Situated in the east of the state, Boise is the capital city of Idaho. Named by French-Canadian trappers after its woods and cottonwood trees along the river, the plantation of further trees led to the city’s nickname today of ‘City of Trees’. Nature is paramount in Boise and attractions such as skiing are only a short drive away.
Boise has a rich blend of culture and tradition which can be seen through the number of galleries and museums concentrated in the compact city. The Idaho Historical Museum is the most popular and traces prehistoric to more recent gold rush history. The city has a Basque influence and is home to the largest Basque community outside of Europe, with the Basque Museum and Cultural Center offering insight into this ethnic group.
After soaking up the city’s culture, Boise is home to a cosmopolitan nightlife scene. For those looking to let their hair down, the city is a good live music setting, especially at the bars on Broad street or 8th. If you are seeking something more energetic, some of the state’s hottest discos are in Boise. Despite being built by hardworking pioneers, Boise has evolved into a modern and trendy venue that can compete with other better known US destinations for the tourist dollar.
Boise attractions
Bogus Basin Mountain Resort: only 16 miles from Boise, the resort hosts a wide range of winter skiing activities including cross country and downhill skiing and snowboarding.
Basque Museum and Cultural Center: with the largest population of Basque people outside of Europe, this museum hosts a wonderful selection of exhibits about their history and culture.
Boise Art Museum: the main focus of this museum is on 20th century American art. Artists from the Pacific Northwest and artists of the American realism genre are featured prominently.
Idaho Historical Museum: this is the largest museum in Idaho and it covers prehistoric as well as modern history, including the gold rush, fur trade and hardships suffered by Chinese miners.
Idaho Museum of Mining and Geology: as Idaho is known as the ‘Gem State’, it is little wonder that this museum is packed with information about the history of prospectors in the 19th and 20th centuries.