
Unusual & Offbeat Destinations in Boise, Idaho, United States
1. Boise Fringe Festival
Celebrate arts and culture at this unique festival featuring performances from local and international artists.
- Unique Performances: Offers a diverse range of performances including theater, dance, music, and visual arts.
- Community Engagement: Provides opportunities for audience interaction and collaboration with artists.
- Cultural Exchange: Brings together artists from various backgrounds to share their work and ideas.
2. Basque Museum & Cultural Center
Learn about the Basque culture and history, with exhibits on immigration, food, traditions, and more.
- Immigration Story: Highlights the unique story of Basque immigrants to Idaho.
- Basque Cuisine: Offers tastings and cooking demonstrations of traditional Basque dishes.
- Artisan Marketplace: Features handcrafted items made by local Basque artisans for sale.
3. The Shusteguay Tule Tree Park
Visit the oldest known tree in North America, estimated to be over 2000 years old.
- Ancient Tree: Provides a rare opportunity to see such an ancient and massive tree.
- Native American History: Surrounded by a beautiful park featuring Native American art and history displays.
- Peaceful Atmosphere: Offers a serene environment for reflection and relaxation.
4. The Idaho Black History Museum
Discover the rich history and contributions of African Americans in Idaho.
- Black Pioneers: Highlights the stories of African American pioneers who settled in Idaho.
- Community Involvement: Provides opportunities for community members to get involved and share their own stories.
- Local Artifacts: Features artifacts, photographs, and documents related to local African American history.
5. The Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial
Reflect on the life and legacy of Anne Frank and the importance of human rights.
- Memorial for All: A memorial dedicated to all victims of human rights abuses, not just Anne Frank.
- Interactive Exhibits: Offers interactive exhibits and educational programs about human rights issues.
- Community Gathering Space: Serves as a gathering space for community events promoting human rights awareness.
6. The Boise Train Depot Antique Mall
Explore multiple antique dealers under one roof at this historic train depot.
- Historic Building: Located in a beautifully restored 1890s train depot.
- Variety of Antiques: Over 60 dealers offering everything from jewelry to furniture.
- Restaurant and Bakery: Features a charming restaurant and bakery for lunch or snacks.
7. The Boise River Stinkboat Regatta
Watch as unique boats made of recycled materials race down the Boise River.
- Recycled Materials: Boats are made from reclaimed or recycled materials, promoting sustainability.
- Creative Boat Designs: Each boat is a unique piece of art, with creative and often quirky designs.
- Fun for All Ages: A family-friendly event with music, food, and activities alongside the river.
8. The Boise Art Museum
Explore contemporary art exhibitions and local artists' works.
- Contemporary Art: Focuses on contemporary art, with rotating exhibits featuring both local and international artists.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs for visitors of all ages, including workshops and lectures.
- Community Engagement: Involves the community through collaborations with local artists and organizations.
9. The Idaho Botanical Garden
Enjoy a peaceful walk through beautifully landscaped gardens showcasing regional flora.
- Seasonal Blooms: Features plants and flowers that bloom throughout the year, creating a vibrant landscape.
- Garden Concert Series: Hosts outdoor concerts during the summer months, featuring popular music acts.
- Illumination Station: During the holiday season, the gardens are transformed into a magical winter wonderland with millions of lights.
10. The Idaho Potato Museum
Learn about the history and culture of potatoes in Idaho.
- Potato History: Offers exhibits on the history of potato cultivation in Idaho, including early farming techniques.
- Interactive Exhibits: Features interactive exhibits like a potato-digging simulator and a giant potato sculpture.
- Gift Shop: Sells unique Idaho potato-themed gifts, such as potato-shaped cookies and potato-related books.
11. The Boise Depot Pennington Bridge
Walk across the beautiful suspension bridge at this historic train depot.
- Suspension Design: Features a distinctive suspension design, providing impressive views of the river and city.
- Historic Significance: Originally built in 1906, it remains an important piece of Boise's transportation history.
- Walking and Biking Path: Connects to a network of walking and biking paths along the river, offering opportunities for exploration.
12. The Boise Public Library's Basque Collection
Discover the rich history of the Basque community in Idaho through books, documents, and artifacts.
- Basque History: Features extensive resources on the Basque culture, history, and immigration to Idaho.
- Rare Collections: Houses rare and unique books, documents, and artifacts related to Basque history and heritage.
- Knowledgeable Staff: Staffed by knowledgeable librarians who can help visitors navigate the collection.
13. The Boise Urban Garden Center
Learn about sustainable gardening and explore a beautiful demonstration garden.
- Sustainable Gardening: Provides resources on sustainable gardening practices, such as composting and water conservation.
- Demonstration Garden: Features a beautiful demonstration garden showcasing a variety of plants and garden designs.
- Workshops and Classes: Offers workshops, classes, and events on gardening topics for all skill levels.
14. The Boise Artisan Market
Shop for unique handmade items from local artists at this monthly market.
- Handmade Items: Features a wide variety of handmade goods, including jewelry, clothing, home decor, and more.
- Local Artisans: Supports local artisans by providing them with an opportunity to sell their work.
- Live Music and Food: Features live music, food trucks, and activities, creating a festive atmosphere.
15. The Boise Art Space
Experience contemporary art exhibitions and workshops in an industrial setting.
- Contemporary Art: Focuses on contemporary art, featuring both local and international artists.
- Workshops and Classes: Offers workshops, classes, and events for visitors to learn about art techniques and processes.
- Industrial Ambiance: Housed in an industrial building, creating a unique and atmospheric setting for art appreciation.