Located in the Ridge to Rivers Trail System, the trail is found about 10 miles north of downtown Boise on the dirt Eighth Street Road. Hikers can choose from a two-mile loop or a seven-mile out-and-back trail. Rabbits, lizards, porcupines and badgers call this area home. Views of the Boise Valley are endless, and hikers can test their tree knowledge while identifying Rocky Mountain Maple, Hawthorne and Water Birch.
The original 1860s courthouse had a first floor jail that allowed prisoners to strike up conversations with passersby. Now, those laid back days are gone. Today, the 1939 Ada County courthouse, built by the Works Progress Administration, is an austere nine-story edifice. Designed by well known Boise architects Tourtellotte and Hummel, the building is fashioned from Indiana limestone in the Starved Classical style, resembling an Art Deco style.
This 32,000-square-foot temple sits next to Interstate 84, but its soaring spires can be seen from even farther away. Reaching 112 feet into the sky, the tallest spire stands in front of the church, and a bubbling fountain is nearby on the well-kept grounds. Opened in 1984, the Temple's speckled walls surround the building. Be sure to walk to the eastern side of the building where you will find a hidden door, a characteristic of many Mormon temples. According to Mormon beliefs, Jesus Christ will return through this door. Unfortunately, the interior of the temple is only open to church members.
Arching dramatically over the Boise River, this picturesque bridge displays colorful ceramic panels. The concrete arch is a sturdy memorial to the Oregon Trail pioneers that crossed the Boise River close to where the bridge stands. Built by the Boise construction company Morrison Knudsen, the bridge offers views of the Boise Train Depot on one side and the Idaho State Capitol Building on the other. Couple with the nearby Julia Davis Park, and The Cabin for an interesting tour.
Built in the year 1905 and modeled on the iconic building of the U.S. Capitol, the Idaho Capitol is one of the few statehouse in the country that is heated by geothermal water. Construction began in 1906 and was completed in the year 1920. The floor of the building's rotunda is laid in an ornate marble pattern called the Compass Rose. The rolling grounds on which the edifice rests are well kept and have several notable trees, some of which were planted by the U.S. Presidents. Harboring many national jewels including prized sculptures, statues, and artifacts, this courtly capitol is awash in Classical semblances of architecture. Its glorious dome overlooking Boise's charming cityscape, the capitol building is fringed by the Capitol Mall, and many older public buildings and monuments. Complete with opulent interiors restored to their original glory, the capitol building is truly a legislative beacon of Idaho.
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Stained-glass Tiffany windows accent this old church. Claiming the area's first church bell, the church was constructed in 1902 with the same sandstone that is found in many of Boise's old buildings. The church's first organ, bought for $500, began a strong tradition of music. Today, there are occasionally free concerts featuring Boise State University singers. Voices ring clearly in this Gothic church, making each concert an enjoyable event. During Lent, luncheons are served on Fridays.
Responsible for housing more than 200 birds of prey, this wood and glass interpretive center stands out against Boise's flat southwestern fields. Visitors to the World Center for Birds of Prey can admire peregrine falcons, eagles, owls and California condors, or stroll through the grounds, crossing over a rocky creek on a wooden bridge. The 7,200-square feet (668.90 square meters) interpretive center features soaring wooden beams and colorful wildlife art. Volunteers answer questions and provide informational programs and workshops.
