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 Starved Classical structure |
514 West Jefferson Street Boise, ID 83702 United States |
The original 1860s courthouse had a first floor jail that allowed prisoners to strike up conversations with passersby. Gone are those laid back days. Today the 1939 courthouse, built by the Works Progress Administration, is an austere nine-story edifice. Designed by the well-respected Boise architects, Tourtellotte and Hummel, the building is fashioned from Indiana limestone in the Starved Classical style, which resembles Art Deco architecture. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: David Schmidt |
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Calling all art-lovers |
700 South Capitol Boulevard (Julia Davis Park) Boise, ID 83702 United States +1 208 345 8330 http://www.boiseartmuseum.org |
This free event has been around since Leonardo Da Vinci painted the Mona Lisa. Well, the annual three-day festival may not be that antiquated, but it is one of the nation's best outdoor arts-and-crafts extravaganza. Held at the Julia Davis Park in early September, the festival hosts artists from around the West showing off and selling their works. It also offers food booths, face-painting for children (OK, adults, too), and live music. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Buddy Stone |
 Photo: Jared Desjarlais  |
 Photo: Jared Desjarlais |
 Photo: waynes377 |
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Center for Boise's sports and events |
233 South Capitol Boulevard Boise, ID 83702 United States +1 208 424 2200 |
This downtown events center has become a focal point for Boise. Located near many downtown restaurants and nightclubs, the center offers the ideal location for entertainment and fine dining. Home to the Idaho Steelheads, the center also houses other sporting events, such as the Idaho Sneakers Tennis, trade shows, conventions, ice shows and concerts. A sports bar, luxury boxes and access to the Grove Hotel tops off the list of amenities at this well-rounded events complex. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Chris Jones |
 Explore Basque culture |
611 Grove Street Boise, ID 83702 United States +1 208 343 2671 http://www.basquemuseum.com |
The oldest brick building in Boise, the Cyrus Jacobs-Uberuaga House, is also part of the Basque Museum. Built in 1864, this building served as a Basque boarding house from 1910-1970 when the Basques immigrated from the northern Iberian Peninsula, now part of Spain. The second largest community of Basque people in the world resides in the Boise area, and this museum, now mostly housed in an additional building, is the only one of its kind in the nation. Exhibits include artifacts from various cultural traditions and events. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Oldest apartment building |
110 South Fifth Street Boise, ID 83702 United States +1 208 344 7777 (Boise Visitors Bureau) |
Boasting the honor of being Boise's first apartment building, this historical edifice has the charm of an old castle. Built in the early 1900's, the building has stone walls up to two-feet thick. Bay windows add a whimsical charm, and balconies overlook the street. The basement was home to the exquisite Renaissance Ristorante Italiano until its closure, but an equally elegant and delicious eatery has taken its place, Mortimers. Check out the nearby C.W. Moore Park and U.S. Assay Office for more historical wanderings. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Imaginative museum |
670 Julia Davis Drive Boise, ID 83702 United States +1 208 345 8330 http://www.boiseartmuseum.org |
For 70 years this art museum has provided an imaginative excursion for all the senses. Wander through the airy sculpture garden or admire one of the pieces from the museum's 15 galleries. Learn about local artists, such as self-taught James Castle who, despite his deafness, was recognized nationally for his original drawings. A wide range of activities are offered for children and adults including tours and annual events including the popular Art in the Park. Admission is charged at nominal rates. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: bathedinthesink |
 Photo: blum_nancy |
 Photo: esau kessler |
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Small but brimming with information |
312 South Ninth Street Boise, ID 83702 United States +1 208 344 7777 http://www.boise.org |
