Boise, the capital of Idaho, is another city in the United States that often flies under the radar. It is smack in the middle of Idaho’s millions of acres of forest and wildland, but that doesn’t mean that it’s not a thriving little city!
I know you’re wondering: what makes Boise great, then? What is Boise famous for? What is Boise known for?
Boise is famous for its Basque Block, the New Year’s Eve Potato Drop, and Camel’s Back Park. Boise is known as the City of Trees. Boise is also known for geothermal energy, Freak Alley, potatoes, and outdoor recreation, such as skiing and mountain biking.
Boise is known for its high quality of life and affordable living, all with access to some of the West’s best outdoors. So read on, to learn about Boise’s intriguing New Year’s Eve tradition, Boise State’s blue turf, and on what list National Geographic has placed Boise at the top of.
Table of Contents
1. City of Trees
The location of Boise was first settled by French fur trappers who were attracted to the tree-lined river valley.
The name, Boise, supposedly comes from one of these Frenchman, who shouted “Les bois! Les bois! (the trees! The trees!)” upon seeing the Boise Valley for the first time.
This is also the origin of Boise’s nickname: the City of Trees.
2. Camel’s Back Park
Near the historic (and adorable) neighborhood of Hyde Park, you’ll find Boise’s best urban park, Camel’s Back Park.
Named after the steep, dusty hill that dominates the park, Camel’s Back Park also connects with several nature reserves, giving you even more access to trails. In addition to the trails, you can find playgrounds, BBQ areas, and plenty of green space.
3. Idaho State Capitol
Boise became the capital of Idaho (then Idaho Territory) in 1864.
Construction on the Idaho State Capitol in Boise began in 1905 and was finally finished in 1920. Marble from all over the world was sourced to build the impressive dome, which was modeled after the great cathedrals of Europe.
The Idaho Capitol building is currently the only U.S. State Capital that is heated by geothermal energy.
Read more: 19 Things Idaho is Known and Famous For
4. Geothermal energy
Speaking of geothermal energy! A river of hot water runs beneath Boise’s foothills, and, seeing an opportunity, the city has been using geothermal waters to heat many of its buildings since the 1890s.
Now, Boise has the country’s largest geothermal energy system, and one of the world’s oldest. The system is closed loop and sustainable, and a model for sustainable energy.
Also, this means that Boise is also surrounded by a lot of wild hot springs. Fun!
5. Basque Block
Here’s a fun Boise fact for ya: Boise has the largest population of Basques (an ethnic group from the border of France and Spain with their own language, genetic ancestry, and common culture) outside of Spain itself!
Much of the Boise Basque population, around 15,000 people, resides around the area called “Basque Block.”
Here is where you’ll find the Basque Museum & Cultural Center, the Basque Market, and many Basque-inspired restaurants. (Find one and get the paella!)
6. Boise River Greenbelt
The Boise River Greenbelt, a paved cyclist and pedestrian trail, follows the river 25 miles through the middle of Boise itself. The path links over 800 acres of parks and stretches to the nearby town of Eagle, to Eagle Island State Park.
For biking and hiking, swimming and even surfing (and one spot on the river!), or even just for walking through the city, you must visit the Boise River Greenbelt.
7. Blue turf at Boise State
Boise is famous for…blue turf?? At Boise State University, home of the Broncos (not to be confused with the Denver Broncos, although they are both football teams) is known for its unusual blue field in its stadium, known just as “THE BLUE.”
Fun fact: the actual team isn’t allowed to wear blue on their blue field, as other teams were complaining it was giving them an advantage.
8. Old Idaho Penitentiary Site
The Old Idaho Penitentiary Historic Site in Boise is the original jail from Boise Territory (just called the “Territorial Jail” back then). Built in 1872, over 13,000 prisoners were incarcerated here over its 100-year history.
It’s an interesting and well-preserved piece of history you can visit, and also, reputedly spooky. Considered to be one of the most haunted places in all of Idaho, it’s also a great spot if you’re into paranormal tourism (which yes is a thing!).
9. Potatoes
Idaho’s license plate says two words: Famous Potatoes. So it tracks that Boise is also famous for, well, potatoes! Between the clean soil, clean water, clean air, and relatively mild climate, Idaho sure knows how to grow a potato!
For some of the best potato dishes in Boise, visit the Boise Fry Company, Goodwill BBQ, and Barbacoa Grill, or pick some up at the Boise Farmers Market and make ‘em yourself.
