Boise Tourist Attractions
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Boise (pop. 194,000) was established during the gold rush days of the 1800s. Fort Boise, owned by the Hudson Bay Company, was established by British fur traders in 1834. The fort was abandoned in 1854 due to frequent Indian raids. A new fort was built in 1863 to protect the many travelers that came to the area once gold was discovered. A townsite was located next to the fort and that has grown to present day Boise.
Basque Museum and Cultural Center
The Basque Museum and Cultural Center in Boise provides a glimpse of Basque heritage through exhibits, collections, and tours. Housed in the Cyrus Jacobs-Uberuaga boarding house, the collections on display include traditional music, dance, sports, food and housing.
Morrison Knudsen Nature Center
The Morrison Knudsen Nature Center in Boise provides a fish and wildlife experience on a 4.6-acre site along the Boise River Greenbelt. The outdoor nature walk offers a glimpse of Idaho's many landscapes and abundant wildlife.
Old Idaho Penitentiary State Historic Site
Built in 1870 of handcut sandstone, the Idaho Penitentiary in Boise is now home to the Idaho Transportation and History of Electricity exhibits as well as the Museum of Mining and Geology.
Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial
The Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial is located in the cultural district of Boise. The Memorial contains over 60 quotes that were selected from among approximately 2,000 that were submitted. The quotes are from leaders and human rights figures throughout history.A bronze statue of Anne Frank is located in the "Attic" of the Memorial. The garden of the Human Rights Memorial features trees and flowers from around the world, benches and stainless steel statues of human rights leaders.
Idaho Botanical Gardens
The Idaho Botanical Garden in Boise served as the farm and nursery for the Idaho State Penitentiary until it closed its doors in 1973. The garden features 13 specialty gardens. Each has a unique focus on Herb, Rose, Alpine, Contemporary English, Outlaw Field, Butterfly & Hummingbird, Iris, Meditation, Water, Cactus, Peony, Children, and Idaho Native Plants.
Idaho IceWorld
Idaho IceWorld is an indoor family ice skating and entertainment center in Boise. IceWorld has two NHL regulation size ice rinks that provide the opportunity for public skating, skating lessons, figure skating programs, and hockey leagues. The video game arcade and banquet facility are additional features.
Idaho Military History Museum
The Idaho Military History Museum in Boise displays military history and artifacts that have a geographical tie to the people and state of Idaho. Exhibits include photos and artifacts, small arms and a collection of armored vehicles in the outdoor compound.
State Capitol
Construction began on the Capitol Building in Boise in 1905 and was completed in 1920. The majority of the building was constructed of sandstone with marble from Alaska, Georgia, Vermont and Italy. The top of the dome has a 5ft/1.5m statue of a golden eagle. The main floor has agricultural, mineral and gemstone displays.
Boise National Forest
The Boise National Forest features 2.6 million acres with lakes, abandoned mines and ghost towns throughput the pine and Douglas fir trees. Wildlife includes black bears, wolves, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, deer and elk.
Boise State University
Established in 1932, Boise State University has become an educational, cultural, theatrical and musical center. Highlights on campus include Christ Chapel, the Pavilion entertainment complex, and the Simplot/Micron Technology Center.
Boise State University Vertebrate Museum
The Boise State University Vertebrate Museum is located on the second floor of the Science-Nursing Building. It features preserved specimens of thousands of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and fish.
Discovery Center of Idaho
Hands-on exhibits at the Discovery Center of Idaho in Boise help visitors learn about science and scientific wonders. Topics displayed include electricity, sound, motion, perception and hearing.
First United Methodist Church
The original First United Methodist Church was built in Boise in 1872. Three churches have been located on this site with the latest expansion in 2001. This Gothic structure features notable stained glass windows.
Kathryn Albertson Park
Kathryn Albertson Park is a 41 acre park located of southwest downtown Boise. Most of the park is wetland habitat, with extensive walking paths along scenic lagoons.
World Center for Birds of Prey
The World Center for Birds of Prey in Boise propagates birds of prey for release to the wild. About 200 falcons, condors, and eagles call the center home. They are kept on-site for breeding
Boise River Greenbelt
The Boise Greenbelt, located along the Boise River, links 850 acres of natural area and parks. There are bicycle and walking paths, and wildlife viewing overlooks.
Boise Tour Train and Trolley
Narrated tours of the historic and downtown area of Boise are offered in 1800s style trolleys or sightseeing buses.
Julia Davis Park
Julia Davis Park in Boise features a lagoon, a rose garden, and recreational facilities. The Boise River Greenbelt is accessible from the park.
Idaho Historical Museum
The Idaho Historical Museum in Boise features a collection that tells the story of Idaho from prehistoric times through the fur trade, the gold rush, and pioneer settlement to present day. Exhibits about the state's Native American, Chinese and Basque heritage are also featured.
Boise Art Museum
The Boise Art Museum is housed in an Art Deco building and is composed of two galleries. The permanent collection focuses on 20th century American art with an emphasis on artists of the Pacific Northwest, American Realism and ceramics.
Zoo Boise
Animals from around the world are housed at the zoo in Boise. Featured animals include Amur tigers, zebras, moose and native bears. The Aviary features eagles, hawks, owls, and vultures.
