Having intention to visit Boise, Idaho? Here is our hand-picked list of the top activities and attractions in Boise, Idaho so you can make the most of your time there. Scroll down for the best things to do in Boise, Idaho, and the best places to visit in Boise, Idaho. Wondrous Drifter is a Web 3.0 travel startup with ambitious goals to change the world.
Table Of Content
- Barber Park
- Basque Museum & Cultural Center
- Boise Art Museum
- Boise Farmers Market
- Boise Glass Art
- Boise River Greenbelt
- Capitol Building
- Discovery Center of Idaho
- Guru Donuts
- Idaho Botanical Garden
- Idaho Shakespeare Festival
- Inn at 500 Capitol Hotel
- Julia Davis Park
- Kathryn Albertson Park
- Morrison-Knudsen Nature Center
- Old Idaho Penitentiary
- Treefort Music Fest
- The Basque Market
- World Center for Birds of Prey
- Zoo Boise
Barber Park
A must-go-to place where nature-lovers will have a blast at this location!
South Eckert Road, south of downtown Boise, leads to the riverside Barber Park.
This Boise River may be accessed from a wide range of places, but Barber Park is the most popular.
Its education and events center, playground, rafting, trails, and wildlife are among its most well-known drawcards.
There are a lot of people that come here to raft and kayak on the Boise River during the summer months.
Barber Park has a lot to offer visitors.
You may set up a barbecue grill and have a picnic. The playground and basketball court are also good places to let off some steam.
Bald eagles nest in the park’s trees in the winter, and in the spring and fall, deer can be seen wandering the grounds.
At the appropriate time, you could witness something you’ll never forget if you come here.
Address: 4049 S Eckert Rd, Boise, ID 83716, United States
Basque Museum & Cultural Center
The Basque Museum & Cultural Center is one of the top attractions in Idaho.
Visit the Basque Museum & Cultural Center to learn about their history, traditions, and migration to California during the Gold Rush.
The Basque Museum & Cultural Center, situated on West Grove Street, is dedicated to the history and the way of life Basques.
The only museum dedicated to Basque culture in the rest of the country was established in 1985.
Among the oldest brick structures in the city, the Cyrus Jacobs-Uberuaga House, houses the museum.
Keeping Basque culture and history alive is the museum’s goal.
In Basque history, Boise holds a special place since it was the first city in the United States where Basque immigrants resided.
A wide range of intriguing objects, journals, recordings, and other memorabilia are on display at the Basque Museum & Cultural Center.
A last note: The employees are keen to share their knowledge of Basque culture. It will take around an hour to stroll through this tourist site in Boise.
Make sure to spend some time in the museum’s Basque Block. Try some traditional Basque cuisine at this event.
Address: 611 W Grove St, Boise, ID 83702, United States
Boise Art Museum
For a really unique and fascinating art museum experience, head to this museum in Idaho.
Boise Art Museum was established in 1937 and now houses over 4,000 pieces of art!
In 1934, the Boise Paintings Association established a donated art collection, which grew over time.
On Julia David Drive, you’ll find the Boise Art Museum, home to a diverse collection of modern art and temporary exhibits by local and regional artists.
In 1973, the building was expanded by over 10,000 square feet.
The current structure, which measures 34,800 square feet, was completed in 1997 following a further construction.
It’s a look at how art has evolved over time and across different civilizations.
Furthermore, the exhibitions and collections of the Boise Art Museum are a great source of inspiration for local artists.
Additionally, there is also an area for children to learn about and create art at the museum, so even the youngest visitors may have a fantastic time.
For art enthusiasts, the Boise Art Museum is among the top destinations in Idaho.
Address: 670 Julia Davis Dr, Boise, ID 83702, United States
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Boise Farmers Market
You might learn a lot about its pride when you observe how busy a community’s market is.
The farmers’ market is among the nicest activities in every city.
The Boise Farmers Market, nestled on West Front Street, is a weekly market where local farmers and food merchants offer their wares.
It is a wonderful place to shop and sell your wares.
A terrific way to get a taste of what’s on offer in the area.
All kinds of food may be found at the store: meat and fish are among the most popular items.
The Boise Farmers Market aims to make things better for everyone.
The Boise Farmers Market is a terrific spot to go if you’re seeking unusual date ideas.
Sprouts Kids Club, Market Fresh Recipes, Mobile Market, and Taste the Market are a handful of the other options available at the market.
The pleasure of exploring it is completely free, so why not go and see for yourself?
Address: 1500 Shoreline Dr, Boise, ID 83702, United States
Boise Glass Art
The Boise Glass Art is one of the best things to do in Idaho.
There are many things to do and see at Boise Art Glass, a glass art business founded in 2004.
Boise Art Glass is housed in downtown Boise’s historic Bogie’s Building on West Front Street.
