Located in the heart of Idaho`s rich redwood mountains, Boise is Idaho`s largest city and home to many famous attractions such as Boise State University, Idaho Zoo, Idaho Riverfront Park and the Boise Art Museum. It is also the center for Idaho`s political, entertainment and environmental communities and is home to many influential corporations such as AT&T, Boeing, Bonanza, Ketchum Steel, Sun Valley Golf and Tennis Club and Johnson & Johnson. Its location and the thriving economy have made it a desirable place to live for many people throughout the United States.
Boise: A Growing City
With plenty to do and see, it is easy to see why tourists come to Idaho each year. The Boise Art Museum is one of the best museums in Idaho and will definitely provide an eye-opening experience for anyone interested in art. Located on the south side of town in the greenbelt, it is a great place for sightseeing in Boise. Located in a perfect central location, it is just a short drive to popular destinations like Boise City and the Idaho Science Center where there are many fun things to see and do.
Boise Museums
Another must-visit is the Idaho black history museum which features original artifacts dating back to the pioneer days. You can find intriguing exhibits about Idaho`s early settlers and the influence they had on the state`s economy, culture and how they shaped Boise in the city it is now. During the black history museum`s introductory lecture series, you can hear about how the white man brought disease, killed his relatives and ruined the native way of life. Today, the US government has designated the Idaho black history museum as a National Historic Landmark.
If you want to see something really unique while you`re in Idaho for a vacation, you should definitely pay a visit to the 500 capitol ballroom. Featuring world class entertainers nightly, this is one of the most popular venues in Idaho. The beautiful state capitol building is the backdrop to the spectacular backdrop of the capitol dome. This is also the location of Idaho`s annual Jazz Festival, the only musical event allowed by the state.
The beautiful Idaho capitol building itself is a great place to see one of the most beautiful places in the world. Its walls are painted a striking blue to honor the gold that was used to build it. Although it isn`t opened yet, you can already enjoy watching demolition work take place before it is officially opened. The grand tour of the capitol building is also included in your stay in Boise because it allows the whole family to get together and enjoy the moments that are unfolding before their eyes.
While you`re in Idaho, why not try something different than the typical tourist attractions? The Idaho Prison Historic Site, just outside of Boise, is a great place to explore and enjoy the prison structure and the natural surrounding scenery. The prison was built in the mid nineteenth century and was meant to provide a menial facility for those arrested for crime. However, when the general population was needed for war, the prison was turned into a huge prison and it still is to this day, if there are people who committed atrocious crimes, they will be put here to serve their time. The Idaho prison tour is a guided tour of the entire penitentiary and you will learn many interesting facts about the people who were incarcerated here. The prison has been closed to the public for over twenty years but the historic buildings are still visible, so if you plan on visiting during the opening, make sure you arrive early to be a part of the tour and take in the history of this great place.