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 100-year-old private college |
2112 East Cleveland Boulevard Boise, ID 83605 United States +1 208 459 5011 |
This small tree-lined campus gives visitors an Ivy League feeling. Old buildings nestle up to modern architecture at Idaho's oldest four-year college, founded in 1891. Now named after Joe Albertson, the supermarket king, who donated a large sum to the college on its centennial, the college hosts about 750 students each year.Visitors can stroll through the pretty campus or explore the Orma J. Smith Museum of Natural History, Glen L. and Ruth Evans Gem and Mineral Collection, the Rosenthal Gallery of Art and the Whittenberger Planetarium. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: iyote |
 Photo: iyote |
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Once tallest dam in the world |
Idaho Highway 21 Boise, ID 83712 United States +1 208 373 4007 |
Soaring 350 feet, this dam once towered over all other dams in the world. Built in 1915, the dam was an integral part of the Boise Irrigation Project and one of several dams along the Boise River. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the dam and 18-mile-long reservoir also hosts campers, fishermen, swimmers and boating enthusiasts. Camping facilities are available at Cottonwood Creek, Irish Point and Willow Creek. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Amy Wang (huimei98) |
 Photo: Kristina Swallow |
 Photo: Jason Stamps |
 Photo: David Lawrence |
 Photo: Erich L |
 Challenging golf in West Boise |
6501 South Cloverdale Road Boise, ID 83709 United States +1 208 362 6501 |
This golf course in West Boise offers wide fairways, allowing golfers to arrive at many of the greens in sequence. Challenges come in the form of large moguls lining the fairways, and gusty conditions, common in southern Idaho, can lengthen the game. The amenities make the occasional windstorm worth it. Golfers enjoy two putting greens, lessons by PGA professionals, a driving range, club and cart rentals, a pro shop and snack bar. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Refreshing, leisurely rafting |
Highway 21 Barber Park Boise, ID 83712 United States +1 208 384 4240 |
Floating the serene Boise River is a peaceful, cost-efficient way to spend a summer. From June to September, inner tubes, rafts, canoes and kayaks meander through the city's water artery from Barber Park to Ann Morrison Park, an event passed down to generations of Boiseans. You might find yourself as wet as Gilligan after this three-hour tour, but it's ample retaliation to the desert heat. White water is scarce, but lifejackets are strongly recommended. Boise Parks and Recreation provides transportation from Ann Morrison Park to Barber Park. Otherwise, you'll need two vehicles. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Prakash Kini M |
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Fun and more fun |
1385 South Blue Marlin Lane Boise, ID 83642 United States +1 208 898 0900 http://www.boondocksfuncenter.com |
Located just off Interstate 84 in Meridian, about 10 miles west of Boise, this family fun center is packed with entertainment options for all ages. Go-karts lure kids, big and small, onto its race track. A 36-hole miniature golf course displays original obstacles, including a towering arch. Arcade games, bumper boats and batting cages round out the attractions. A snack bar and restaurant serves pizza, sandwiches, and cold drinks. Prices for the different games vary. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Nation's 20th-largest rodeo |
2301 Blaine Street Boise, ID 83605 United States +1 208 459 2060 http://www.caldwellnightrodeo.com |
Hee-haw! Get five days of nonstop rodeo excitement in the third week of August each year. Watch cowboys sit on bulls and broncos, race wild horses and rope calves. Considered the 20th-ranked rodeo in the nation, the first Caldwell (about 30 minutes west of Bosie) rodeo happened here in 1924. The event is held in conjunction with the Miss Rodeo Idaho pageant. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jeremy Kriegel |
 Photo: Jeremy Kriegel |
 Baroque train depot |
1200 Front Street Boise, ID 83651 United States +1 208 467 7611 |
This small train depot bursts with history. Dating back to 1903, Canyon County's first train depot now houses an eclectic historical collection. Located in revitalized downtown Nampa, about 20 minutes west of Boise, the museum offers a walk down memory lane, including 18th-century quilts, farm tools, mustache cups and an undertaker's table. Typical historical museum fare can also be found, such as railroad and Canyon County memorabilia. The building itself is also considered to be an outstanding example of Baroque architecture. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Nampa's scenic golf course |
2600 Centennial Drive Boise, ID 83653 United States +1 208 467 3011 |
Idaho's busiest golf course is located close to downtown Nampa, about 15 miles west of Boise, just off Interstate 84. Offering wide fairways with large, low greens, the course is forgiving and popular with beginners. Amenities include a pro shop, lessons, driving and practice ranges, banquet facilities and a snack bar. Visible from the highway, this course rolls along a series of hills, providing views of the high desert surrounding the Boise Valley. Green fees run from $11-18, depending on time and day of the week. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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11,000-acre bird lover's playground |