Products made of glass are created by four highly trained artists who also teach the general public about the technique of glass-making.
Pieces of fine art glass, Bowls, jewelry, and pieces of utilitarian glass are all examples of their work.
The glass art lessons that Boise Glass Art offers have received particularly positive feedback from tourists.
In addition to that, Introductory Flameworking workshops are offered here. The workshops also provide a wide range of furnace and torchwork training,
Some lessons are taught one student at a time, while others are intended for groups.
Boise Glass Art’s knowledgeable mentors will guide you through the highly acknowledged field of artistic glass art, which includes tons of fire and blowing. It all depends on how long is the time you can spend on the project.
Address: 1124 West Front Street, Boise, Idaho
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Boise River Greenbelt
Recharge your batteries with a stroll along the park’s tree-lined walkway, where you can reconnect with the natural world.
The Boise River Greenbelt is a 25-mile-long park that follows the river’s edge.
It is a well-liked and well-known park because it’s bordered by trees. Walk through downtown Boise, which offers animal viewing opportunities and beautiful scenery.
Wanderers looking for a respite from the daily grind might find a peaceful oasis in the middle of the metropolis.
Cleanup efforts on the banks of the river were followed by the city’s purchase of property for the ultimate creation of the expansive greenbelt.
An unguided 10-mile bike or trek includes walking paths and treasure hunts woven together in a unique experience.
If you don’t feel like doing anything, relax with the group and have a picnic. You may also go bird watching or fishing in nearby ponds afterward.
Address: 700 S Capitol Blvd. Boise, ID 83706
Capitol Building
The Capitol Building is one of the best places to visit in Idaho.
Many stories from more than a century ago might have been heard if only Capitol walls could speak.
As a platform for discussions, the origin of laws, and the protector of citizens’ rights, the Capitol is Idaho’s most cherished edifice.
Since 1912, the Idaho State Capitol has served as the official residence of the state’s legislature.
Visitors are more than welcome to see the Capitol, which includes the governor’s office and the chambers where the House and Senate convene.
Exhibits within the Capitol depict historical and contemporary events that have shaped the state’s history and identity.
The Capitol in Boise has a wide range of free activities for visitors, including a Liberty Bell replica and a Lincoln life-size statue.
Some of the nearby trees were planted by former presidents of the United States, including Teddy Roosevelt.
Whether history aficionados or adrenaline seekers, visitors to Boise should not miss a trip to the Capitol Building in the city’s downtown.
Take a picture while standing just below the dome with your back turned to it.
Address: 700 W Jefferson St, Boise, ID 83702, United States
Discovery Center of Idaho
A trip to the Discovery Center of Idaho is a must if you want to have a memorable time with your loved ones.
This interactive scientific center on West Myrtle Street aims to pique people’s curiosity about engineering, mathematics, science, and technology.
You and your children will be able to learn a lot about the world you live in at these sites.
About 200 items are on display in the main hall. The Bubble Wall, the Centripetal Wheel, and the Turbulent Orb are just a few examples.
Visit this interesting location if you’re wondering what to do in Boise with kids.
Young Discoverers, a program for preschoolers, is a good option.
Even if you don’t have any children with you, you can still have a good time. Adult Night is for you if you’ve ever felt like a kid again.
You’re never too old to learn at the Discovery Center of Idaho.
Address: 131 W Myrtle St, Boise, ID 83702, United States
Guru Donuts
Do you like to eat sweets and drink coffee at the same time? Well, you’ve come to the right location in Boise! Come on by and say hello!
Guru Donuts is located in the heart of downtown Boise, Idaho, among the city’s best doughnut shops.
It’s a lot of joy to eat at Guru Donuts and feel like you’re a part of the community in Boise.
The headquarters of Guru Donuts is located in the Idanha Hotel.
You can taste and see their staff’s dedication to preparing each dish on their menu.
Donuts at Guru Donuts are available in vegan and gluten-free varieties, which is a nice touch.
You may either eat in or get takeout so you can indulge in the donuts on the fly.
As a foodie, Guru Donuts should be on your list of must-visits. Check out their delicious doughnuts throughout your visit!
Address: 928 W Main St #100, Boise, ID 83702, United States
Idaho Botanical Garden
Do you have a desire to have a green thumb? If you’re a nature enthusiast, a trip to Idaho’s Botanical Garden should be a must.
The old nursery and farm of the State Penitentiary of Old Idaho, now known as the Idaho Botanical Garden, is located on Old Penitentiary Road.
It wasn’t until 1984 that the garden was finally finished.
In addition to the Cactus Garden, English Garden, and Alpine Garden, the lovely garden is made up of other smaller gardens.
Nature Detective and Garden on the Road are only two of the seminars and workshops offered inside this garden.
It also holds a wide range of events, including musical concerts, Grows the Garden Party, the Foothills Walk, and more.
