Idaho River Rafting: 5 Things to do before (or after) you head out on our Salmon River rafting adventure
March 7, 2014
Things to do in Boise, Idaho
by Julie Trevelyan
If you’re headed to Boise for one of Holiday’s Idaho whitewater river rafting trips, you’ll find a pleasing Western city filled with a selection of fun things to do and see while you’re in town. Stay awhile and check out some of these unusual activities before (or after) you head out on our Salmon River rafting adventure.
World Center for Birds of Prey
Nestled high on a hill overlooking Boise, this center offers live demonstrations with birds such as the huge, endangered California Condors. Summer hours 9 am-5 pm daily. $7 general admission, $6 seniors, $5 children. 5668 West Flying Hawk Lane, Boise, ID, 83709. (208) 362-3716.
Basque Museum and Cultural Center
More ethnic Basque people live in Boise than anywhere in the world outside the Basque region straddling Spain and France. Who knew? To honor the culture and educate others about the history of the 15,000 Basque currently residing in Boise, the museum offers exhibits, collections, a gift shop, and plenty of interpretive opportunities as you browse this space. Open Tuesday-Friday, 10am-4pm, Saturday 11am-3pm. Adult admission $5, Seniors and Students $4, Children $3. 611 Grove Street, Boise, ID, 83702. (208) 343-2671.
Hells Canyon Winery
About 45 minutes from Boise, you’ll encounter this winery with vintages such as Chuck Wagon Chardonnay, Retriever Red, and Deer Slayer Syrah—if, that is, those premium boutique labels haven’t sold out in a given year. The tasting room and picnic area with lovely local views. 2012 season begins in June. 18835 Symms Road, Caldwell, ID, 83607. (208) 454-3300.
Discovery Center of Idaho
Idaho’s only science museum lets you get hands-on and up close with cool science stuff. Want to lift your own bodyweight about six feet into the air with almost no effort? Try their Air Brake Chair. Feel the need to create your own Tornado? You can do that, too, and we promise you won’t end up in Kansas. Adult admission $8, Seniors, Students, and Youth $6. Sunday-Thursday 9:30am-5:30pm, Friday & Saturday 9:30am-7:30pm. 131 Myrtle Street, Boise, ID, 83702. (208) 343-9895.
Idaho Shakespeare Festival
June through September, enjoy modern renditions of the Bard’s best plays under the stars at their outdoor amphitheater. Located in a habitat reserve, you might also encounter herons, ducks, geese, deer, or even a fox as you head to your seats. Showtimes between 7 pm-8 pm. Ticket prices vary. 5657 Warm Springs Avenue, Boise, ID. (208) 336-9221.
Written by Julie Trevelyan.
Julie is a freelance writer and wilderness guide in southern Utah. She especially enjoys books, coffee, yoga, wild country, horses, and dark chocolate.
See more of her work at www.wildgirlwriting.com