whitewater Park and beyond. On the return we stopped off for play time in one of Ann Morrison Park's playgrounds. Many cities are built on rivers, and many cities capitalize on these fortunate features. But I know of no other city that has been as successful as Boise in incorporating their river into the life of the city while preserving its natural beauty. Boise River Greenbelt is an extraordinary gift for the people of Boise and the Treasure Valley, as well as visitors. Just a word of caution: The Greenbelt is extremely popular for recreation, exercise, bike commuting, fun runs, photo shoots, etc. It's busy! The posted "rules" for use state that pedestrians always have the right of way, but many people are oblivious or careless. The yellow stripe down the middle of the path is there for a reason. Treat the path as a highway and stay on the right unless passing. Watch for children or the ubiquitous geese and squirrels straying into your path. Be reasonably careful, share the path, and enjoy this Boise treasure!

2. Ridge to River Trail System

1104 W Royal Blvd, Boise, ID 83706-2840 +1 208-493-2531 http://www.ridgetorivers.org/
Excellent
80%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 137 reviews

Ridge to River Trail System

Reviewed By lonik2016 - Sandpoint, United States

The trails were great and you could see so much beautiful scenery. We only hiked a short trail, but look forward to going back.

3. Esther Simplot Park

614 N Whitewater Park Blvd, Boise, ID 83702-5763 +1 208-608-7600
Excellent
78%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 9 reviews

Esther Simplot Park

4. Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area

Snake River Canyon, Boise, ID 83634 +1 208-362-8687 http://visitidaho.org/things-to-do/wildlife-viewing-birding/morley-nelson-snake-river-birds-of-prey-national-conservation-area
Excellent
50%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 50 reviews

Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area

Habitat for many species, including the golden eagle and the peregrine falcon.

Reviewed By 774sued

We went out to look for raptors and saw red tailed hawks.swainsons hawk and many ravens and kestrals. It is a ways out but worth the drive just to see the canyon carved by the river and time. Old dam has a museum but we had our dog so didn't go in

5. World Center For Birds of Prey

5668 W Flying Hawk Ln, Boise, ID 83709-7289 +1 208-362-8687 [email protected] http://www.peregrinefund.org
Excellent
70%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 693 reviews

World Center For Birds of Prey

Experience birds of prey eye-to-eye and explore the mysteries of their flight, survival, and relationship with humans. Live bird demonstrations and interactive exhibits complement hands-on experiences 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. Reservations are required for admission, please book your visit with us today on our website!

Reviewed By Irishwriter1916 - Boise, United States

We brought the grandkids to the World Center for Birds of Prey last month and had a grand time. We checked their website ahead of time to see when things were happening and had the choice of four different live bird shows and two walking tours to their archives to hear about the history of falconry. We chose the morning and were able to do a pair of bird shows (the grans loved both Bob and Winston) and the walking tour highlighting their archives and Arab falconry wing. Then we wandered right next to inside and outside bird exhibitions ... and the kiddos were so excited to see a bald eagle, an arctic Gyrfalcon, a gorgeous red-tailed hawk, Lucy the turkey vulture and two giant California Condors in the outdoor areas. The inside habitats featured an Applomado falcon, a very talkative Harris' Hawk, a peregrine falcon, a great horned owl and the find of the day, a huge and impressive harpy eagle! The staff was obviously very dedicated and informed and we look forward to coming back in the fall for their outdoor flight program. Highly recommended by the entire party .. grandparents, parents and bird-crazy grandchildren!

6. Municipal Park

500 South Walnut St, Boise, ID 83712 +1 208-384-4240 http://parks.cityofboise.org/parks-locations/parks/municipal-park
Excellent
59%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 27 reviews

Municipal Park

7. Julia Davis Park

700 S. Capitol Boulevard, Boise, ID 83702-7122 +1 208-384-4240 http://parks.cityofboise.org/parks-locations/parks/julia-davis-park/
Excellent
65%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 246 reviews

Julia Davis Park

Reviewed By J1872HGchrisg - Boise, United States

Julia Davis Park is home to several special features: Zoo Boise, the Boise Art Museum, the Gene Harris Band Shell, and the Anne Frank Memorial. But my favorite feature is the Rose Garden! A slow walk among the many different variety of rose bushes always soothes my soul. Don't forget your camera. The multitude of colors and different bloom varieties make for amazing shots for your social media pages.

8. Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge

13751 Upper Embankment Rd, Nampa, ID 83686-8046 +1 208-467-9278 http://www.fws.gov/refuge/deer_flat
Excellent
45%
Good
46%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 65 reviews

Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge

Reviewed By 149daynad - Boise, United States

Very good fishing.. Wonderful views.. Beach clean and nice to wade my feet in. Wonderful place to hike and go to observation deck. Nice visitor store.. Very friendly.. Awesome place to go boating skiing. Very beautiful lake. I love it there.. Me n fiancee go all the time..

9. Veterans Memorial Park

960 Veterans Parkway, Boise, ID 83703 +1 208-384-4240
Excellent
56%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 18 reviews

Veterans Memorial Park

10. Morrison-Knudsen Nature Center

600 S Walnut St, Boise, ID 83712-7729 +1 208-334-2225 http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/education/?getPage=234
Excellent
71%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 153 reviews

Morrison-Knudsen Nature Center

Reviewed By Crummy1 - Missoula, United States

This is one of Boise's hidden treasures. Great for people of all ages. It's very educational. The pond and stream features are my personal favorites. Great viewing opportunities for a variety of trout and a couple of giant sturgeon. Great place to get ideas for improving your yard or property to benefit wildlife. Nice indoor exhibits as well, including a little play area for young kids. The little ones loved this place! No charge for admission.

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