Boise, Idaho, has been called the best place for millennials to live in the US. UU. The city of 229,000 inhabitants is also one of the fastest growing in the United States, attracting transplants from states such as California, Washington and Oregon with its comparatively low cost of living, growing technology scene and easy access to nature. Boise is known as the City of Trees, with several outdoor attractions and a rich history.
The area was started by fur hunters and then became a golden hot spot. Today, the area is known for its delicious meals, outdoor attractions, artistic and cultural events, and its growing attractions. Boise, the capital of Idaho, was established during the days of the 19th century gold rush. What was then a municipality located next to Fort Boise, has come to life in the last 180 years in the city you see today.
While gold is no longer attracting as much interest in the city, rich natural resources continue to make Boise a great place to live. Natural attractions are hard to miss in Boise. The entire Boise National Forest adjoins the north end of the city, and organizations like Ridge to Rivers maintain hundreds of miles of trails. The national forest also includes nearby ski slopes.
To enjoy the city's natural appeal, a variety of city parks line the Boise River Green Belt. Other cultural places to visit include the Old Idaho Penitentiary and the State Capitol. Make your trip to the capital of Idaho a memorable one with our list of the best things to do in Boise. Built in 1870 from hand-cut sandstone, Old Idaho Penitentiary housed inmates for more than a century before returning to being a state museum and historic site.
The Old Idaho Penitentiary, or Old Pen, includes 30 historic structures, some of which now feature educational exhibits. The Boise Green Belt, located along the Boise River, runs through the city center and links 850 acres of wilderness and parks. The 25-mile Green Belt offers a variety of biking and hiking trails, as well as opportunities to observe wildlife. This picturesque corridor is often used both for non-motorized trips and for experiencing nature.
Located on the north end of town and on the edge of the foothills of Boise, Camel's Back Park is a popular open space with a variety of things to do. Within the 11 acres of developed park, visitors can use tennis courts, children's playground equipment and an outdoor gym. Picnic areas and open play areas are also popular during the warmer months. Kathryn Albertson Park is a 41-acre special purpose park located southwest of downtown Boise.
Most of the park is a wetland habitat full of wildlife, including a variety of birds. Established trails pass picturesque lagoons and a decorative fountain. Conservation stations next to paved walkways provide information on surrounding flora and fauna. Kathryn Albertson is one of many parks linked by the Boise River Green Belt.
Other nearby urban parks include adjacent Ann Morrison Park and Julia Davis Park, across the river. The garden has 14 special gardens ranging from a contemporary English garden to a meditative garden, with each landscaped space taking a unique approach. The botanical garden also includes a traditional rose garden, with more than 300 different roses in 107 varieties. The Discovery Center hosts a wide variety of events and programs, including summer camps and a Young Discoverers club designed for children ages three to five.
The museum also hosts four adult nights each year for those over 21 who want unbridled access to the play space. Located less than 20 miles from downtown Boise, Bogus Basin is a great year-round recreation area. In winter, the hill is a non-profit ski area that is popular with locals. Seven chairlifts and four transporter lifts access 2,600 acres of skiable terrain.
The mountain also has refurbished nordic tracks and an 800-foot pipe ramp. Several trails venture through the foothills of Boise from Camel's Back Park, including the Lower Hulls Gulch Trail, one of Boise's best hiking trails. Located in the center of the city, is the Boise Centre, Idaho's largest and largest convention facility, a prime location for conferences, meetings, trade shows, receptions and more. In addition, residents of the Boise area have Interstate 184 (known locally as The Connector), a nearly 5 mile (8 km) stretch of highway that connects I-84 to the downtown Boise area.
West Boise is home to the Boise Towne Square Mall, the largest in the state, as well as many restaurants, shopping malls and residential developments ranging from new subdivisions to apartment complexes. The Boise State University campus and the Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial are along the way. Enjoy panoramic views from the Green Belt of the Boise River, admire contemporary art at the Boise Museum of Art and visit the capital's vibrant public market. Located on North Garden Street, Boise Trolley Tours offers a variety of guided tours by Boise natives with extensive knowledge of the city's sights.
There is a growing dichotomy between the urbanization of Boise and rural Idaho, which is still in control of the legislature. The Boise metropolitan area, also known as Treasure Valley, includes five counties with a combined population of 749,202 inhabitants, the most populous metropolitan area in Idaho. In addition to numerous radio stations, Boise has five major commercial television stations serving the greater Boise area. I have spent a small amount of time in Idaho now, four months in Boise and several months in northern Idaho.
Located in the Boise Cultural District, Idaho's Anne Frank Human Rights Monument is a bronze statue of Anne Frank and a stainless steel statue of human rights figures along with more than 60 quotes from activists from history. Located on the banks of the Boise River, Boise State University (BSU) offers more than 200 fields of study with excellent nursing, computer science and engineering programs. Boise Art Glass is a glass-producing company located in the historic Bogie's Building on West Front Street in downtown Boise. .
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