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MAC Boise - A Day in the Park
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Connected by the Boise River Greenbelt, Ann Morrison Park, Kathryn Albertson Park and Julia Davis Regional Park are the grand dames of Boise's park system. Visitors can spend a morning or afternoon exploring the park's attractions or viewing wildlife while following the smooth, paved Greenbelt pathway.

Beginning at Ann Morrison Park, between Capitol and Americana boulevards and a short distance from downtown, visitors can stroll next to a cascading pool and fountain while admiring the homes that overlook the park along the Boise Bench. Named for Anna Daly, who later married the founder of Morrison-Knudsen Company, Boise's largest park is a peaceful place to start the day.

Continuing across Americana Boulevard, you next come to the Kathryn Albertson Park, named for grocery king Joe Albertson's wife. The park is home to many migratory birds and boasts a section of the largest Ponderosa Pine in the world. Careful watchers might see raccoons, beavers, or even the occasional fox. Pathways twist through the park with informational signs about the resident wildlife.

Julia Davis Park, the last park on the tour, is a short distance away on the Greenbelt. Crossing over the Boise River and passing by the Boise Public Library, you come to the park, named for one of Boise's early residents. Located between Capitol Boulevard and Broadway Avenue, the park offers many attractions including Zoo Boise, the Boise Art Museum, Pioneer Village, Idaho State Historical Museum and Discovery Center. After visiting the three parks, you will soon discover that your afternoon or morning has quickly slipped away.







Copyright 1999-2005 Wcities, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Contact Wcities

Ann Morrison Park


Largest park in Boise
Americana Boulevard
(south of Boise River; near Capitol and Americana boulevards)
Boise, ID 83702
United States
+1 208 384 4240 (Boise Parks Office)
Geese and ducks boldly march past a cascading fountain, while children swing high into the air. Boise's largest park is a bucolic place to spend an afternoon. Stately homes look out from the Boise Ridge while the park unfolds like a green carpet. Named after Ann Daly, who is more famous under her married name of Morrison (as in Morrison-Knudson Company), this 153-acre park opened in 1959. Today, visitors can play tennis, softball, football and soccer or relax next to the Boise River for a picnic.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Ann Morrison Park photo by Jason Abbott and Jessica Wright
Photo: Jason Abbott and Jessica Wright
Ann Morrison Park photo by Lewis
Photo: Lewis
Ann Morrison Park photo by Ken Chua iPod Bunster
Photo: Ken Chua iPod Bunster
Ann Morrison Park photo by Steven Strack
Photo: Steven Strack
Ann Morrison Park photo by Jeremy Pickett
Photo: Jeremy Pickett
Ann Morrison Park photo by Gizy
Photo: Gizy
 

 
Boise Art Museum


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
Boise Art Museum photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Boise Bench


Boise
United States
Not that long ago, the Boise Bench was a mishmash of 1950s brick bungalows and grander homes overlooking downtown Boise and its string of parks. Today, the Bench's character has changed because of Hewlett-Packard (HP), one of Boise's largest private employers, and the Boise Towne Square Mall.

Divided by Highway 184, the Bench includes the West Bench, dominated by HP and the Boise Towne Square Mall, and the Central Bench, home to quiet bungalows. Boise's largest parks, Ann Morrison Park and Kathryn Albertson Park, are found in the Central Bench. The Boise Train Depot, with its priceless views of downtown Boise and surrounding mountains, and the Stage Coach Theatre, home to entertaining community theater, also call this district home.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Boise Bench photo by David G Kugler
Photo: David G Kugler
 

 
Boise Public Library


Brimming with history and helpful people
715 South Capitol Boulevard
Boise, ID 83702
United States
+1 208 384 4076
http://www.boisepubliclibrary.org
askalibrarian@cityofboise.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
Boise Public Library photo by Jeff Fitzgerald
Photo: Jeff Fitzgerald
Boise Public Library photo by Christie13
Photo: Christie13
Boise Public Library photo by Ken Kieffer
Photo: Ken Kieffer
 