13751 Upper Embankment Road Boise, ID 83686 United States +1 208 467 9278 |
With more than 200 bird species on record, this wildlife viewers' delight covers 11,000 acres. A 45-minute drive from Boise, the refuge includes Lake Lowell, a popular spot for boating, swimming and fishing. Annual bird migrations make the lake an enchanting place for bird watching. Low water during late August exposes muddy areas, particularly popular with water birds. From October 1 through April 14 the lake and islands are closed to boats. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Golf and Sunday brunch |
605 North Edgewood Lane Boise, ID 83616 United States +1 208 939 0402 |
Trees reflect off the ponds and mountains rise in the background at this old-time Treasure Valley golf course. With some of the holes dating back to the '60s, the course makes its way past homes, trees and several ponds. A two-story clubhouse offers refreshments and facilities for parties and weddings; it also hosts the Eagle Hills Sunday Brunch. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Fight the heat |
2691 Mace Road Boise, ID 83616 United States http://www.idahoparks.org/park... |
Retaliate against those hot, dry Boise summers and head off to this nearby state park. Located in the town of Eagle, only eight miles west of the city, the park offers swimming, picnic spots, a waterslide, horseshoe pits and a sandy beach on which to stretch out. On warm summer days, smiling children disappear in and out of the bright blue waterslide's winding tunnels. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: M. Scott Gartner |
 Photo: M. Scott Gartner |
 Photo: sableshoe |
 Photo: AICAD  |
 Photo: CarolinePav |
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Tree-lined course |
816 Grant Street Boise, ID 83605 United States +1 208 455 3090 |
Lining Caldwell's main streets and sidling up next to residential neighborhoods, this golf course is truly a community endeavor. The nine hole course is dotted with olive, maple and pine trees. The mostly flat course offers few challenges, making it ideal for beginners or parents wanting to introduce their young ones to the game. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Drag racing with Idaho flair |
P. O. Box 1398 Boise, ID 83616 United States +1 208 938 8986 http://www.firebirdonline.com/ |
Multi-colored hot rods race down the track at this longtime drag raceway, a short distance from Boise. Celebrating more than three decades of racing action, the raceway hosts about 45 events from April through October. With names like "Igniter Nitro", "Fox Hunt", "Thunderfest" and "Night of Thrills", the races run the gamut of drag racing. The raceway also hosts the largest car event in Idaho, the Boise Roadster Show in March. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Novice-friendly course |
990 West Chinden Boulevard Boise, ID 83642 United States +1 208 887 4653 |
Beginners will find a lot to enjoy about this course. First, there are the views of the surrounding mountains and then there are the novice-friendly greens. The course has one par-5 hole, found at the 480-yard 18th hole. Boasting one of the largest driving ranges in the valley, the course also offers a putting green, chipping green and rental carts. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Exercise classes for sweat junkies |
1450 East Fairview Avenue Boise, ID 83642 United States +1 208 888 0060 http://www.idahoathleticclub.com |
Kids splash in the pool, while adults work out on machines or try a kick-boxing class. Offering classes throughout the day, this exercise facility features aerobics, step aerobics, yoga, sports conditioning, and cycling classes. If you would rather exercise solo, then check out the wide range of machines or get in a few laps in the pool. The staff is helpful and child care is on site. Daily and monthly passes are also available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Ice skate away! |
7072 South Eisenman Road Boise, ID 83716 United States +1 208 331 0044 |
Located in the Boise Factory Outlet Mall, this indoor ice skating arena offers patrons great customer service with outstanding skating programs. Programs include public and private youth and adult lessons and hockey teams. Ice skating sessions take place all year. Lesson prices vary and are subject to change regularly so call or e-mail for price information. Rink rental for special events is also available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Affordable fitness center |
131 Constitution Way Boise, ID 83686 United States +1 208 465 2288 |
Power walkers march briskly along the second floor indoor track, passing exercise machines, aerobic classes, and swimmers slogging out laps, at this impressive city-owned recreation center. Built with private and public funds, the recreation center has become a focal point for Nampa, about 16 miles west of Boise. The center offers something for everyone from an indoor climbing wall and basketball courts to a water slide and weightlifting gym. Classes range from spinning and aerobics to ballet and gymnastics. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
