Heritage Park
Completed in 1970, the Idaho Supreme Court Building does not have the historic look of the much older Idaho State Capitol Building. Nevertheless, history is made here every day. Built of travertine limestone from Idaho Falls, the building boasts floors made from granite chip. Four times each year, the Supreme Court of Idaho can be heard in Boise, while it carries out the other eight sessions at different venues around Idaho. The library and court sessions are open to the public, and tours can be arranged through the clerk's office.
History buffs should journey to Nampa, about 20 minutes west of Boise, to view this rare collection of artifacts from World War II. Old war planes, uniforms, cameras, photos, engines and more are on display. Visitors can also explore Japanese and German memorabilia. Some of the museum's planes were used for the film Pearl Harbor. Guided tours are available and usually last about an hour.
Idaho is often ravaged by summer forest fires. Luckily though, the National Interagency Fire Center is located in Boise. Founded in 1965, the facility houses equipment that helps firefighters across the western United States, including Alaska. During the free tours, visitors learn about special equipment for detecting lightning storms and the role of smokejumpers. The Wildland Firefighters Monument pays homage to firefighters with poetry along the pathway and statues by Larry Nowlan. Public tours take place Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9a.