 
Boise River Greenbelt


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
Boise River Greenbelt photo by Mark Mauno
Photo: Mark Mauno
Boise River Greenbelt photo by James Festi
Photo: James Festi
Boise River Greenbelt photo by James Festi
Photo: James Festi
 

 
Discovery Center of Idaho


Science center for children
131 Myrtle Street
Boise, ID 83702
United States
+1 208 343 9895
http://www.scidaho.org
Have you ever wondered why you see colors in soap bubbles? Your answer waits at this educational center, a science museum that features interactive and hands-on displays. Visitors check out the House of Science to see how machines and devices work, and what scientific principles take effect. More than 40 different exhibits, in addition to traveling exhibits, are featured.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Discovery Center of Idaho photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Idaho State Historical Museum


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
Idaho State Historical Museum photo by Beverly Vealach
Photo: Beverly Vealach
 

 
Julia Davis Park


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
Julia Davis Park photo by Tim Rigsby
Photo: Tim Rigsby
Julia Davis Park photo by Wade Dorrell
Photo: Wade Dorrell
Julia Davis Park photo by picmax@flickr
Photo: picmax@flickr
Julia Davis Park photo by Jasperdo
Photo: Jasperdo
Julia Davis Park photo by Steve Hulme
Photo: Steve Hulme
Julia Davis Park photo by John Sumsion
Photo: John Sumsion
Julia Davis Park photo by Bryan Lass
Photo: Bryan Lass
Julia Davis Park photo by Amy Wang (huimei98)
Photo: Amy Wang (huimei98)
Julia Davis Park photo by terronzo
Photo: terronzo
Julia Davis Park photo by Lea Driever
Photo: Lea Driever
Julia Davis Park photo by Michael
Photo: Michael
Julia Davis Park photo by Tan Kok Hui
Photo: Tan Kok Hui
 

 
Kathryn Albertson Park


Attention nature-walkers
Americana Boulevard
Boise, ID 83705
United States
This urban park, completed in 1989, is one of Boise's newest additions to its extensive park system. Ideal for nature-walkers, it features a self-guided tour, which explains its unique plant and animal habitat, on a peaceful paved pathway. Ducks float on a pond while fish occasionally break the water's surface. Gazebos, a fountain and the largest cross-section of a Ponderosa Pine on this planet can also be found here. Named after the wife of the Albertsons' grocery store founder, the park is located across from Ann Morrison Park and allows leashed pets.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Kathryn Albertson Park photo by Andy Dopieralski
Photo: Andy Dopieralski
Kathryn Albertson Park photo by Travis Downey
Photo: Travis Downey
Kathryn Albertson Park photo by Julie Walton
Photo: Julie Walton
Kathryn Albertson Park photo by Shawna Foster
Photo: Shawna Foster
Kathryn Albertson Park photo by Gerry Slabaugh
Photo: Gerry Slabaugh
Kathryn Albertson Park photo by Madhu Muraleedharan
Photo: Madhu Muraleedharan
Kathryn Albertson Park photo by Zeb Palmer
Photo: Zeb Palmer
Kathryn Albertson Park photo by David Dubrall
Photo: David Dubrall
Kathryn Albertson Park photo by Allen Parks
Photo: Allen Parks
Kathryn Albertson Park photo by Alisha Donahue
Photo: Alisha Donahue
 

 
Pioneer Village


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
Pioneer Village photo by Kenneth Freeman
Photo: Kenneth Freeman
 

 
Zoo Boise


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
Zoo Boise photo by Marcie
Photo: Marcie
Zoo Boise photo by Michael McLean
Photo: Michael McLean
Zoo Boise photo by Rachems
Photo: Rachems
Zoo Boise photo by Susan Carlson
Photo: Susan Carlson
Zoo Boise photo by Rance Patterson
Photo: Rance Patterson
Zoo Boise photo by kate rubin
Photo: kate rubin
Zoo Boise photo by crazyk4952
Photo: crazyk4952
Zoo Boise photo by Marissa Bartlett
Photo: Marissa Bartlett
Zoo Boise photo by Clayton Wangbichler
Photo: Clayton Wangbichler
 

 
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