 Eclectic nature collection |
2112 East Cleveland Boulevard (Albertson College, Boone Hall basement) Boise, ID 83605 United States http://www.albertson.edu/museum/ |
Boasting everything from beetles to Navajo sand paintings, this museum's impressive collection makes the 20-mile drive to Caldwell well worth it. Located on the Albertson College of Idaho campus, the museum offers many regional displays and collections. It is an eclectic collection, including fossils, insects and Indian pottery. There is even a large display of Baja California flora and fauna, a result of the college's research facilities in Mexico. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Course with high desert views |
15192 Purple Sage Road Boise, ID 83605 United States +1 208 459 2223 |
Just north of Caldwell, this golf course reveals Owyhee Mountain views in a high desert setting. The flat nine-hole course offers fairways sprinkled with trees. Water offers a few challenges, however, you don't have to be an expert to appreciate the course. Cart rentals, a driving range and putting green are also available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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One of best U.S. public courses |
3730 Ridgecrest Drive Boise, ID 83687 United States +1 208 468 9073 http://www.ridgecrestgolf.com |
Named among the best public courses in the nation by "Golf Digest", this four-year-old course provides challenging terrain and spectacular scenery. To the south of the course, the Owhyee Mountains offer spectacular views of rugged peaks, while to the north the Boise Range is visible. The rugged views combined with the farm fields surrounding the club give the course an authentic Idaho feel. Golfers face plenty of challenges, including a ridge that divides the 18 holes and plenty of water to navigate. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Serpentine slides for all ages |
400 West Overland Road Boise, ID 83642 United States +1 208 884 8842 / +1 877 420 7529 http://www.roaringsprings.com |
Double Trouble, White Water Bay, Pipe Line Mines and Racing Ridge; the names roll off the tongue like a water-lover's paradise. Located a few miles west of Boise off Interstate 84, this water park provides relief from the relentless heat of a typical Idaho summer day. Bright yellow slides twist and turn high above the park. Children scream in delight as they fly down the serpentine water slides. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Tough course in Boise foothills |
15711 Highway 55 Boise, ID 83703 United States +1 208 939 6699 |
This demanding public course offers views of the Boise area from several hilltop tees. If you walk, the course's rolling terrain might make you regret it the next day. Trees add to the atmosphere, making shots all the more difficult. A driving range, putting green, golf shop and lessons round out the amenities at this often-voted favorite of Boise golfers.The course is located north of Boise off Highway 55. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Snake River tours by helicopter |
4301 Aviation Way Boise, ID 83605 United States +1 208 453 8577 http://www.silverhawk-aviation... |
Idaho's main provider of helicopter tours is located about 20 miles west of Boise, just off Interstate 84 in Caldwell. Offering informative tours of one the longest rivers in America, the twisting and winding Snake River, this guide service also offers after-dinner trips to other tourist attractions. Wannabe pilots can even try their hand at flying a helicopter through the various classes offered. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Grant Kohler |
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Watch birds soar |
Snake River Canyon Boise, ID 83634 United States +1 208 362 8687 |
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. There are some tours offered by private outfitters, but mostly it is a self-guided see-it-yourself area. You might want to get acquainted with the wildlife and area before you go; best time for viewing is spring and early summer. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Adam Bussan |
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Galactic explorations |
2112 East Cleveland Boulevard (Albertson College of Idaho, Boone Hall) Boise, ID 83605 United States |
Leave Idaho and explore the cosmos at this 50-seat planetarium. Open to groups only, the planetarium offers a variety of programming choices. Visitors can tour the planets, learning about the solar system and positioning of constellations, or discover what is beyond our solar system. The planetarium also hosts a variety of special events, including December sky shows that mix astronomy, Biblical stories, and other historic writings. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 More than 200 birds |
5660 W Flying Hawk Ln Boise, ID 83709 United States +1 208 362 3716 http://www.peregrinefund.org |
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. The 7,200-square-foot interpretive center features soaring wooden beams and colorful wildlife art. Volunteers answer questions and provide informational programs and workshops. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: WAVE Journey.com |