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	Boise - The City of Trees Photo Courtesy of the Idaho Travel Council

Resting on a high desert plain, Boise is the largest city in the northwestern state of Idaho and an ideal location from which to explore the area's many treasures. Nestled among the foothills of the Rocky Mountains with the Boise River flowing through its center, the city is bubbling with opportunities for outdoor recreation including fishing, hiking, skiing, biking and camping. Boise also has a vibrant history and culture waiting to be explored at a variety of museums and cultural venues. A major urban center with plenty of events and attractions, Boise has come a long way since it was established in the days of the gold rush. As Idaho's capital, Boise is the hub of commerce, banking and government for the state.

Boise State Capitol Building Photo Courtesy of the Boise Convention and Visitors Bureau

ORIENTATION

Situated in Idaho's southwestern region, Boise is the largest city for more than 300 miles in any direction and, as a result, has become a gateway for traveling not only in Idaho, but eastern Oregon and northern Nevada as well. The Oregon border is 57 mi (92 km) west and the Nevada border is 140 mi (225 km) south. Boise is located 336 mi (541 km) northwest of Salt Lake City, Utah, and 432 mi (695 km) southeast of Portland, Oregon. Inside Idaho, Boise is 26 mi (41 km) from Caldwell, 131 mi (211 km) from Twin Falls, 157 mi (252 km) from the recreational opportunities of Sun Valley and 16 mi (26 km) from the Bogus Basin Mountain Ski Resort.

HISTORY

Boise's history is rooted in the gold rush and fur trading days of the 19th century. According to oral accounts, Boise received its name when French-Canadian fur trappers first viewed the woods surrounding the Boise River and shouted, "Les bois! Les bois!"—French for the woods. Known today as the City of Trees because of the many different species of trees that have been planted, Boise's name describes the area well.

	Boise Depot Railway Station Photo Courtesy of Peg Owens

After the discovery of gold in the Boise Basin in 1862, a fort was needed to safeguard travelers in the region from American Indian raids. In July of 1863, Fort Boise was established to protect Oregon Trail pioneers migrating west in search of gold and free farmland. Within a couple of days, the newly established Fort Boise became a city and began to prosper as a service center used by gold and silver miners in the surrounding mountains and foothills. The population rose quickly, not only because of the gold rush, but because of the city's position on the heavily used Oregon Trail, which is estimated to have had over 350,000 travelers between 1841 and 1866. The Oregon trail begins in the Independence-Westport area in Missouri and passes through Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, Idaho and Oregon.

Once the gold rush had ebbed, Boise's population quickly declined from 1,658 inhabitants in 1864 to 995 in 1870. However, with new construction projects, such as the territorial prison in 1869 and the U.S. Assay Office in 1872, Boise once again began to prosper. In 1886 the capitol building was completed, and a streetcar system was built a year later.

Basque Dancers Photo Courtesy of Peg Owens

In the late 1930s, a large population of Basques eager to become sheepherders migrated to Boise from the Western Pyrenees Mountains in Spain. The Basques brought their vibrant culture to mainstream city life, and to this day Boise has the largest concentration per capita of Basques outside the Pyrenees Mountains.

Although the Great Depression plagued many cities in America, Boise continued to grow. Gowen Field, Boise's air base, trained pilots during World War II. Still the center of economic activity and the largest city in Idaho, Boise is home to several international, national, regional and state corporations, including Albertsons, a major food and drug retailer; Micron, a manufacturer of semiconductors and other components for high-tech devices; and Simplot Corporation, a global food and agribusiness conglomerate.

Month Avg. Daily Temperature Avg. Precip. Min Max Jan 22°F (-6 °C) 36°F (2 °C) 37 mm Feb 28°F (-2 °C) 44°F (7 °C) 27 mm Mar 32°F (0 °C) 53°F (12 °C) 33 mm Apr 37°F (3 °C) 61°F (16 °C) 31 mm May 44°F (7 °C) 71°F (22 °C) 27 mm Jun 52°F (11 °C) 81°F (27 °C) 21 mm Jul 58°F (14 °C) 90°F (32 °C) 9 mm Aug 57°F (14 °C) 88°F (31 °C) 11 mm Sep 48°F (9 °C) 77°F (25 °C) 20 mm Oct 39°F (4 °C) 65°F (18 °C) 19 mm Nov 31°F (-1 °C) 49°F (9 °C) 38 mm Dec 23°F (-5 °C) 38°F (3 °C) 35 mm

Climate data from the Western Regional Climate Center

CLIMATE

In Boise an enjoyable climate is offered year round, characterized by a mean temperature of 51°F (11°C), an average annual precipitation of 12.1 in. (307mm) and an average annual snowfall of 21 in. (533mm). Extremely hot and cold temperatures are rare here because of low humidity, a frequent mild breeze and limited winter snowfall. The surrounding mountain areas receive a greater snowfall than the city, resulting in prime conditions for winter recreation.

