Boise’s 5 Spookiest Places to Visit this Fall

Every city has its share of haunted spots, and Boise is no exception. From the heart of downtown to the edges of the foothills, we’ve rounded up five of the spookiest locations around the Boise area—perfect for a Halloween adventure! Old Idaho Penitentiary Built in 1870, this Boise landmark tops our list of the area’s most haunted buildings. During its 101 years in operation, over 13,000 inmates were housed within its iron bars. The penitentiary was the site of ten executions and 129 deaths, and a staggering 90 inmates attempted to escape over the years. The walls of this eerie building have held everyone from armed robbers to infamous killers. Perhaps its most notorious inmate was Harry Orchard, who confessed to killing over 17 people, including a former Idaho governor. Visitors on the penitentiary’s tours have reported chilling experiences—voices, shadowy figures, and an inexplicable sense of “heaviness” lingering throughout the grounds.   Idanha Hotel This six-story, French-chateau-style brick landmark is a downtown Boise icon. Built in 1901, the Idanha initially opened as a luxury hotel, hosting prominent figures, including presidents Theodore Roosevelt and William Taft. At its original five stories, it was Idaho’s tallest building and the first to feature an elevator. It wasn’t until the 1970s that the upper floors were converted into apartments. Residents claim paranormal encounters, with sightings of a bellboy, tragically shot in 1970, and a woman reportedly murdered by her husband in the 1920s. Our own Bryan, who worked across the street, recalls curtains mysteriously floating in the Northwest tower. Curious? Experience the eerie charm of this historic Boise treasure for yourself.   Fort Boise Cemetery If you've spent a Boise summer enjoying the outdoors, chances are you've explored the trails near Fort Boise. Hidden in these peaceful foothills is a cemetery with 247 headstones, many belonging to military men, army officers, and even family members of those who served. While serene by day, this cemetery reportedly becomes a hotspot for paranormal activity at night. Visitors have shared eerie tales of ghostly figures near the headstones and faint, disembodied voices drifting through the quiet.   The Egyptian Theatre Opening in April 1927, the Boise Egyptian Theater quickly became a local favorite, drawing tourists and locals alike to experience its unique architecture, inspired by the discovery of King Tut’s tomb in 1926. This Egyptian Revival design brought a striking landmark to Boise’s Capitol Boulevard. Years ago, a projectionist named Joe, who worked there for 35 years, reportedly passed away from a heart attack inside the theater. To this day, some claim he never clocked out—visitors and staff have spotted a ghostly figure walking toward the projection room. Others say they’ve glimpsed the apparition of a woman crossing the stage, perhaps a former actress unable to leave the spotlight. Haunted Stories   The Owyhee Building Shortly after the Idanha Hotel welcomed guests, the Owyhee Plaza Hotel opened on 12th and Main Street in 1910. Originally designed with 99 rooms, the hotel has since undergone nearly 40 renovations and now houses restaurants and retail spaces. While there are no recorded fatal incidents here, many former guests and staff claim that spirits may still linger. Reports of strange noises, shadowy apparitions, and the unnerving sense of being watched add an air of mystery to this historic Boise landmark.  

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Fit for a President: Homes in Boise with Presidential Appeal

Photo Credit: The Theodore Roosevelt Collection Since the state's creation on July 3, 1890, Idaho has had a long and storied history with Presidential visitors and influence. Even before its formation, presidents have impacted the state. The territory that is now the beloved Gem state was almost divided up and given to surrounding states. However, Governor Edward Stevenson convinced President Cleveland to veto this bill, allowing Idaho to be solidified as a state.   Fun facts about presidential visits in the state’s long history: Every president from Lyndon Johnson in 1964 to Joe Biden in 2021 has visited the state at least once while in office, excluding Donald Trump. Multiple presidents, including Benjamin Harrison, Theodore Roosevelt, and William Howard Taft, have planted trees next to the Capitol during their presidencies. These trees eventually had to be chopped down, but the wood was saved, given to a variety of wood carvers across the state, and remade into creations that are displayed in the capitol building today. In 2005, George Bush spoke at the Idaho Center where he spoke about the Iraq war and thanked service members in attendance. In his speech he joked with the Nampa mayor, telling him to “fill the potholes.” The iconic Harrison Boulevard, the gem of north Boise, was named after President Benjamin Harrison after his well-received visit in 1891. It was originally 17th Street. President Theodore Roosevelt visited Idaho twice, in 1903 and 1911. During his 1903 visit, he gave a presidential address in both Wallace and Boise, while in 1911 he visited the University of Idaho in Moscow and gave a speech to 8,000 people while standing on a platform made of sacks of wheat.   Celebrating President's Day with a look at some of Boise's first class homes: 2280 S Bluestem Lane Photo Credit: Lysi Bishop Real Estate An extraordinary Georgian Colonial manor set on an acre, along the Boise River --the pinnacle location within the gated, 'Island at River Run'. Classic proportions, exquisite hand-crafted ornamentation, & pristine building materials adorn this stately Idaho residence of unsurpassed quality.   815 E Warm Springs Avenue Photo Credit: Lysi Bishop Real Estate A notable Warm Springs estate, the Brandt House is celebrated for its long history, distinctive architectural design, and magical near ~1 acre park setting. Placed on the National Register of Historic Places, the home's design was inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright's iconic Prairie style, displayed in the dramatic overhanging eaves, Art Deco elements, & beautiful corner windows. It is rumored that past presidents have stayed here.   945 E Warm Springs Avenue Photo Credit: Lysi Bishop Real Estate A show-stopper on historic Warm Springs Avenue, this extraordinary 1920 Georgian Colonial residence is admired for its stately appeal, impeccable condition, and placement on the National Register of Historic Places. Set far back from the street behind a gated front lawn, the home's grandeur commands attention with perfect symmetry, pleasing proportions, & massive scale. A presidential nod, the wallpaper in the formal dining room is an exact replica of the wallpaper chosen by Jackie Kennedy for the White House.   1505 N Harrison Boulevard Photo Credit: Lysi Bishop Real Estate A Boise landmark on historic Harrison Blvd -- the Lion House. Classic Californian Mission Style home with incomparable features. The craftsmanship is remarkable, and includes: beamed ceilings, stacked crown & tall base moldings, an arched wood pattern carried through built-ins and windows, quarter-sawn oak floors, pocket doors to separate public spaces & exquisite built-ins throughout.   1305 N Harrison Boulevard Photo Credit: Lysi Bishop Real Estate A landmark Queen Anne with a storied history, proudly displayed among the treasure trove of residential architectural heritage on The Boulevard. This exquisitely rare property envelopes five city lots on the corner of Harrison Blvd and Eastman St, making an unmistakable mark in Boise's historic fabric. This regal beauty envisions a life of opulence and without peer.    

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