The Boise Valley was inhabited by the native Shoshone and Bannock for thousands of years prior to the arrival of European settlers in the mid-19th century. The natives would spend their winters down in the valley where the climate was much milder and they used the hot springs for bathing and for their healing properties. It is said Boise was named in the 1800s when French Canadian fur trappers shouted "Les Boise" or "The Trees." Although the original “Fort” Boise was established 40 miles west by the Hudson's Bay Company in the 1830s, this was abandoned during the 1850s and the “new” Boise, located where the Oregon Trail connected with Idaho City and Silver City, became a city in 1863.

State Capitol
Construction of the Capitol Building started in 1905 and was not completed until 1920. It underwent extensive restoration in 2021. The building hosts many displays and temporary exhibits during the year, and it is one of the public administration buildings that positively encourages people to tour it during operating hours. The wonderful Capitol grounds are ideal for those relaxed strolls.

Old Idaho Penitentiary State Historic Site
The Old Idaho Penitentiary, or “Old Pen,” was a jail for more than a century before becoming a museum and state historic site. The Old Pen includes 30 historical structures, some of which now feature educational exhibits. The not-for-profit Idaho Botanical Garden can be found in the Old Penitentiary Historic District.

Boise River Greenbelt
Running through the center of the city and linking some 850 acres of natural area and park, the 25-mile Boise Greenbelt is situated along the Boise River. There are cycling and walking paths for all abilities as well as wildlife spotting. The renowned Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial and Boise State University Campus are along this path, and while those on foot have the right of way, the path welcomes strollers, bikes and in-line skaters.

Julia Davis Park
Just off the Boise River Greenbelt, Julia Davis Park offers many cultural attractions, including the Boise Art Museum, the Discovery Center of Idaho, the Idaho Black History Museum, the Idaho Historical Museum and Zoo Boise, with its penguins, red pandas and snow leopards.

There is some quite spectacular scenery too, as well as a duck pond, lagoons and rose gardens, the latter of which are magnificent when in bloom.

World Center for Birds of Prey
The famous World Center for Birds of Prey is situated just outside of Boise. It helped dramatically with saving the peregrine falcon and its removal from the endangered species list. The center also breeds the rare California condor. The World Center for Birds of Prey helps increase the number of birds of prey for release into the wild. Condors, eagles, falcons and other rare birds are not only housed there but also help with breeding, breed maintenance and data-based research. Visitors can meet and learn all about rare and endangered birds as well as learn about raptors and see them in the wild along a live trail.