Boise River Greenbelt
Flows through Boise and provides more than 25 miles of scenic paths for biking,
hiking and jogging.
World Center for Birds of Prey
Housing more than 200 birds of prey, this wood and glass interpretive center
stands out against Boise's flat southwestern fields. Visitors admire peregrine
falcons, eagles, owls and California condors, or stroll through the grounds,
crossing over a rocky creek on a wooden bridge
Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area
Designated a "Watchable Wildlife" area, this area of nearly a half-million acres
winds along an 80-mile stretch of the Snake River Canyon, south of Boise. One
of the densest concentrations of nesting birds of prey is here, along with over
250 other wildlife species
Idaho Historical Museum
The museum includes stories of prehistoric, Native American, Basque and Chinese
cultures. Visitors also learn about the old frontier days and pioneer
settlements.
Idaho Black History Museum
Located in historic St. Paul Baptist Church, this small museum celebrates
Idaho's black culture. Opening its doors in 1995, the museum offers visitors
many interesting historical tidbits, such as a look at Idaho's black cowboys
and miners, and Idaho's contribution to the Civil Rights Movement.
Basque Museum and Cultural Center
Built in 1864, this building served as a Basque boarding house from
1910-1970 when the Basques immigrated from the northern Iberian Peninsula. The
second largest community of Basque people in the world resides in the Boise
area, and this museum, now mostly housed in an additional building, is the only
one of its kind in the nation.
Discovery Center of Idaho
A science museum that features interactive and hands-on displays. Visitors check
out the House of Science to see how machines and devices work, and what
scientific principles take effect. There are more than 40 different exhibits at
the Discovery Center of Idaho
Julia Davis Park
Boise's oldest park brims with activities. Named after an early Boise resident
who died in 1907, the park offers Zoo Boise, rose gardens, museums, and the
Greenbelt pathway meandering next to the Boise River
Boise Art Museum
For 70 years this art museum has provided an imaginative excursion for all the
senses. Wander through the airy sculpture garden or admire one of the pieces
from the museum's 15 galleries. Learn about local artists, such as self-taught
James Castle. A wide range of activities are offered for children and adults
including tours and annual events.
St. John's Cathedral
Stained-glass windows accent this 800-seat cathedral. Idaho's largest cathedral
stretches across an entire city block and has ceilings that soar up to 50 feet.
Warm, rich tones light the interior and intricate paintings climb the walls.
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Veterans Memorial Park
Children play at the jungle gym, while inline skaters and bikers cruise
along the Greenbelt. Pathways lead to the Boise River where the park joins the
Greenbelt. The park is also popular with fishermen and wildlife viewers.
Warm Springs Golf Club
This golf course offers city golfing close to downtown and most of the major
hotels. Homes line the course and the Boise River Greenbelt twists along next
to it. Sensibly laid out, the course poses few problems except for the
occasional tree.
U.S. Assay Office
Built in 1871, this National Historic Landmark housed about $75 million in gold
and silver during its heyday. Gold discovered in the Wood River Valley, Boise
Basin and Owyhee County created the need for a Federal mint or assay office in
Idaho. The sandstone Assay Office operated until 1933 when it became the Boise
National Forest headquarters.
Oregon Trail Memorial Bridge
The concrete arch is a sturdy memorial to the Oregon Trail pioneers that crossed
the Boise River close to where the bridge stands.
Quarry View Park
Castle Rock offers a heart-pounding climb from this East End park; the informal
beginning for a Castle Rock hike. Less energetic visitors can munch on grilled
hot dogs and burgers hot off the public grills, or shoot a few baskets at the
basketball courts.
Pierce Park Greens
With views of the surrounding mountains and trees dotting the greens, this
nine-hole golf course gives golfers-on-the-go an alternative to Boise's longer
18-hole courses. The par-three course also offers a driving range and pro shop.
Quail Hollow Golf Course
18-hole public course, in Stewart Gulch. Offering rolling terrain, the course
keeps golfers alert with many challenging areas. After surviving the course,
players can retire to The Pub at Quail Hollow and enjoy nice cold drinks.
Ada County Courthouse
The original 1860s courthouse had a first floor jail. Today the courthouse is an
austere nine-story edifice. The building is fashioned from Indiana limestone in
the Starved Classical style, which resembles Art Deco architecture. The
courthouse is near the Idaho State Capitol Building and still houses Ada County
offices.
National Interagency Fire Center and Wildland Firefighters Monument
Founded in 1965, the facility houses equipment that helps firefighters across
the western United States, including Alaska. During the free tours, visitors
learn about special equipment for detecting lightning storms and the role of
smokejumpers.
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