Travel Destinations

Remarkable Boise: Things to Do and See

As of 2017, Boise was one of America’s top five fastest growing cities. It’s hard to believe this family-friendly city is growing so quickly, but the business-positive climate and hospitable residents make it quite the attractive city. It doesn’t hurt that the cost of living is reasonable too.

If you want to take an up-close-and-personal tour of Boise, then just hop in your RV for a travel experience you will always remember.

Visit the Idaho State Capitol

Waft in the smell of potatoes as you drive to the Idaho State Capitol. The rotunda and dome are styled similarly to the U.S. Capitol building. Idaho’s State Capitol building was designed by architect John Tourtellotte in 1905. This building is over 100 years old and called “A Capitol of Light.”

Tourtellotte wanted the building to use a lot of natural light to represent an enlightened government. Inside, you’ll find plenty of interesting oil-on-canvas art pieces depicting Idaho wilderness.

At the welcome center, you can learn more about the state government. You might even consider ringing the giant bell near the front steps. With a reservation, you can take a guided tour.

The Egyptian Theater

To check out a bygone era, then stop by the Egyptian Theater, which has been around since 1927. It has certainly had its fair share of renovations, but the structure of King Tut’s tomb and other Egyptian artifacts remains the same.

Given its age and history, the theater could be haunted. You should find out for yourself.

Once you enter the theater, you’ll feel old-school Hollywood glamour oozing out. It boasts of fantastic art deco design and soothing red carpets. The best part is this theater usually plays classic movies. It is also where you can buy tickets to the Idaho Opera.

The Old Idaho State Penitentiary

You’re probably wondering why a penitentiary is on this list. Well, similar to Alcatraz, the Idaho Penitentiary housed some of the West’s most infamous criminals. Opened in 1872, it now serves as a historic site.

You can take either a guided or self-guided tour to learn about how the inmates lived. Some say the penitentiary is haunted.

Don’t be surprised if you hear or see unexplained things while there. For certain, plenty of nefarious activities took place when it was a working penitentiary.

Still, those who fail to learn their history are doomed to repeat it. So, why not take a tour to see how criminals of yore were rehabilitated.

Freak Alley Gallery

You’ll find a bevy of murals at the Freak Alley Gallery in downtown Boise. The Gallery began in 2002 when local artist Colby Akers first painted the Moon Kitchen Cafe’s back door. Since then, the alley has displayed a showcase of local artists with new creations every year.

Freak Alley Gallery has become an organic tourist attraction for the fresh art. And, there isn’t an admission free. Take some time to look at the art and see how it makes you feel. Isn’t that the point of art, to make you feel something?

In conclusion

While you should have some Idaho potato, you’ll find that Boise far exceeds its reputation as a spud lover’s heaven. It has a rich history and a surging city that is sure to provide continual excitement for years to come.