The kiddie adventure garden, canopy treehouse, playground, and fountain with a few tadpoles, youngsters, on the other hand, will find appealing.
The aromatic flowers, the peaceful walks, and the invaluable gardening tips and hacks are all there for you to enjoy.
Address: 2355 Old Penitentiary Road, Boise, Idaho
Idaho Shakespeare Festival
Is it worth it to watch or not?. The outdoor performances of the highest caliber in the Idaho Shakespeare Festival are definitely worth seeing while you’re there!
Since 1971, the Idaho Shakespeare Festival has brought critically acclaimed plays to the town of Boise.
Live theater in this format is a lot of fun, and the selection of plays is always varied.
For couples on a trip to Boise, Idaho Shakespeare Festival, plays are surprisingly amongst the most enduring parts to do in town.
Dinner at a Shakespearean café topped with an old-fashioned date sounds like the perfect way to spend an evening.
It’s not just Shakespeare’s plays that make up this festival, though.
This city is full of fantastic plays, and witnessing them in the open air is a real delight.
Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, snacks, and a blanket to enjoy some superb acting and drama.
Address: 5657 E Warm Springs Ave, Boise, ID 83716, United States
Inn at 500 Capitol Hotel
At the very least, your holiday will be affected by where you choose to stay. As a result, don’t settle for anything less than the best hotel in Boise.
Boise’s cultural center and the State Capitol are just a few steps away from the Inn at 500 Capitol, a contemporary hotel focused on detail and unparalleled service.
It’s a really unique boutique hotel where pride of place, true sincerity in service, and attention to detail all come together.
This is an excellent place to stay if you want to take your journey from a 9 to a 10.
This five-star resort is the height of opulence and a model of impeccable service.
The rooms are spacious and provide stunning views of the city’s landmarks.
Your days will begin with a smile on your face at The Inn at 500.
It provides visitors with a luxury place to rest and recharge.
All about the hotel, you’ll see some of the best work from local artists in the area.
It’s worth the money since it allows you easy access to the city’s main attractions.
Address: 500 S Capitol Blvd, Boise, ID 83702, United States
Julia Davis Park
A park in the middle of a city is a fantastic place to go birdwatching, fishing, and paddling. Make the most of your time in the city’s green spaces by participating in outdoor activities!
Downtown Boise’s Julia Davis Park may be found on South Capitol Boulevard.
A 43-acre plot of land was donated by Thomas Jefferson Davis in 1907 in remembrance of his wife, Julia Davis.
For those unfamiliar with the term, the “String of Pearls” refers to the collection of parks that run along the Boise River.
In addition to a rose garden, river access, sculptures, a tennis court, a playground, paddle boat rentals, and a pedestrian bridge, Julia Davis Park has several other picturesque features to enjoy.
Moreover, the Zoo Boise, the Idaho Historical Museum, the Idaho Black History Museum, and the Boise Art Museum are all located in the park.
The historical Bogie’s Building along West Front Streets of downtown Boise houses the glass-making operation known as Boise Art Glass can also be seen here.
Even if all you want to do is sit back and enjoy the scenery, you’ll be able to find something special to do.
Address: Idaho, Boise
Kathryn Albertson Park
Get up early to see the sunrise and walk or jog to get ready for the day.
As considered among a number of riverfront parks named for notable women in the area, Kathryn Albertson Park encompasses 41 acres.
In 1989, the park was given to the city of Los Angeles by Kathryn McCurry Albertson and her husband.
Paved trails, a wide diversity of fauna, and designated gazebos are all part of the park’s appeal.
Another lovely park, Kathryn Albertson Park, is well-known for its quiet atmosphere and frequent sightings of local animals.
There are also a few ponds on the site and a charming fountain.
The park’s animals and natural themes are depicted on huge boulders that have been embedded in the walkways.
Another intriguing tidbit is that the park’s flora was chosen to provide food and shelter for the animals who call it home.
Fishing and swimming are not allowed in this region because of the large number of animals that make it home. Instead, maintain a comfortable distance from them.
Address: Idaho, Boise
Morrison-Knudsen Nature Center
The Morrison-Knudsen Nature Center is a wonderful place to go if you have issues locating animals at any of the previously mentioned locations.
The Morrison-Knudsen Nature Center is located east of downtown Boise on South Walnut Street.
A lovely 4.6-acre estate nestled along the Boise River Greenbelt with a plethora of animals and picturesque natural features.
It’s a terrific place to learn about nature via fun activities at the Morrison-Knudsen Nature Center.
Children may play with horns, antlers, and pelts at the Visitor Center and make animal tracks in the sand to learn more about the area’s animals.
An informative walkway, StreamWalk allows visitors to watch the stream from unique viewing windows.
Self-guided and specialist excursions are available in addition to the StreamWalk program, which includes aquatic invertebrates, plants, and fish.
