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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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Oldest temple west of Mississippi |
11 North Latah Street Boise, ID 83706 United States +1 208 343 6601 http://www.ahavathbethisrael.org/ |
This Moorish-style synagogue is small in size but dripping in history. Built in 1896, it has the honor of being the nation's oldest continually-used temple on the western side of the Mississippi. Former Idaho Governor Moses Alexander, the first Jewish governor in the United States, was instrumental in the temple's founding. The architects tried to copy a Toledo, Spain temple, and their success is obvious with a distinctively Spanish feel in the synagogue. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: 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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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  |
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Historic depot with valley views |
Vista Avenue (Corner of Vista Avenue and Capitol Boulevard) Boise, ID 83702 United States +1 208 384 4014 |
Looking out over downtown Boise and the Boise River, this glass-fronted train depot has welcomed visitors since 1925. Union Pacific stopped using the depot in 1971, resulting in a dilapidated building. Luckily, the Morrison-Kundsen Company financed a restoration, based on old photographs and plans. Today visitors can view the valley from the bell tower or wander through the manicured Platt Gardens that surround the building. The depot is also available for special events, such as weddings. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Michael |
 Photo: Aaron B. Hockley |
 Photo: Matthew Cole |
 Photo: Ann N |
 Photo: Cedric Booker |
 Photo: Paul Hafner |
 Photo: Jane Wilson |
 Photo: Kelli |
 Photo: Stephen Peaslee |
 Photo: Linda Hall |
 Photo: jmcraftworks |
 Photo: Sapam Shyamananda |
 Photo: Gay L Bauwens |
 Photo: lynx1859 |
 Photo: mori_blur |
 Photo: Chad Fish |
 Photo: Kevin |
 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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Boise's first church |
Broadway Avenue (Broadway Avenue and Campus Lane, Boise State University) Boise, ID 83725 United States +1 208 426 1900 |
This tiny white church with its soaring bell tower looks out of place on the modern Boise State University campus. Built in 1866, it's Boise's first church and was formerly called St. Michael's Episcopal Church. Christ Chapel Historical Society incorporated in 1963 to restore and operate the Christ Chapel. The chapel is now at the Boise Junior College campus and is used mainly for weddings. 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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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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Window shopping along historic street |
13th Street (north of downtown) Boise, ID 83702 United States +1 208 344 7777 http://www.northend.org/hydepa... |
For old-world charm, visitors can stroll or cycle through this North End neighborhood. Neat bungalows line 13th Street, brushing up against sports stores, river guides, art galleries, interior decorators, antique shops and tasty restaurants like Lucky 13 and Richard's Across the Street. Close to the downtown area but feeling like a small village within the city, the neighborhood is famous for its Hyde Park Street Fair. This small retail center deserves its place among favorite shopping haunts. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Chris |
 Photo: Aaron Grable |
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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 |
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 Photo: Marcus Hanscom |
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 Photo: Peter Marki-Zay |
 Photo: richardc020 |
 Photo: Paul Clark |
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 Photo: Paul Murrell |
 Photo: Jerry Herbster |
 Photo: Jackie Faherty |
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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 |
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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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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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Tour an old frontier prison |
2445 Old Penitentiary Road Boise, ID 83712 United States +1 208 368 6080 |
The "Old Pen" is a view of prison life in the West over the span of 100 years. The castle-like fortress was built in 1870 and was enlarged over the years, often with prisoner labor, until 1973 when a new prison replaced this one. Visitors take a 90-minute tour through solitary confinement cells, death row and the gallows. It is also the site of Idaho's only hanging in 1957. The building also houses several museums within the museum. Admission fees: USD5 for adults, USD4 for seniors and USD3 for kids (6-12). Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Bob Minton, Boise ID |
 Photo: Peter Thody |
 Photo: Charles W. Voll |
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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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Honoring Western pioneers |
Capitol Boulevard Boise, ID 83702 United States |
Arching dramatically over the Boise River, this picturesque bridge displays colorful ceramic panels. The concrete arch is a sturdy memorial to the Oregon Trail pioneers that crossed the Boise River close to where the bridge stands. Built by the Boise construction company, Morrison Knudsen, the bridge offers views of the Boise Train Depot on one side and the Idaho State Capitol Building on the other. Nearby Julia Davis Park, and the The Cabin make for an interesting tour. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Kenneth Freeman |
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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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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 |
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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 |
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Stroll past elegant Victorian homes |
Warm Springs Avenue Boise, ID 83702 United States +1 208 344 7777 / +1 800 635 5240 |
This tree-filled avenue is home to some of Boise's first houses and boasts graceful late 1800s architecture. It is located half a mile from Broadway Avenue, near downtown. These elegant mansions were the first in the United States to be geothermally heated. The oldest home, built in 1868, is at 1035 Warm Springs Avenue. The first geothermally heated home, built in 1891, is found at 1109 Warm Springs Avenue. At 929 Warm Springs Avenue, you come to a 1925 house built in the style of a British manor. All of the homes are private and are not open for tours. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |