If you’re looking for things to do in Boise, Idaho, you’ve come to the right place. The Idaho capital is home to many cultural attractions, from Geothermal hot springs to the Old Idaho State Penitentiary. But if you don’t have time to visit all of these places, you should at least explore the Greenbelt, which offers a scenic route through the city. And you can’t forget the Freak Alley Gallery!
Old Idaho State Penitentiary
Old Idaho State Penitentiary was a working prison from 1872 to 1973. It’s located in the western United States, east of Boise, Idaho. The Old Idaho State Penitentiary’s history is quite interesting. This prison was a source of inspiration to many prisoners who went through its walls. There are many reasons to visit this prison today. Learn about the conditions prisoners were kept in while incarcerated at the prison.
During the prison’s operation, there were various buildings that served a variety of functions. There were buildings for a dining hall, a commissary, a hospital, orchards, and even poultry houses. The food they produced helped supply the Veteran Home and the insane asylum in Nampa. However, the prison’s conditions eventually became unbearable for the prisoners. As overcrowding increased, new buildings were added. In fact, prisoners helped build them themselves, saving the state a significant amount of money on labor costs.
For a truly eerie experience, visit the Old Idaho State Penitentiary in Boise. The prison has a rich history and contains many interesting exhibits. Visitors will be amazed by the details that are presented. The staff is very friendly, and the admission is reasonable. The Old Idaho State Penitentiary is open seven days a week, except for major state holidays. The prison is open to the public from noon to 5 pm every day except for major holidays. Visitors should bring an adult with them if they are under 12 years old.
The Old Idaho State Penitentiary in Boise was opened in 1870, when it was still a territory. Inmates worked in nearby stone quarries to build more buildings and eventually the prison consisted of fifteen buildings. It eventually housed more than 600 inmates. The Old Idaho State Penitentiary was closed in 1973 due to riots, but its history has not diminished. In 1989, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Once a prison for women, the Old Idaho State Penitentiary is now a museum dedicated to its history. Visitors can tour the prison’s former farm and experience life as an inmate. There are even spooky haunted cell houses. The haunted cell house is popular with tourists. It has an extensive collection of creepy mummies and ghosts. If you’re looking for an intense and scary experience, head down to the Old Idaho State Penitentiary in Boise today.
Geothermal hot springs
Located in the Payette National Forest, the Hot Springs at Payette are two and a half feet deep and have enough room for five to six people. The tubs are built with boulders and siphoned from geothermal rock. Visitors can swim or soak in the hot water for as long as they’d like, and you can even camp in the springs! The water temperature in these hot springs is controlled partially by temperature, so they’re great for summer and winter months.
One of the lesser-known hot springs in Idaho is the Bonneville Hot Springs, which is about 2.5 hours from Boise. It is open throughout the day, so you can spend a relaxing day there. The water temperature ranges from 100 to 120 degrees, and it has a rustic soaking shack to stay in. The water is untreated, which makes the water incredibly therapeutic. You can even relax for hours while enjoying the hot springs’ heavenly views.
The Payette River features hot springs below the campground. The Payette River also offers a waterfall and geothermal pools. You can also explore Trinity Hot Springs, which is the deepest source of spring water. It’s also home to a historic bathhouse. Regardless of what kind of geothermal springs you’re interested in visiting, there are many places to enjoy the natural water in Boise, Idaho.
Although many of these natural hot springs offer a beautiful, calming experience, visitors are encouraged to practice best practices in their use. Staying on designated trails, adhering to camping restrictions, and packing out trash properly are all important for the health of these natural hot springs. Lastly, it’s important to understand that some of these hot springs are temporarily closed due to health concerns around the world.
Although many of the pools are well-known, there are also many secret hot springs in Idaho. The more difficult to find and explore, the more authentic they are – and less crowded. The landscape is also a bonus. Most of these hot springs are free to visit, which is another bonus. A day trip to Idaho’s geothermal springs may be just the ticket to make your Idaho vacation a memorable one!
Greenbelt
If you want to enjoy the beauty of the Boise River and the surrounding areas, visit the Greenbelt in Boise. The Boise Parks and Recreation Department manages approximately 25 miles of the Greenbelt. However, maintaining this network requires considerable work, and volunteers have always been an important part of the effort. Through the Adopt-the-Greenbelt program, individuals and groups can play an active stewardship role in maintaining the Greenbelt. By donating money, time, or other resources, you can help the Boise Parks and Recreation Department maintain the Greenbelt.
If you want to explore the Greenbelt in Boise, check out the city’s trail systems. You’ll find miles of paved trails that meander along the Boise River. You’ll also come across several pedestrian-only bridges and spur trails. These paths are part of the city’s ‘Ridge to Rivers’ trail system, which runs along the Boise River. From downtown, you can take the Greenbelt to Barber Park, Silver Lake, and more. Although the trail is not entirely seamless, you’ll probably be able to find what you’re looking for.
Upon completion, the City Council of Boise adopted the first Greenbelt Ordinance in 1969. These documents established guidelines for the development of the greenbelt, including requirements for a minimum setback of seventy-five feet from existing structures. These guidelines were followed throughout the 1970s, and the City of Boise continued to acquire additional land along the greenbelt’s corridor. They acquired this land through the purchase, exchange, leasing, and donations from individuals.
The Boise River Greenbelt is not a city-wide initiative, but it extends 25 miles along the Boise River. It is composed of a tree-lined pathway and multiple parks. This urban park was initially conceived in the mid-sixties. Donated land made the Greenbelt possible, and more land has been acquired since then. The Greenbelt has become a symbol of the high quality of life in Boise.
In addition to connecting Boise’s riverside parks, the Greenbelt also connects neighboring municipalities. The path system is paved throughout, but bicycles are prohibited on some sections. Bicycle paths and residential streets are also available for cyclists. Motorized vehicles are prohibited on all parts of the Greenbelt, but Segways can be ridden on the greenbelt with a special permit. This outdoor environment is perfect for biking, walking, or even jogging.
Freak Alley Gallery
For a dose of street art, check out the Freak Alley Gallery in Boise, Idaho. The gallery features a variety of graffiti and street art, such as portraits of MLK Jr. and Guy Fawkes/V. It also features several paintings and murals. You’ll find unique pieces like a mirror carved with an image of a mermaid, a totem pole, and an American flag.
The artwork in Freak Alley began as a single drawing, but over the years has evolved into a work of art. From street paintings to graffiti inspired paintings, this gallery has grown into one of the most popular attractions in the city. While the majority of the art changes annually, the gallery welcomes visitors at any time. Just make sure to come early in the morning, when there are less people walking in front of you.
The Freak Alley Gallery is located in downtown Boise, Idaho. It is one of the largest outdoor art galleries in the Northwest. The gallery started as an alley doorway and has since expanded to the gravel parking lot. Unlike other art galleries, Freak Alley’s artists are completely independent of any corporation. Instead of paying for the works, they use donated materials. The artwork is displayed in a unique, outdoor environment, and visitors can walk through the alley to review the artwork.
In 2002, the first mural in Freak Alley Gallery was painted inside an alley doorway. It soon grew and spread to the rest of downtown Boise. Now, over 80 artists have painted the murals, which cover crumbling cement. The paintings look cartoonish, realistic, and urban. The Freak Alley Gallery’s artists also host First Thursdays and the gallery changes its artwork frequently. During the summer months, Freak Alley transforms into an outdoor mural gallery, and is open to the public.
