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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 |
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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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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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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 |
 Outstanding Chardonnay |
18835 Symms Road Boise, ID 83605 United States +1 208 454 3300 / +1 800 318 7873 http://www.idahowine.org/Hells... |
Part of the Treasure Valley's growing wine country, this winery offers award-winning Chardonnay and other wines under the Hell's Canyon label. Opened in 1980, the winery is located near several other wineries in a grape-loving stretch of land near the Snake River about 45 minutes from Boise. Named for the Snake River's famous Hell's Canyon, the chateau-inspired winery opens its doors to visitors on the weekends for wine tasting of the Hell's Canyon label, Bird Dog White and Retriever Red. 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 |
 Experience Idaho's military contribution |
4748 Lindberg Street Building 924 Boise, ID 83705 United States +1 208 422 4841 |
Located at Gowen Field, where airmen trained during World War II, this museum celebrates Idaho's military history through photographs and artifacts. A late-1800s lieutenant, sporting an enormous mustache, stares gloomily from the wall. World War II memorabilia has a prominent place among the displays, and you can stroll past a 1941 Willy's Jeep. The displays are brought up-to-date with F-4 and F-16 cockpit simulators. Visitors can make their own dog tag at the gift shop or visit the research library. Admission is free, although, donations are always welcome. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Rich red wine |
1000 North McDermott Road Boise, ID 83634 United States +1 208 922 4791 http://www.idahowine.com/India... |
A picnic area stretches out from this winery, making it possible to relax with an outstanding red or white Pinot Noir, the winery's signature wine. Although the Pinot Noir is their most successful wine, the winery has also won awards for their Chardonnay. Sitting near the Kuna Butte Vineyard, where some of the grapes are grown, the winery opened in 1987. Owners Bill and Mui Stowe's love of their craft is evident to visitors with wine-making discussions a common event. The winery also hosts special events, such as birthday parties and weddings. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Fruit brandy, too |
20928 Grape Lane Boise, ID 83605 United States +1 208 455 8386 http://www.idahowine.com/Koeni... |
The red-roofed building rises from its high desert surroundings like a Mediterranean villa. Housing winemaking equipment and a wine tasting room, the building is home to this Sunny Slope winery. One of several wineries in the area, about 45 minutes from Boise, the winery not only makes wine and brandy from grapes, but also uses pears, prunes, apricots and peaches. Special events include an August Harvest Festival with dining and dancing. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Susan Watson Peck |
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Get lucky! |
9275 East Highway 21 Boise, ID 83716 United States +1 208 344 2679 http://www.idahoparks.org/park... |
Visitors looking for a quick escape from the city should check out this large park just 10 miles east of Boise. You can build sand castles or enjoy a picnic at Sandy Point at the base of the Lucky Peak Dam. Cyclists can bike to the park on the Boise River Greenbelt. Named one of the best parks in the Northwest by a travel magazine, the area also offers fishing, boat slips and wildlife watching. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jack Sullivan |
 Photo: Jack Sullivan |
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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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Turn-of-century home |
1122 Main Street Boise, ID 83605 United States +1 208 459 1413 |
Antiques spill out of this turn-of-the-century home, located about 30 minutes from Boise. Recreating a bygone era, the home offers a vintage kitchen, pantry, parlor, bedrooms and other rooms. Furnished with late 1800s and early 1900s furniture and novelty items, the 19-room house allows visitors to explore a different time. This museum was acquired by the Canyon County Historical Society in June 2006. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: mark_pemble |
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Ultimate Stress Buster |
1000 Treasure Valley Way Boise, ID 83714 United States +1 208 321 8371 |
With their kind of experience, PeaceWorks in Idaho surely know how to do away with stress and pain. With different forms of massages and treatments for neuromotor dysfunctions, this place has created a niche for itself. PeaceWorks also specializes in massages meant for people suffering from polio and injuries. Other special therapies include kinesiotherapy and even reflex therapies. Do remember to take an appointment before dropping as they do not entertain people otherwise. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Wine tasting and big views |
13750 Surrey Lane Boise, ID 83686 United States +1 208 467 1200 http://www.sawtoothwinery.com/ |
The views are endless from this winery; vineyards surround it like a moat and the rugged Owhyee Mountains are visible in the distance. Offering a variety of wines, including Riesling, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, the winery is located in what was once pasture land. The family decided to try their hand at grapes, with their efforts coming to fruition in 1987. Originally named Pintler Cellars, the winery is now part of the Corus Northwest Wineries, along with Ste. Chappelle Winery. Special events include Mother's Day and Thanksgiving weekend open houses. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jennifer Thompson |
 Photo: Aisha Willits |
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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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Wine tasting with mountain views |
19348 Lowell Road Boise, ID 83607 United States +1 208 459 7222 |
Opening in 1978, this winery about 30 miles west of Boise has grown to be Idaho's largest and best known winery. The Winery Hill Vineyard surrounds the winery and its two-acre park, where picnickers can enjoy the views of the Snake River and Owyhee Mountains while listening to Sunday jazz concerts during the summer. Wine tasting and tours take place daily, sharing the history of the winery's award-winning grapes, which produce about 130,000 cases of wine every year. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: matthias shapiro |
 Photo: Megan Brown |
 Photo: Helen Reynolds |
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WWII aircraft on display |
201 Municipal Drive (Nampa Municipal Airport) Boise, ID 83687 United States +1 208 465 6446 http://www.warhawkairmuseum.org/ |
History seekers journey to Nampa, about 20 minutes west of Boise, from all over the nation to view this rare collection of artifacts from World War II. Old war planes, uniforms, cameras, photos and engines are on display. Visitors also can explore Japanese and German memorabilia. Some of the museum's planes were used for the film "Pearl Harbor". Guided tours are available and usually last about an hour. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Bluedharma |
 Photo: Jason Wills |
 Photo: Tony Speer |
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Highest winery in Northwest |
16316 Orchard Street Boise, ID 83605 United States +1 208 459 2631 |
This winery, nestled in Canyon County's fertile Sunnyslope area, sits higher than any other winery in the Northwest. At 2,800 feet the winery gives a commanding view of the surrounding Owyhee Mountains and scenic Snake River. Opening in 1981, the family-owned winery offers the River Runner label, which honors Idaho's wild waters and the owner's history as a river guide. The River Runner label features an award winning Johannisberg Riesling and equally honored Chardonnay. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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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 |