Visit the Morrison-Knudsen Nature Center if you enjoy nature and are seeking outdoor activities.
This is the place if you’ve been looking for reminders of a world that isn’t dominated by cell phones and social media.
Old Idaho Penitentiary
Despite the fact that this structure is no longer utilized as a jail, it is nonetheless a popular tourist destination.
The Old Idaho Penitentiary, which was open for a little over a century and closed in the early 1970s, is a fascinating destination to see.
From 1872 through 1973, the Old Idaho Penitentiary housed more than 13,000 convicts.
The Old Idaho Penitentiary, which is now on the National Register of Historic Places, has a rich history to share.
Paranormal encounters continue to be reported, and exhibitions include accounts of escape, rioting, and controversy.
Wander the prison’s hallways, cells, and gallows and envision the life of its prisoners. This historical site is best suited for those in their late teens and early twenties because of the graphic content.
Taking a tour of the Old Idaho Penitentiary is a lot of fun, and it also gives you a chance to ponder the long-term effects of prisons on our society.
Explore the cells to get a feel for what it was like to be incarcerated here.
Address: 2445 Old Penitentiary Rd, Boise, ID 83712, United States
Treefort Music Fest
Annual events in all major cities draw in large crowds of locals and foreigners alike. Boise’s Treefort Music Fest is one such example.
Boise’s Treefort Music Festival is a must-see event.
Event highlights include the greatest in independent art, respectable language, and pioneering industry concepts, as well as craft and apparel selections that excite the senses.
Treefort Music Fest is a five-day event.
Boise’s annual music festival attracts a large number of performers and music listeners.
There is a wide range of musical talent at the Treefort Music Festival, including artists from the surrounding region.
As a result of Lori Shandro’s husband’s death in a private jet catastrophe, Treefort was founded on a foundation of tragedy.
George Clinton & Parliament-Funkadelic, TV on the Radio, and Built to Spill have all performed at Treefort in the past.
Musically inclined visitors will find a multitude of things to do and see here.
Address: Boise, Idaho
The Basque Market
It would be a pity to miss out on some of the other restaurants if you don’t have a long enough stay in Boise.
It’s a fantastic place to learn a lot about an important neighborhood.
Take a break from your sightseeing to sample some of Spain’s greatest tapas and see the beautiful scenery.
The cuisine and wine here are excellent, and there are plenty of fun activities like cooking lessons to take advantage of while you’re here.
The Basque Market is a must-vis Boise’s top ten dining destinations.
The location is also ideal for spending time with family and friends. Make sure you have a camera with you so that you may document every minute of your trip to this beautiful location.
You may have never heard of the state’s substantial Basque community. Part of Boise’s Basque area is the Basque market.
The Basque Market in Boise is a wonderful location to learn more about the culture of the Basque people.
Address: 608 W Grove St, Boise, ID 83702, United States
World Center for Birds of Prey
Observe how effectively these birds can hunt and fly in the wild by watching the demonstrations given by their keepers.
The World Center for Birds of Prey, which is situated on West Flying Hawk Lane, is home to the headquarters of the Peregrine Fund, which was created in 1970 with the goal of rescuing endangered raptors.
Help protect some of the country’s most endangered raptor species by contributing to The Peregrine Fund, an organization that operates on a global scale.
The administrative headquarters for this group houses a National Center for Raptors.
The Globe Site for Birds of Prey is an amazing conservation site where you can get up close to hawks, eagles, vultures, falcons, and eagles from all over the world.
Multimedia presentations and hands-on exhibitions abound at this institution.
Visitors can also take guided tours of the buildings and take part in a wide range of activities.
If you’re looking for a fun activity for the kids in your group, go to the Discovery Room.
Address: 5668 West Flying Hawk Lane, Boise, Idaho
Zoo Boise
Meet some of the zoo’s most exotic residents up close and personal! There are daily animal presentations, and you may even feed some of the friendly animals by hand if you choose to do that.
Zoo Boise, a wildlife park with a wide range of creature displays and a number of unique attractions, can be found along Julia Davis Park inside Julia Davis Drive.
Located in the city of Boise, Zoo Boise has more than 300 animals from more than 100 different species, all of which are cared for by the city.
A few of these include the Conservation Cruise, Butterflies in Bloom, the Sloth Bear Encounter, the Giraffe Encounter, and more.
It’s no surprise that Zoo Boise is included among the most popular attractions in the city of Boise.
Self-guided tours of the zoo are available for school, youth, and adult groups of any size. Boo at the Zoo, Claus’ N Paws, Spooktacular, and Zoobilee are just a few of the holiday-themed activities.
The Zoo Farm provides an opportunity for youngsters to get up close and personal with goats and llamas, which also feature Animal Presentations.
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Address: 355 Julia Davis Drive, Boise, Idaho