Visitors to the city of Boise, Idaho, have a variety of fun and interesting attractions to choose from. Whether you're interested in art and culture, nature, or history, you'll find something to enjoy. Here is a list of popular Boise attractions.
Did you know that Boise has long been a central location for Basque immigrants to congregate after coming to the United States from Spain's Basque Region? The Basque Museum & Cultural Center provides a look into the Basque heritage through exhibits, collections, and tours.
This hands-on museum is a place where kids of all ages can enjoy learning about science and nature. Medicine, electricity, sound, and astronomy are just some of the topics covered in the Center's over 150 interactive exhibits.
Birds of prey are among the Earth's most majestic creatures. The Peregrine Fund World Center for Birds of Prey gives you an inside look at the works being done to save endangered species of hawks, eagles, falcons, and tropical birds of prey. The Velma Morrison Interpretive Center is a modern facility where you can explore the world of raptors through interactive displays, multi-media shows, and close-up views of birds of prey, including the California Condor.
You'll see all sorts of creatures at Zoo Boise, not only from the local region but from around the world. Special events, volunteer and educational programs, a cafe, and a gift shop round out this Idaho zoo's offerings.
Boise Art Museum's collection focuses on 20th-century American art with an emphasis on artists of the Pacific Northwest, American Realism and ceramics. In addition to viewing items from the permanent collection, museum visitors have the chance to take in an every-changing variety of special exhibitions featuring artists from America and around the world.
The Museum's collection covers the full range of Idaho's history, from prehistoric times through the fur trade, the gold rush, pioneer settlement, and up to the present. Exhibits about the state's Native American, Chinese, and Basque populations are also presented. Located in Julia Davis Park, the Idaho Historical Museum is the state's largest and most popular museum.
Idaho isn't know as the "Gem State" for nothing - the state is home to a whole lot of cool rocks and minerals. Museum visitors will see examples of the garnet, quartz, jasper, agate, and opal found in Idaho, and will learn about the geologic forces that created the state's many gemstones. Other minerals and fossils are on display. You'll also get a chance to learn about the region's rich mining history.
Tour Idaho's State Capitol building and grounds and learn more about the architecture, history, and functions of the lovely old structure.
Covering 50 acres, the grounds of this botanical garden originally served as the farm and nursery for the Idaho State Penitentiary. Today the Idaho Botanical Garden offers a series of specialty gardens, including a contemporary English Garden, a Meditation Garden, a Children's Garden, and an Heirloom Rose Garden, among others. Opening in May 2006 is the Lewis and Clark Native Plant Garden.
