Guide to Boise: how to get there and where to stay, what to see and where to go in the evening. Highlights of Boise: Latest reviews and photos, places to see, branded entertainment and shopping.
According to toppharmacyschools, Boise, the capital of Idaho and its largest city of half a million, stands at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, in the valley of the Boise River, which winds its way through the urban landscape. This place is great for all kinds of outdoor activities. The very name of the city comes from the French word “boise” – “wooded”. Accordingly, the common name “Wood City” suits Boise as well as possible. Tourists come here for skiing, fishing, hiking and, of course, fried potatoes.
How to get to Boise
Boise Airport (Golden Field) receives flights from several American airlines, including Alaska, Delta, United, US Airways. Greyhound buses run into the city from Portland, Dallas, Ontario, Salt Lake City.
Entertainment and attractions in Boise
The State Capitol Building began construction in 1905 and was completed in 1912, with side wings added by 1920. Today, renovated in 2010, the building looks amazing, imposing and clearly visible in the perspective of the central streets of the city. Its height was 206 m, and until 1975 the Capitol was the tallest building in the state. Inside, there is also something to see: there are, for example, a copy of the Nike of Samothrace and a gilded statue of George Washington, carved in 1869 from pine (the statue was created by one master, which took him four years by candlelight). Another feature of the Capitol is the large bell right in front of the building, a replica of the Liberty Bell.
Near the Capitol is the old Ada County Courthouse, a prime example of Art Deco architecture not typical of Boise. The building was completed in 1939 and, perhaps, will remind the Russians with its monumental impressiveness of the buildings of the Stalin era.
The first Catholic church in Boise was built in 1870, but a fire destroyed it just 18 days later. The construction of St. John’s Cathedral began in 1906 and, due to financial difficulties, lasted 15 years. But the result was a beautiful building in the style of the Romanesque Revival, whose architects drew inspiration from the appearance of the cathedral in Mainz, Germany. The cathedral is distinguished by a powerful and stocky main facade with a rose window and beautiful stained glass windows.
It looks completely different, but no less interesting is St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, built in 1899. Today, its building stands on the territory of Boise University. The Methodist Church on West Franklin Street stands out for its complex and powerful spire construction, as well as the good sound of the organ (you can listen to it at the morning service at 11:00). And the Mormon Church on South Cole Road looks just as impressive thanks to the sharp and thin peaks-spiers surrounding the building (entrance to the church for non-Mormons is prohibited).
The center of restaurants and shops is Eighth Street, which is a couple of blocks from the Capitol and not far from the river. A farmer’s market is held here, street musicians play and various entertainment events are held; here you can find ice cream shops, wine bars, pubs, bakeries and so on.
Opened in 1907 and the oldest in the city, Julia Davis Park is home to many city center attractions. This is a zoo, rose garden, art museum and museum of black history in Idaho. Pioneer Village is also located here, an open-air museum located right next to the Idaho State Museum. Its history began in 1933, when enthusiasts moved two forest huts to the park, and today you can see several original wooden houses and exhibitions here – for example, paw prints of wild animals.
The potato history of the city is comprehensively reflected in the souvenirs that you can buy here. Many people find it impossible to leave Boise without a t-shirt with the right picture.
Locals especially love Barber Park, which is in the southwest of the city. Here you can see wild animals – deer, elk, eagles and hawks, and salmon and trout are found in the river. In addition, the annual traditional boat rafting down the river starts in the park. And in Plath Gardens, in addition to pleasant landscape design, you can see the building of an old railway depot with a high tower, built in 1925 in the Spanish Renaissance style.
The Idaho Botanical Garden is a quiet and peaceful area, remarkably well maintained, where weddings and other events often take place. This is a great place for an outdoor picnic. In December, the garden is very beautifully illuminated. Another great weekend getaway in nature is Lucky Peak, which is a five-minute drive from Boise. Wakeboarding, water skiing and even cliff diving are very popular here on the lake. Finally, the green zone with a promenade that runs from the very center of the city along the river past golf courses and groves is also well-deservedly popular.
3 things to do in Boise:
- Climb the Table Rock that hangs over the city center. Enjoy the view of Boise and the valley, and if you’re lucky, the moose.
- Dare to ring the bell at the Capitol.
- Visit the Birds of Prey Center on West Flying Hawk Lane.
The Basque Museum and Cultural Center was opened on Grove Street for a reason: the Boise region is home to the most Basques outside of the Basque Country in Europe. The cultural center is located in downtown, in the “Basque quarter”, which is definitely worth a visit. The museum contains many cultural heritage objects, there is even a traditional bar. And every 5 years, the city hosts an international Basque festival.
The old state prison, now a museum, is also worth a look. Guests can visit the cells of prisoners and learn about how the prison functioned in ancient times. There is also a women’s corps, the most famous prisoner of which was Lady Bluebird, whose chilling history can be learned from the guide.
Popular hotels in Boise
Boise Events
Traditional summer river rafting starts at Barber Park and ends at Ann Morrison Park. Rafting for 8 km takes about 3 hours, and everyone can take part in it. Throughout the summer, from May to August, horse races take place in Le Bois Park (usually on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays). And in August, the annual Hyde Park Fair is held in the northern part of the city. It hosts many indie rock bands and a wide variety of hippie events where you can buy appropriate clothing and accessories.
The Idaho Shakespeare Festival takes place in the summer, and for that alone, many people come to Boise. Performances are staged from June to September, mostly in the open air at the foot of the hills.
Neighborhood Boise
Bogus Basin Ski Resort is located 45 minutes by car from the city along a picturesque winding mountain road. There are 7 ski lifts and more than 35 km of ski slopes.