10. The potato drop
Forget that fancy glass ball that drops at midnight every NYE in NYC—Boise drops a GlowTato at midnight! The Idaho Potato Drop is Boise’s annual New Year’s Eve party, with onlookers counting down until the potato drops at midnight.
The GlowTato is a replica of a giant Idaho potato, with some extra glam added. The potato also drops amidst a firework show and other festivities and is definitely a unique way to ring in the new year.
11. Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial
In a tribute to Anne Frank’s enduring faith in humanity, Boise’s Wassmuth Center for Human Rights built the Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial near the Boise Greenbelt in 2002.
The memorial is built as an amphitheater with several sculptures, artifacts, and etched quotes that honor Anne Frank and other important figures over history.
There’s also a chestnut sapling within the memorial that was donated from the Anne Frank Chestnut Tree in Amsterdam, one of only 11 sites in the United States to receive this gift.
12. Parks
The City of Trees is also a city of parks! Along with the Boise River Greenbelt, there are many other parks within the city. These parks have miles of walking and biking trails, swimming areas, playgrounds, museums, and more!
In Julia Davis Park, you’ll also find the third-largest Abraham Lincoln statue in the entire world. (Good old Honest Abe signed the Idaho Territory into being, so he’s kind of important to the state).
13. World Center For Birds of Prey
The headquarters for the Peregrine Fund is located in Boise, at the World Center for Birds of Prey. The Peregrine Fund works around the world to conserve raptors and other birds of prey, such as the peregrine falcon (see: their name).
The World Center for Birds of Prey gives you a chance to learn about and support this mission, as well as encounter live birds of prey, or watch them in a “flight.”
14. Outdoor recreation
Boise is known for its easy access to a wide variety of outdoor activities and was once even named the #1 Adventure City by National Geographic Adventure.
You can hike near Table Rock (or any of the many trails), downhill skiing at the Bogus Basin Ski Resort, kayak on the nearby Payette River, surf on the Boise River (one just one rapid in just one spot, but still fun!), or go biking/mountain biking all over town and in the foothills.
15. Freak Alley
Freak Alley Gallery in Boise’s North End is thought to be the largest open-air mural gallery in the northwest. Freak Alley started in 2002 with one mural by artist Colby Akers and has since grown to a unique, free venue for local artists to display their work.
The ever-evolving artwork is generally transformed every August, giving new artists a chance to contribute.
16. Boise Depot
Like many towns in the West, when the railroad arrived in Boise, it ushered in an era of growth and industry.
The Boise Depot was built in 1925 at the arrival of the Union Pacific Railroad, the first transcontinental railroad. Nowadays, the beautiful, historic, Spanish-style building is used for events and tours, and it has gorgeous views of the city.
17. Oregon Trail Historic Reserve
The Oregon Trail once traversed through the Boise Valley, entering at Bonneville Point, which is about 10 miles east of Boise (the city).
Wagon ruts from the Oregon Trail are still visible at the Oregon Trail Historic Reserve in Boise. This 77-acre preserve lets you follow along the ruts and provides interpretive signs for more history, as well as views of the valley.
18. Access to nature
The wilderness area around Boise gives you access to some of the spectacular nature the West is famous for! We’re talking mountains and lakes, sand dunes and geysers, rivers, and forests.
Within a few hours, you can drive to the gorgeous Lake McCall, Bruneau Sand Dunes, Craters of the Moon National Monument, or Shoshone Falls.
For even closer adventures, try Castle Rock, Sandy Point Beach, Barclay Bay, or Discovery Park.
19. Breweries & wineries
The Boise Valley has a long history of both wine-making and beer production (who knew?). Nearly 20 wineries on the Urban Wine Trail, in addition to 15 local breweries, make Boise an ideal place for all you wine and beer lovers out there.
For wine, try Cinder, Bodovino, or Split Rail Winery; for beer, try Boise Brewing, Payette Brewing, or Cloud 9 Brewery.
Conclusion
Okay, who’s ready to go to Boise now? I know I’m ready to go back! The City of Trees is no longer a secret gem hidden in the West, thanks in part to me, but I can’t help but spread the Boise fun when I can.
So if you’re hoping for a fun, friendly city full of amazing food, amazing wine, amazing beer, amazing activities, amazing nature, and a whole lot of potatoes, then Boise is where you should go next!
Which fact about Boise surprised you the most? Let’s discuss in the comments!
