Location: Boise
Top Things to do in Boise
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The 10 Best Hidden Gems Things to do in Boise, Idaho (ID)
Nature is a big part of Boise, Idaho. The snow-capped Rocky Mountains serve as a backdrop, the Boise River and its riverfront paths wind through the city and skiing is a short drive away. Boise's varied museums include the Idaho History Museum, the Boise Art Museum, the Basque Museum and Cultural Center and the interactive Discovery Museum of Idaho. Unique attractions include Old Idaho Penitentiary and historic Pioneer Village. Old Boise offers shopping, dining, culture and nightlife.
Restaurants in Boise
1. Boise Bicycle Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 116 reviews
Our bike tours are the perfect combination of sightseeing and outdoor recreation in Boise. In a couple hours we will show you the sights that would take you days to find on your own. Take a relaxing ride with a Boise native on one of our comfortable bicycles, it will be the highlight of your day!
2. Boise Art Glass
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 80 reviews
Boise Art Glass: Fine Art Glass and Classes in Boise, Idaho. We are driven to do what we love! Our goal is to share our passion with our community while creating positive, memorable experiences. Boise Art Glass is independently owned by a professional artist. Striving to communicate quality through our showcase of fine glass products, we display a variety of handmade items ranging from sculptures, chandeliers, jewelry and more. You have the opportunity to hand-make an item of your choice with us in one of our many classes. Our Glassblowing Studio and Gallery is open to the public! We offer classes, supplies, torch/furnace rentals, custom orders and live demonstrations. Give us a call!
Reviewed By kdmt13 - Red Lodge, United States
My daughter (14) and I had an absolute blast making glasses on our visit to Boise! It was such a unique and fun experience to add to our trip. Austin was a great instructor and helped us each make a glass that we love! Best souvenir ever! Megan was a champ to get us in for a class on short notice!
3. Escape This Boise
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 754 reviews
Ever fancied yourself a Sherlock Holmes? Put your puzzle solving skills to the test here at Escape This Boise! You get 60 minutes to solve a series of puzzles and clues to meet an objective and escape the room! We currently have 3 rooms: Blackbeard's Ship, holds up to 8 is our easiest room Wild West Saloon, holds up to 12 is the middle difficulty The Wizard's Final Exam, holds up to 12 and is our toughest room! Check out our website for teaser videos, FAQs, and booking options! If you're looking for a team building event for your business or corporation, we can run 34 people at once, so contact us to book!
Reviewed By akitty0543
We did the Wizarding Room and had a blast. Jhase was the host, and he was awesome and super helpful. There were two of us, and we literally got down to the last two minutes. We found it challenging, in a good way, and definitely plan to come back to check out the Jungle Room.
4. World Center For Birds of Prey
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 693 reviews
Experience birds of prey eye-to-eye and explore the mysteries of their flight, survival, and relationship with humans. Live bird demonstrations and interactive exhibits complement hands-on experiences for all ages. Enjoy panoramic views of the Treasure Valley from the interpretive trail and gazebo, or browse the gift shop. Admissions and purchases support conservation programs worldwide. Reservations are required for admission, please book your visit with us today on our website!
Reviewed By Irishwriter1916 - Boise, United States
We brought the grandkids to the World Center for Birds of Prey last month and had a grand time. We checked their website ahead of time to see when things were happening and had the choice of four different live bird shows and two walking tours to their archives to hear about the history of falconry. We chose the morning and were able to do a pair of bird shows (the grans loved both Bob and Winston) and the walking tour highlighting their archives and Arab falconry wing. Then we wandered right next to inside and outside bird exhibitions ... and the kiddos were so excited to see a bald eagle, an arctic Gyrfalcon, a gorgeous red-tailed hawk, Lucy the turkey vulture and two giant California Condors in the outdoor areas. The inside habitats featured an Applomado falcon, a very talkative Harris' Hawk, a peregrine falcon, a great horned owl and the find of the day, a huge and impressive harpy eagle! The staff was obviously very dedicated and informed and we look forward to coming back in the fall for their outdoor flight program. Highly recommended by the entire party .. grandparents, parents and bird-crazy grandchildren!
5. Old Idaho Penitentiary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 952 reviews
In 1872 the Idaho Territorial Prison opened its doors to some of the most desperate and mean criminals the West could offer. In 1973 the Idaho State Penitentiary closed to inmates. Now our doors are open for visitors to explore over 100 years of Idaho's unique prison history. Open year-round, visitors of the Old Idaho Penitentiary can walk through solitary confinement, cell blocks, and the gallows. Visit today and relive the Old Pen's exciting past of daring escapes, scandals, and executions. Call for more details about special events, educational programs and guided tours.
Reviewed By moreworld2c - Poulsbo, United States
Several friends had recommended the visit and the guided tour, and we weren't disappointed! Our guide Said was excellent—obviously passionate about local history and had done a lot of personal study to be able to share interesting stories about the prison and its inmates. The visit includes several different styles of cellblocks for the general population, a couple of solitary confinement sites, and death row with its permanent gallows. This visit made me think a lot about crime and punishment, justice and injustice. Very reasonable price. Many well-labeled exhibits and displays.
6. Morrison-Knudsen Nature Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 153 reviews
Reviewed By Crummy1 - Missoula, United States
This is one of Boise's hidden treasures. Great for people of all ages. It's very educational. The pond and stream features are my personal favorites. Great viewing opportunities for a variety of trout and a couple of giant sturgeon. Great place to get ideas for improving your yard or property to benefit wildlife. Nice indoor exhibits as well, including a little play area for young kids. The little ones loved this place! No charge for admission.
7. Idaho Military History Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By Allfunallthetime - Twin Falls, United States
Very well laid out and informative. I'm not a museum type. Most are dull in my opinion. This place kept me looking and reading. Easy to find, right at one of the entrances to Gowen Field. Big parking area. The first thing that you'll see upon entering the parking lot is all of the airplanes and tanks, etc. WW2 era on up. There is no entrance fee, but they do accept donations. A small gift shop is right next to the front door, and it has some cool stuff. We bought 2 coffee mugs at reasonable prices. Displays in the museum cover mostly WW2-Vietnam, with some items from WW1 and even a Civil War diorama. The museum does a good job of delivering information about what it was like to be a soldier/sailor/airmen in the military during the many eras. Lots of items on display have been donated or are on loan from Idaho families. We spent about an hour and where able to see 90% of the displays. Highly recommend and will be back.
8. Camel's Back Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 138 reviews
Reviewed By ronsU7274GQ - Sheridan, United States
This is a fun clean park in a great neighborhood with loads of great stuff to do. From sand volleyball ???? nets, the excersize equipment, the climbing hills- three routes, picnic area, shaded areas with plush grass and bike trails plus bathrooms ???? ????. All in all another great park in the Boise downtown district. Enjoy ????
9. Hyde Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 119 reviews
Reviewed By W6038UFmaryh
I finally found the crown jewel of boutique shops at Hyde and Seek in Hyde Park ID. Such an eclectic array of goodies...my granddaughter said she wanted to live there...me too. The gracious staff made us feel welcomed and I'm sure we touched everything there and sniffed every candle. I will be back to Boise in a week and hope to show my husband all the things I want for Christmas...now !!
10. Cravin's Candy Emporium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
Welcome to the sweetest spot in Boise! A locally owned neighborhood candy store with 24 flavors of gelato, offering a wide selection of nostalgic candy, handcrafted chocolates, hot/cold beverages, and a lot of fun surprises for all ages!