Pamphlets, maps, booklets and friendly faces stuff this small visitor's center, located in the Boise Centre on the Grove Plaza and near Taters, a gift store. The walls of the glass-fronted space are lined with hotel, restaurant and recreation information. A hotel-style front desk is covered with more literature. Helpful employees quickly answer questions and recommend local restaurants and entertainment. Visitors wanting to venture outside of Boise's boundaries will find useful information about attractions within a three-hour drive from the city limits. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Brimming with history and helpful people |
715 South Capitol Boulevard Boise, ID 83702 United States +1 208 384 4076 http://www.boisepubliclibrary.org |
Sitting on Capitol Boulevard, across from Julia Davis Park and next to the The Cabin, this former warehouse has turned itself into a busy urban library, brimming with activity. Special events take place in the auditorium, and the children's and reference areas are always busy. The library has an excellent local history collection and an extremely helpful staff, always willing to offer advice to visitors. The original Carnegie Boise Library, now housing offices, can be found on the corner of Eighth and Idaho streets. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jeff Fitzgerald |
 Photo: Christie13 |
 Photo: Ken Kieffer |
 Photo: Dawn Wilson |
 Photo: SPLAT IDAHO |
 28-mile linear park |
700 South Capitol Blvd Boise, ID 83706 United States +1 208 384 4240 (Boise Parks Office) |
Stretching more than 20 miles from Eagle Island State Park eastward to Discovery State Park at the base of Lucky Peak Dam, this paved pathway offers inline skaters, joggers, walkers and cyclists a year-round paved pathway. The well-marked trail meanders through downtown Boise, Veterans Memorial Park, and Julia Davis Park following the serpentine Boise River. Trailside restaurants offer refreshments and people watching opportunities. Once you leave Boise's boundaries, the pathway provides views of rolling brown mountains and wildlife, such as herons and bald eagles. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Mark Mauno |
 Photo: James Festi |
 Photo: James Festi |
 Photo: Robert McDiarmid |
 Photo: Jeff Love |
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Informative downtown tour |
850 Front St (Boise Centre on the Grove) Boise, ID 83702 United States |
Old sandstone buildings, dating from the 1800s, line Boise's downtown area. The Belgravia Building, U.S. Assay Office, Idaho State Capitol Building and C.W. Moore Park highlight Boise's Wild West past. This tour operator leads visitors on a walking tour past these attractions and other highlights of downtown Boise. Covering many topics, including Boise's ethnic origins, the tours last about 90 minutes. The tours are only available in the summer. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Cross the Nile |
700 West Main Street Boise, ID 83702 United States +1 208 342 1441 |
Built in the 1920s, this Egyptian-inspired theater is a nostalgic downtown masterpiece. Located at the corner of Capitol Boulevard and Main Street, the cinema hosts hieroglyphs and Egyptian gods on the exterior and interior of the theater. The pipe organ, which at one time accompanied silent movies, is a reminder of Hollywood's golden era. Today, movie-goers enjoy current films in an original atmosphere and relive a bygone era. Admission prices vary. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Michael Sauers |
 Photo: Valerie Sinco |
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Shop and dine in early 1900s warehouse |
404 South Eighth Street Boise, ID 83702 United States +1 208 344 0641 |
An early morning stroll through this turn-of-the-century market will take you back in time. Freshly-ground coffee charges the air, and it's only a modern mountain bike leaning against the wall that brings you back to reality. The refurbished, early 1900s warehouses that make up the marketplace now host quaint shops, movie theaters and restaurants such as Cafe Ole Restaurant and Cantina. Comedy lovers can enjoy the Funny Bone Comedy Club or, if athletics are your thing, check out the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame. Arches, skylights and other architectural touches highlight the old warehouses. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Center for opera, ballet and philharmonic |
516 South Ninth Street Boise, ID 83702 United States +1 208 345 9116 http://www.espaa.org |
Located in a 1910 warehouse and extensively remodeled, the brick performing arts center opened in 1992. Four bronze figures sit outside this performing arts center. One figure is a dancer. Another plays the violin, while the third one sings. The fourth figure symbolizes the audience. These four works of art come together perfectly to reflect what the center is all about: opera, dance and music. This establishment has given Opera Idaho,Ballet Idaho, and the Boise Philharmonic performance and office space. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Delicate stained glass mosaics |
