Ribbon of Jewels: Boise’s Legacy Parks

  There are 12 parks in Boise united by the Boise River Greenbelt, known as the “Ribbon of Jewels,” or “String of Pearls”. Ranging from historic to relatively new, these precious “jewels” are all named after women who were some of Boise’s finest civic leaders.   Ann Morrison Park This 153-acre park is one of the largest parks in Boise and among the most known. It was named after Anna Daly Morrison (who went by “Ann”), she was the wife of Harry Morrison, co-founder of the Morrison–Knudsen Company. She was known for her civic interests and friendliness to all. After her death of leukemia, Harry built the park in her memory and then gifted it to the city. Today the park boasts the largest dog park in Boise (Dog Island), spacious fields, a splash pad, and a variety of amenities. Throughout the year it acts as the docking destination for Boise River floaters, the location of Boise’s Independence Day fireworks display, and the launching zone for the Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic!   Julia Davis Park Created in 1907, Julia Davis Park is the oldest park in Boise. It was donated by her husband as a memorial to Julia Davis, who was known for her gracious hospitality and kindness to emigrants who would stop their wagons along the Boise River. This expansive 89-acre park is home to Zoo Boise, the Boise Art Museum, the Discovery Center of Idaho, the Idaho State Historical Museum, the Idaho Black History Museum, and the largest Rose Garden in the state. Throughout the year it hosts festivals, concerts, and events of every kind.   Esther Simplot & Bernardine Quinn Parks These two sister parks feature enormous ponds, fishing docks, ornate boardwalks, and swimming areas. Bernardine Quinn was known for her civic work with the Girl Scouts and St. Alphonsus Hospital. Esther Simplot was a former opera singer whose name later became synonymous with everything arts related in Boise, from the Performing Arts Academy to the Boise Opera Company.   Kathryn Albertson Park Acting as a haven for wildlife, this unique park was donated by Kathryn Albertson who was known for her generous donations to Idaho public education. Reserved for foot traffic only, it features paths through wild gardens, thickly wooded areas, and around beautiful ponds that inspire quiet contemplation. Visitors often spot wildlife such as deer, foxes, otters, and cranes.   Kristin Armstrong Municipal Park & MK Nature Center Located in Boise’s East End community, this 28-acre park is one of the oldest parks in the city. Originally named Boise Tourist Campground, it was rededicated in honor of 3-time Olympic gold medalist Kristin Armstrong, an inspirational athlete local to the Boise area. This park has shady picnic areas, bocce courts, and open spaces. It’s also located next to the Idaho Fish and Game MK Nature Center, a wildlife experience that includes a fish and sturgeon-filled pond and underwater viewing windows along a streamside trail.   Lesser Known Parks If you’re looking for adventure or something new, these are some of the lesser-known parks included in Boise’s Ribbon of Jewels:   Bethine Church River Trail Dona Larsen Park Golda Harris Nature Preserve Marianne Williams Park Sue Howell Park (undeveloped) Alta Harris Park (undeveloped)   See the full list of Boise’s parks and reservations.  

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5 Events in Boise and Beyond - June 2nd - 4th

  5 Events in Boise & Beyond 1. Walk for Wishes Boise Where: Esther Simplot Park When: Friday, June 2nd Time: 5:00 - 7:00 pm EVENT DETAILS HERE   2. Boise Greek Food Festival Where: 2618 W Bannock Street When: Saturday, June 3rd Time: 11:00 am - 9:00 pm EVENT DETAILS HERE   3. Wine & Wheels Where: Sawtooth Winery When: Saturday, June 3rd Time: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm EVENT DETAILS HERE   4. St. Alphonsus Capitol Classic Kid’s Run Where: Boise Depot When: Saturday, June 3rd Time: 10:00 - 11:30 am DETAILS HERE   5. Yoga on the Terrace Where: The Riverside Hotel When: Sunday, June 4th Time: 8:30 am DETAILS HERE

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10 Fun Summer Activities to do in Idaho

