12 Cultural Activities in #Boise During Your Visit #ThingsToDo

With all that the Treasure Valley has to offer, there are places to visit to learn about Idaho, too!

1. Check Idaho History First

Idaho State History Center  The Idaho State Historical Society is a trusted guide through the state’s history and how it has shaped every aspect of our lives — our land, our communities, our government and our people.  Created in 1881 and established as a state agency in 1907, the Idaho State Historical Society (ISHS) is an extraordinary system of cultural and historic resources comprised of the Idaho State Museum, Idaho State Archives, Idaho State Historic Preservation Office, Old Idaho Penitentiary and Historic Sites Program.

There is also the Idaho State Museum on Capitol Boulevard, slated to reopen after an extensive remodel Fall 2018.

2. Take a Stroll Back in Time

Old Idaho Penitentiary The Old Idaho Penitentiary opened its doors in 1872 to some of the West’s most desperate criminals. Today, visitors can experience over 100 years of Idaho’s unique prison history with a visit to Solitary Confinement, cell blocks, and the Gallows. This is a historical spot full of stories: death, life stories, crime and legends.

3. Visit Bronco Stadium

Bronco Stadium is home to Boise State University Broncos, otherwise known as Albertson’s Stadium.  Albertsons Stadium is the home of Boise State University football and the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl (formerly the Humanitarian Bowl), held each December.

4. Get Your Science Game On

The Discovery Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and Idaho’s only hands-on science center. They provide fun, interactive STEM learning by bringing the community over 150 hands on exhibits, non-traditional educational programming for all ages, and a safe space for all to explore. Located in the heart of Boise’s downtown, the Discovery Center has been inspiring lifelong interest and learning in science, technology, engineering, and math since 1988.

5. Watch a Classic Movie in a Classic Theater

The Egyptian Theatre  The Egyptian Theatre is one of Boise, Idaho’s most cherished historical landmarks. The venue offers a warm, lush and lovingly restored environment, with amazing attention to Egyptian architectural detailing. The acoustics in the room create a fantastic concert goer experience. The Egyptian has housed numerous top level national touring acts and theatre productions.

6. Learn About Basque History

The Basque Block is one of Idaho’s most compelling examples of conservation and documentation of a thriving ethnic neighborhood. Located in downtown Boise between Capitol Boulevard and Sixth Street on Grove Street, the Basque Block features the Basque Center, Basque Museum & Cultural Center, The Basque Market, Bar Gernika and Leka Ona restaurant.

7. Drive Through a Historical Neighborhood – You Have Choices!

You have a few choices on time travelling: you can take a tour of an area or drive on your own. The tour is offered by Boise Trolley Tours, or simply read up about our historic districts from the City of Boise Historic Preservation District  information  and drive the North End or the East End. The information link has other areas of interest, too.

8. Keep Your World Wild!

Zoo Boise is a service of the City of Boise and is supported by the Friends of Zoo Boise, a 501(c)(3) membership organization that supports Zoo Boise. The goal is to increase public awareness, knowledge, and appreciation of the zoo, wild animals, animal habitats, species conservation, and the environment.

9. Become a Budding Art Enthusiast

The Boise Art Museum is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, educational, and charitable organization. One of BAM’s signature events is Art in the Park, is widely recognized as one of the premiere cultural events in the Northwest. This open-air festival is held on the weekend following Labor Day each September. The Museum is nationally accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. Support is provided by BAM members, contributions and grants from individuals, corporations and foundations as well as grant funding from the Idaho Commission on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.

10. Tour Idaho’s Capitol Building

The Idaho Capitol building is a landmark for many reasons: exterior sandstone walls, interior marble finishes, and is said to be a smaller version of the Capitol building in Washington, D.C. During our Legislative session from January to March, you can witness for yourself how issues are debated and laws passed.

11. Idaho Black History Museum

Located in Julia Davis Park, the Idaho Black History Museum is housed in the historic St Paul Baptist Church building. The museum offers exhibits, educational and community outreach programs. Another place to learn about early Idaho.Airhawk Air Musuem

12. Vintage Airplanes in History

The Warhawk Air Museum at nearby Nampa in Canyon County is a dream of John and Sue Paul, and John’s passion for airplanes. In 1986, Sue and John Paul moved to Boise, Idaho with two WWII era planes. When John began restoring a third plane in a hangar at the Caldwell Airport, people gathered to watch and witness the revival of history. Visitors began leaving boxes filled with WWII memorabilia, like uniforms and equipment, with notes attached that said, “Maybe you can do something with this.” The Paul’s knew they needed to preserve this history!

 

Photos courtesy of the world wide web