Boise, our incredible capital city, is the perfect place for a fun family vacation and exploring all it has to offer! Boise has some incredible history, vistas, unique attractions, and more. Here are some must see places for whether you’re new to town or have been living here your entire life!
Places
The Idaho State Capitol Building
It’s pretty incredible to be living in a city with a state capitol building in the heart of it. The Renaissance Revival architecture and the sandstone exterior resonate with the dusty light auburn hues of Boise’s surrounding foothills, adapting the Capitol’s civic symbolism to serve the people and land of Idaho. And tours are available Monday through Friday!
Old Idaho Penitentiary
Built in 1870, the Old Idaho Penitentiary is one of only four territorial prisons open to the public today. During its 101 years of operation, the site saw escapes, scandals, and the effects of Boise’s transition from the “wild west” to a mid-20th century capital city. Step inside the four walls of the prison yard and imagine a life of confinement as steel doors close behind you. Guided Tours are available most days!
Freak Alley Gallery
This art gallery is the Northwest’s largest open air multi artist mural gallery located in Downtown Boise. It is this incredible collection of work from local artists that cover the walls of an alley and parking lot. It’s a super cool and unique spot to visit!
Vistas
Table Rock
The Table Rock area offers challenging hiking and mountain biking opportunities. Most users access these trails from the Old Idaho Penitentiary parking lot! From the top, there is a towering white cross that overlooks the Treasure Valley where you can point out landmarks and take in all Idaho has to offer.
Boise Depot
If you’re looking for a cool historical landmark but also one of the best views of the Capitol building and Downtown Boise, this is your spot! Designed by New York architects, the building opened in 1925 to elaborate fanfare in the capital city. It is surrounded by a beautiful garden and is the perfect place for a photo op.
Lucky Peak
Lucky Peak State Park is the perfect place for swimming, picnicking, fishing, boating, camping, or biking. Some of my best summer days have been spent on this lake! Filled with sunshine and water, having this lake so close to Boise makes it a must visit!
Unique Events
Spirit of Boise
One of Boise’s most unique and beautiful events is the Spirit of Boise event in Ann Morison park. For 5 days, hot air balloons take off and float across the Boise skyline. It is an incredibly beautiful week in our beloved city!
Alive After Five
This free summer concert series (that’s right, Free!) is for all ages outdoors on The Grove Plaza in Downtown Boise during June, July, and August. This is one of my favorite summer events! Live music, good drinks, and in the heart of Downtown Boise. It is such a great community event that brings people together on weeknights for a good time.
Treefort Music Festival
Treefort is a five-day, indie rock festival that is held at numerous venues throughout downtown Boise, Idaho! This week-long event has amazing things like live music, beer gardens, comedy shows, food, yoga, art, and so much more! It truly shows all the beauty of Boise.