1110 West Franklin Street Boise, ID 83702 United States +1 208 343 7511 |
This fine example of modern Gothic architecture lives up to its "Cathedral of the Rockies" name. Stained glass windows from a Philadelphia studio add a delicate grace. Each stained glass window tells a different story, including tales from Boise's history. Constructed of flagstone and sandstone, the cathedral boasts a towering spire and equally imposing cross. With a 1,000-person seating capacity and numerous public rooms, the cathedral is a popular place of worship. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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1870s church furnishings |
950 West State Street Boise, ID 83702 United States +1 208 345 3441 |
Located in the downtown, this church, rebuilt in the 1920s and 1950s, retains some of the original building's 19th century charm. Faded furnishings, dating back to 1878 and survivors of an arduous covered wagon trek, are on display. These antiques were originally used when the church occupied the site of what is now the Idanha Hotel. The middle portion of the church, which is used as the education building, was built in 1929. Stained-glass windows add a graceful touch to this modern church. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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An Award Winning Spa |
350 North 9th Street Suite 103 Boise, ID 83702 United States +1 208 343 4915 http://www.graeberandcompany.com/ |
Want to reduce stress? Come down to Graeber & Company. With a professionally trained staff you are bound to feel relaxed. This place also undertakes haircare, including treatments like hair weaving. One can also enjoy Amma Bodywork which helps to reduce stress and relieves arthritic pain. They also have a retail shop stacked with a complete line of Aveda products. They also specialize in wedding packages, in which they not only consult their clients with useful tips but also undertake a complete bridal makeover. And if you want to share your experience with your loved ones, you can always get them gift certificates that are available even online. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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1929 downtown landmark |
802 West Bannock Street Boise, ID 83702 United States +1 208 344 7777 (Boise Visitors Bureau) |
This massive building, built in 1929, looms large at 11 stories tall. Noted for its solid structure of reinforced concrete, the building was remodeled with the intention of including it in the Statehouse Square. The circular glass top was added in 1979 and offers a spectacular panoramic view of Boise and the nearby mountains. It is also home to the Crystal Ballroom, available for banquets, with catering by Ca Creusse. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Andrew Hahn |
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Celebrate Idaho's African American culture |
508 Julia Davis Drive Boise, ID 83702 United States +1 208 433 0017 http://www.ibhm.org |
Located in historic St. Paul Baptist Church, this small museum celebrates Idaho's black culture. Opening its doors in 1995, the museum offers visitors many interesting historical tidbits, such as a look at Idaho's black cowboys and miners, and Idaho's contribution to the Civil Rights Movement. The building itself also has an interesting historical legacy as one of the first African-American churches in the Boise area, founded in 1909. Activities include storytelling, workshops, lectures and musical performances. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Nation's Capitol look-alike, only smaller! |
700 West Jefferson Street Boise, ID 83702 United States +1 208 334 5174 |
Built in 1905 and in the image of the U.S. Capitol, the Idaho Capitol is the only statehouse in the country to be heated by geothermal water. The building was completed in 1920 and features a rotunda floor in a marble pattern called the Compass Rose. The grounds are well kept and have several notable trees, some of which were planted by U.S. Presidents. The building is surrounded by the Capitol Mall, which includes many older public buildings and monuments. Tours are available upon request. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Heidi Andrade |
 Photo: Janet Sheehan |
 Photo: Occidental Tourist |
 Photo: Bev Sykes |
 Photo: Jon Williams |
 Photo: Leonardo Pires |
 Photo: J.D. Adsit |
 Photo: Mark Typinski |
 Photo: Jim Bowen |
 Photo: Marcus Hanscom |
 Photo: Zach Chastaine |
 Photo: Borgens |
 Photo: juwee1 |
 Photo: Decoyz |
 Photo: Conrad Jensen |
 Photo: linkcd |
 Photo: Peter Marki-Zay |
 Photo: richardc020 |
 Photo: Paul Clark |
 Photo: C A |
 Photo: Paul Murrell |
 Photo: Jerry Herbster |