Southern Idaho is the perfect mix of quiet country and bustling city, offering boundless opportunities to get out with friends, family, or a significant other. One of the best times of the year to enjoy the great Idaho outdoors is during our beautiful summer season! From the back country of Marsing, ID to the heart of downtown Boise, ID we're here to share some of Idaho's greatest hidden gems and add 10 Fun Summer Activities to your bucket list!   1. Jump Creek (Photo by: Xander Lacy) A tranquil waterfall can be found tucked away in the canyons of Marsing, Idaho. This hidden gem features a variety of outdoor activities and adventures including multiple hiking trails, lush greenery full of wildlife, and the best part - a relaxing pool of water below the falls!  Located only about an hour drive from Boise, this destination makes a great day trip!   Jump Creek Recreation Area, Marsing, ID 83639 VisitIdaho.org Cost: Free   2. Terace Drive-In Theatre (Photo by: Canva.com) Thinking about taking the family out to see a movie? Or maybe a date night with your significant other? Instead of driving to big box cinemas, support a local business and make it outdoors all in one! Located in Caldwell, Idaho, the Terrace Drive-In Theatre takes you “back to yesteryear” by offering a fun, 1950’s experience for everyone! No need to stop for popcorn and candy along the way, the concession stand is full of yummy snacks to enjoy throughout the movie!   4011 S Lake Ave., Caldwell, ID 83605 (208) 455-1433 | TerraceDriveIn.com Cost: Adults $10.00, Senior Citizens (60+) $7.00, Children (4-11) $3.00   3. Lucky Peak State Park (Photo by: Katie Wallace) Beach day? Some may say there’s no such thing in Idaho, but we’re here to tell you they’re wrong! Located just within a 30 minute drive from downtown Boise, Lucky Peak State Park offers a variety of summer activities to keep you busy for an entire weekend! From paddle boarding, fishing, camping, picnics or boating, this short road trip will keep you busy from sunrise to sunset.    Located off ID Highway 21 (208) 412-2278 | Parks and Recreation Idaho Cost: Free   4. Float the Boise River (Photo by: Canva.com) Want to beat the heat during a 80+ degree summer day? Then the Boise River Float is a “must do” on your bucket list. This six mile long water adventure begins at Barber Park and ends at Ann Morrison Park while carrying you through an oasis of forestry and lush greens. Don’t have your own raft? Boise River Raft and Tube Rentals offers a variety of flotation devices.    Barber Park Website Cost: $   5. Quinn's Pond Boise (Photo by: Canva.com) Quinn’s Pond located in Boise is adjacent to the Greenbelt and the Boise River near Esther Simplot Park in the West End. This popular hangout spot is surrounded by sand, definitely giving off beachfront vibes perfect for picnics or catching some rays of sun! Quinn’s pond is most well-known for its water activities such as fishing, kayaking and paddle boarding.   3206 W Pleasanton Ave, Boise, ID 83702 Cityofboise.org Cost: $   6. Boise Farmers Market (Photo by: Shelley Pouls) Do you love supporting our local community by purchasing fresh, healthy produce? If the answer is yes, then check out the Boise Farmers Market, where Boise brings the farms to you. This event takes place every Saturday morning from 9am to 1pm at 1500 Shoreline Drive in downtown Boise. Come out and enjoy those crisp, fresh weekend mornings and take home even fresher fare to make for dinner.   1500 Shoreline Dr, Boise, ID 83702 208-345-9287 | Website Cost: $   7. Boise First Thursday (Photo by: Alden Skele) Thursday is the new Friday! If you are a lover of art, family fun activities, fine dining, and live music then Boise First Thursday is the hangout spot for you. This event takes place in the heart of downtown Boise during the first Thursday of every month. Did we mention the event typically runs from 5pm to 9pm? No need to worry about work getting in the way, Boise First Thursday is the perfect evening event to relax and rewind before those busy summer weekends!   600 S Walnut St, Boise, ID 83712 208-385-7300 | Website Cost: Free   9. Ste Chapelle Winery (Photo by: Danyelle Tolan) Kick back, have a drink and relax at Ste Chapelle Winery located in Caldwell, Idaho. This picturesque winery is perched on rolling vineyards overlooking the Snake River and Lizard Butte. Soak up some sun while enjoying a glass of wine and a delicious charcuterie board on their wrap-around patio with breathtaking views from every angle. Ste Chapelle also hosts afternoon events such as wine tasting and live music from local musicians.    19348 Lowell Rd, Caldwell, ID 83607 (208) 453-7843 ext. 3 | Website Cost: $   9. Payette Brewing Company (Photo by: Canva.com) Our fur babies love to enjoy the fresh summer air as well, and what better place to take them than Payette Brewing Company! Not only do they have tasty beer, this local brewery is one of the most dog-friendly in all of Boise! Payette Brewing offers a unique beer garden with an outdoor fire pit and yard games! Dogs and local beer...it doesn’t get any better than that!   733 S Pioneer St, Boise, ID 83702 Website Cost: $   10. Hike Table Rock Trail (Photo by: Toelynn Christopher) If you live in Boise and have not visited Table Rock yet, you are missing out! The Table Rock Trail is a 3.7 mile pet-friendly hike located in the Boise foothills. This trail offers amazing views of downtown Boise, the Botanical Gardens and the historic Old Idaho Penitentiary. At the top of Table Rock stands a 60-foot cross that can be seen throughout areas of downtown Boise, especially when lit up at night. One of the best times to hike the trail is right at sunrise and right before dusk, to catch those breath-taking skyline sunset views!   15 Table Rock Trail, Idaho 83712 Alltrails.com Cost: Free    

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