With only 190,000 people, Boise is Idahoеs modest capital. The attraction of this region, which has more wilderness area than any other state except Alaska, is evident by its growth during the 1990s when the population increased by almost 30%. Thus, it is everything from a modern, sophisticated city to hub of outdoor recreation, so having a rental car in Boise is definitely worthwhile.
Getting there
Boise Airport (BOI), three miles from town, is serviced by daily domestic flights to all major airline hubs in the western states as well as Chicago and Minneapolis. Boise car rental, shuttle bus services and long distance buses are readily available from the airport through Boise national travel deals. Greyhound buses offer services between Idahoеs major towns and Amtrak buses provide connections from Boise to their nearest rail service.
Interstates I-90 (from Salt Lake City) and I-84 (from Portland and Seattle), as well as smaller roads, connect Boise to the rest of the state with beautiful scenic drives. Though it is easy to get to Lake Coeur dеAlene in the north or Twin Falls and Idaho Falls in the southeast, the relatively few roads in Idaho reflect the stateеs great outdoors status and sparse population. See online for national travel deals to Boise.
Key attractions
For an introduction to Boise or just a relaxing ride, board the open passenger train-car pulled by a replica of an 1890 puffing billy engine and chug through historic districts, shopping areas, and modern corporate centers. Special arrangements can be made at your hotel for pickup and return of your group. There are a variety of museums and cultural sites in and around Boise. For Northwest art try one of the many local galleries or the Boise Art Museum.
Kids will enjoy Zoo Boise and the interactive exhibits of the Discovery Center of Idaho. History and culture can be found at the Idaho Historical Museum, Basque Museum and Cultural Center, and the Old Idaho Penitentiary which features additional museums as part of its complex. Also the World Center for Birds of Prey can introduce you to the 500,000 acre Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area.
Out and about
In the foothills above Boise by rental car, the Ridge to Rivers Trail System connects public lands and right-of-ways through private property with several non-motorized trails for more strenuous hiking and biking. Though not as frequented as other ski areas in Idaho, Bogus Basin is just 16 miles north of Boise (about a 45-minute drive). Bogus, which opens around Thanksgiving Day, has 51 runs, 20 miles of Nordic trails, and night skiing.
Leisure options
Many pleasant walks can be found along the 25 miles of mostly-paved Greenbeltе that connects Boiseеs larger downtown parks to the Boise River. The greenbelt path is perfect for jogging, cycling, relaxing, and watching the water. Rafting, boating and a lot of great fishing are available on the Boise River. When it comes to accommodation, you can choose anything from the most modern hotels to a rustic, private bed and breakfast with a fantastic view or even a full service dude ranch with cabin sleeping and down-home wrangler breakfasts. Head out of town with Boise car rental to camp out beneath the stars or treat yourself to luxurious resort.