TRANSPORTATION

As a major commercial center, Boise can easily be accessed through its airport and elaborate system of highways. Boise is served primarily by Interstate 84, which ties it directly to Portland to the northwest and Salt Lake City to the southeast. Car rental services, taxi service, limousines and public bus transportation are readily available. With bike lanes running throughout the city's infrastructure, Boise is known for being very bike friendly.

Basque Museum Photo Courtesy of Peg Owens

ATTRACTIONS

History, Culture & Education
Boise is home to the Idaho Statehouse, an architectural masterpiece which holds monuments, displays and artifacts for those interested in learning about Idaho's history and culture. Several other museums are located in Julia Davis Park along the Boise River, including the Idaho Historical Museum, the Boise Art Museum and the Idaho Black History Museum. The Basque Museum and Cultural Center offers exhibits, special events and tours exploring the fascinating history of the Basque people in Idaho. Those interested in Idaho's military background will appreciate the state's Military History Museum and gift shop, which offers a variety of souvenirs and collectibles. Located next to Gowen Field, the Military History Museum features photos of the base and artifacts from the World War II era, as well as displays about World War I and the Vietnam war. For an interesting look at the lives of former prisoners, visit the Old Idaho Penitentiary State Historic Site. The Discovery Center of Idaho, a hands on science museum, features fun and educational exhibits for the whole family.

	Idaho State Penitentiary Photo Courtesy of the Boise Convention and Visitors Bureau

Arts, Events and Entertainment
The Bank of America Center, the Boise State University Pavilion and the prestigious Velma V. Morrison Center are great venues for enjoying an assortment of entertainment events including concerts, sports, family theater, opera and Broadway musicals. The Shakespeare Festival Amphitheater, a specially constructed outdoor theater active from June to September, provides the region's best in professional theater in an elegant, natural setting. In addition to theatrical productions, Boise offers professional ballet that combines traditional and contemporary styles of dance at the Esther Simplot Performing Arts Academy. The Hidden Springs Annual Harvest Festival, held for two days in October, features fun-filled events for the whole family ranging from train rides to carnival activities.

Biking on the Boise River Greenbelt Photo Courtesy the Boise Convention and Visitors Bureau

Parks and Recreation
At the heart of Boise is the Boise River Greenbelt, which covers more than 16 acres of land. The Greenbelt provides over 25 miles of paved and graveled paths, catering to a variety of outdoor activities including biking, walking, skating and running. Zoo Boise, located in the scenic Julia Davis Park, features a number of rare and interesting animals. A variety of wildlife can also be seen at the Kathryn Albertson Park's natural wetlands, a harbor for resident and migratory animals in downtown Boise. The Boise National Forest, in addition to offering scenic views, lush foliage and abundant wildlife, features 1,300 miles of summer trails and 70 campgrounds and picnic sites. The city boasts a total of 91 parks, 80 miles of foothills trails, six outdoor swimming pools, 68 tennis courts and 34 picnic sites, making it an excellent location for outdoor recreation and family activities.

	Bogus Basin Mountain Ski Resort Photo Courtesy of Peg Owens

The diversity of the Boise area landscape, which is characterized by lakes, parks, forests, deserts and mountains, provides excellent opportunities for recreational activities including golfing, boating, biking, hunting, horseback riding, and winter skiing. Outdoor enthusiasts will relish the chance to ski at Bogus Basin Mountain Resort, cruise the Salmon River on a rafting tour, take a guided fishing trip or play a round of golf at one of the local courses. Over 75 miles of trails run through the Boise area foothills and are ideal for hiking and mountain biking. The city was voted the number one mountain biking town by Mountain Bike magazine in 2001 and Bike magazine in 2003.

Boise Skyline at Sunset Photo Courtesy of the Boise Convention and Visitors Bureau

Providing a unique collection of things to see and do, Boise is a first-class destination for family vacations and romantic retreats. Whether visiting the many attractions, enjoying live entertainment or taking advantage of the abundant scenic and recreational resources, visitors will soon discover that Boise offers a wide variety of vacation opportunities.