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Boise is the capital and largest city of Idaho, set where the Boise River leaves the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and enters the broad, sunny Treasure Valley. French-Canadian trappers are said to have named the river for its welcome shade trees, calling it la rivière boisée, the wooded river. The U.S. Army founded Fort Boise here in 1863 during the Idaho gold rush, and the town that grew beside it became the territorial capital the following year.
Today Boise has about 240,000 residents and is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, prized for its outdoor lifestyle, safe neighborhoods and friendly downtown. The sandstone Idaho State Capitol, the only one in the country heated by geothermal water, anchors a walkable center of restaurants, breweries and shops. Boise also has one of the largest Basque communities outside Spain, celebrated on the Basque Block with its museum, markets and restaurants, and Boise State University's famous blue turf at Albertsons Stadium draws football fans from across the region.
The great outdoors starts right in the city. The Boise River Greenbelt runs for about 25 miles along the river through parks, and in summer thousands of people float the river on tubes and rafts from Barber Park. The Boise Foothills offer more than 190 miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking, Bogus Basin ski area is less than an hour's drive away, and the Old Idaho Penitentiary, the Idaho Botanical Garden, Zoo Boise in Julia Davis Park and the World Center for Birds of Prey round out a visit.
A neoclassical capitol completed in 1920, built of local sandstone and marble and heated with geothermal water, with a grand rotunda, exhibits on state history and a dome visible across downtown. Self-guided visits are free on weekdays. Pick up a brochure inside and look up at the inner dome with its 43 stars.
A paved pathway of more than 25 miles along both banks of the Boise River, linking parks, Boise State University, downtown and neighborhoods, used by walkers, runners and cyclists all year. Wildlife is often seen along the shaded river. Rent a bike downtown and ride a loop from Julia Davis Park.
The hills rising behind the city, crossed by the Ridge to Rivers network of more than 190 miles of trails for hiking, running and mountain biking, with views over the valley. Popular routes include Camel's Back Park, Hulls Gulch and Table Rock. Start early in summer, carry water and check trail conditions after rain.
A large riverside park downtown with a rose garden, a pond with paddle boats, a bandshell, playgrounds and several museums, including the Idaho State Museum, the Boise Art Museum and Zoo Boise. It sits on the Greenbelt. Plan to combine a museum visit with a picnic and a walk along the river.
A botanical garden on the grounds of the Old Idaho Penitentiary, with themed gardens, a native plant garden, a Lewis and Clark garden and an English garden, plus a summer outdoor concert series and the Winter Garden aGlow lights. It is good in spring and summer. Pair it with the penitentiary tour next door.
A popular summer float of about six miles down the Boise River from Barber Park to Ann Morrison Park, on tubes, rafts or paddleboards, with a shuttle bus back to the start. The float season usually runs from late June to Labor Day. Wear a life jacket, bring water shoes and check flow conditions first.
The home of Boise State Broncos football, famous for its blue turf, the first non-green field in Division I football, set on the Boise State campus beside the river. Game days bring big crowds and tailgating. Buy tickets ahead for conference games and walk across the Greenbelt bridges from downtown.
A downtown block on Grove Street celebrating Boise's large Basque community, with the Basque Museum and Cultural Center, a restored boarding house, a fronton court and Basque restaurants and bars. Boise hosts the Jaialdi festival every five years. Visit the museum and try croquetas or chorizo at a local bar.
A territorial and state prison used from 1872 to 1973, with sandstone cell blocks, solitary confinement cells, the gallows and exhibits on inmate life and escapes, set below the foothills. Next door are the Idaho Botanical Garden and trails. Allow about 90 minutes and check for guided tours and night events.
The visitor center of The Peregrine Fund on a hill south of Boise, where you can see live raptors such as condors, eagles, falcons and owls, with exhibits on conservation and flight demonstrations on some days. Views of the valley are wide. Check opening days, as it is closed some days each week.
A small zoo in Julia Davis Park with animals from Africa, Asia and South America, including lions, giraffes, red pandas, sloths and primates, and a strong conservation program funded partly by visitor fees. It is compact and easy with young children. Visit in the morning and combine it with the park's museums.
An open-air gallery in a downtown alley and adjacent lot, covered with constantly changing murals and street art by local and visiting artists, said to be the largest such gallery in the Northwest. It is free and always open. Walk through during the day for the best light, and look for the yearly mural repainting in summer.
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