 Photo: Jackie Faherty |
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Discover Idaho's history |
610 North Julia Davis Drive Boise, ID 83702 United States +1 208 334 2120 http://www.idahohistory.net/mu... |
Visitors listen to the whispers of the pioneers as they tell Idaho's story through displays of historical artifacts at this museum. The museum includes stories of prehistoric, Native American, Basque and Chinese cultures. Visitors also learn about the old frontier days and pioneer settlements. The museum offers many hours of exploration. Visitors can include a visit to the Pioneer Village, the Julia Davis Park or Zoo Boise, all located nearby. Admission runs USD2 for adults; USD1 for children 6-12 (children under 6 are free). Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Beverly Vealach |
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Idaho's highest court |
451 West State Street Boise, ID 83702 United States +1 208 334 2246 |
Completed in 1970, this limestone courthouse does not have the historic look of the much older Idaho State Capitol Building, but history is made here every day. Built of travertine limestone from Idaho Falls, the building boasts floors made from granite chip. Four times each year, the Supreme Court of Idaho can be heard in Boise, while it carries out the other eight sessions at different venues around Idaho. The library and court sessions are open to the public, and tours can be arranged through the clerk's office. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
 Idaho's former tallest building |
928 West Main Street Boise, ID 83702 United States +1 208 344 7777 |
Many Idaho natives' grandparents honeymooned at this chateau-inspired hotel. Unfortunately, the hotel's honeymoon days are well over. No longer a hotel, the upstairs rooms are rented as apartments, while the downstairs rooms offer the intimate 10th Street Station and other businesses. Opened in 1901, this building was once the tallest in Idaho and home to the state's first elevator. During the early 1900s, dignitaries such as Teddy Roosevelt, Will Rogers and Clarence Darrow slumbered beneath its roof. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Fidel Andrade |
 Photo: Marcus Kellis |
 Photo: graham_1919 |
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Activity-packed park |
700 South Capitol Boulevard Boise, ID 83702 United States |
Boise's oldest park brims with activities. Named after an early Boise resident who died in 1907, the park offers Zoo Boise, rose gardens, museums, and the Boise River Greenbelt pathway meandering next to the Boise River. A bridge crosses the river to Boise State University where you can continue your explorations. The 87-acre park even offers boat rentals at the lagoon. The park is located within walking distance to downtown Boise, between Capitol Boulevard and Broadway Avenue. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Tim Rigsby |
 Photo: Wade Dorrell |
 Photo: picmax@flickr |
 Photo: Jasperdo |
 Photo: Steve Hulme |
 Photo: John Sumsion |
 Photo: Bryan Lass |
 Photo: Amy Wang (huimei98) |
 Photo: terronzo |
 Photo: Lea Driever |
 Photo: Michael |
 Photo: Tan Kok Hui |
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Boasts outstanding performance complex |
623 Holly Street Boise, ID 83686 United States +1 208 467 8790 http://www.nnu.edu |
This 85-acre university, affiliated with the Nazarene Church, has a solemn, modern presence in the small town of Nampa, about 20 minutes west of Boise. First opening in 1913, the university has a small cluster of old buildings, but the majority of the campus has a utilitarian feel. The draw for visitors is the outstanding performance and conference complex, the Brandt Center, and musical and theatrical programs presented by the university's Music and Theater departments. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Wander through Boise history |
516 South Eighth St Boise, ID 83702 United States +1 208 344 7777 (Boise Tourist Bureau) |
The Eighth Street Marketplace in downtown Boise commemorates Boise's 19th century past. This area is perfect for a lazy ramble through Boise's history. At 516 South Eighth Street, the Idaho Laundry building has been in operation since 1897. The nearby Boise Junk House at 521 South Eighth Street is where boys traded iron and other "junk" for cash. Other nearby landmarks are the Idaho Candy Company, in business since 1909, the Oregon Trail Memorial Bridge, and the Log Cabin Literary Center. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Visit Boise's first buildings |
610 North Julia Davis Drive Boise, ID 83702 United States +1 208 334 2120 |
Rescued by the Sons and Daughters of Idaho Pioneers, this complex of original Boise dwellings is located in the Julia Davis Park, next to the Idaho State Historical Museum. While wandering through two 1863 cabins, imagine the life of Isaac Coston who slept under his cabin's roof for 50 years. The other cabin housed a blacksmith and later a Chinese family. Other structures include an 1865-adobe house and a 1909 homesteader's shack. Admission fees: USD2 for adults, USD1 for children (6-18), Children under 6 free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Kenneth Freeman |
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Honoring athletic achievement |
404 South Eighth Street Boise, ID 83702 United States +1 208 343 7224 http://www.sportshumanitarian.... |
Located in historic Eighth Street Marketplace, this six-year-old museum recognizes athletes whose achievements have helped humanity. Housed in a temporary building, the hall inducts three athletes each year during December's Humanitarian Bowl. Past inductees have included Tom Landry, Tony Gwynn and Wilma Rudolph. Museum visitors can stroll past photographs of sports heroes and heroines. Fundraising is underway for a new 30,000 square-foot building east of Boise. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Idaho's largest cathedral |
775 North 8th Street Boise, ID 83702 United States +1 208 342 3511 |
Descriptive stained-glass windows accent this 800-seat cathedral. Idaho's largest cathedral stretches across an entire city block and has ceilings that soar up to 50 feet, but its size does not detract from its simple elegance. Warm, rich tones light the interior and intricate paintings climb the walls. Opening in 1921, the sandstone cathedral follows a Romanesque design, based on a Mainz, Germany cathedral. Even though the cathedral underwent a restoration in 1979, it retains an old-world feeling. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Buddy Stone |
 Photo: Fr. Mariusz Majewski |
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Historic Gothic church |
518 North Eighth Street Boise, ID 83702 United States +1 208 342 5601 |
Stained-glass Tiffany windows accent this old church. Claiming the area's first church bell, the church was constructed in 1902 with the same sandstone that is found in many of Boise's old buildings. The church's first organ, bought for USD500, began a strong tradition of music. Today, there are occasionally free concerts featuring Boise State University singers. Voices ring clearly in this Gothic church, making each concert an event not to miss. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Kenneth Freeman |
 Whitebird Wheat served here |
705 Fulton Street Boise, ID 83702 United States +1 208 342 0944 |
This airy beerhouse creates its own handcrafted beers and ales. A superb grill, providing tasty vittles, is also available, and children are welcome to watch the beers being made on site. For appetizers, try the Killer Bread, sourdough bread broiled with a "killer" topping of garlic, basil, parmesan, mayonnaise and black olives. Pub sandwiches include the TableRock Club, turkey, bacon, and roasted red peppers with tomato, lettuce, onion, topped with mayonnaise and served on toasted sourdough. Dinner specials include the Black Forest Pork Tenderloin, Seafood Jambalaya, and Smoked Chicken. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Beth Budwig |
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Once housed $75 million |
210 West Main Street Boise, ID 83702 United States |
Built in 1871, this National Historic Landmark housed about $75 million in gold and silver during its heyday. Gold discovered in the Wood River Valley, Boise Basin and Owyhee County created the need for a Federal mint or assay office in Idaho. The sandstone Assay Office operated until 1933 when it became the Boise National Forest headquarters. Today, it is home to the Idaho State Historic Preservation Office and the Archeological Survey of Idaho. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Buddy Stone |
 Open air zoo hosts 235 animals |
355 North Julia Davis Drive Boise, ID 83702 United States +1 208 384 4125 |
Established in 1916, this open-air zoo hosts about 235 animals from around the world. Located in the Julia Davis Park, the zoo is a perfect outing for children of all ages. Featuring otters, zebras and a variety of native Idaho animals, the zoo offers a special admission price on Thursdays.Bring a picnic lunch and spend some time with your favorite animal friends. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Marcie |
 Photo: Michael McLean |
 Photo: Rachems |
 Photo: Susan Carlson |
 Photo: Rance Patterson |
 Photo: kate rubin |
 Photo: crazyk4952 |
 Photo: Marissa Bartlett |
 Photo: Clayton Wangbichler |
 Photo: Cristina Lofton |
 Photo: ataraxiaprime |
 Photo: JGoode Designs |
 Photo: Jared Lindstrom |
 Photo: Kim Lindstrom |