Discover The Boise Greenbelt
Image credit: CityofBoise.OrgTake advantage of what Boise has to offer. Discover and explore more of the History and beauty. Along the Boise River Greenbelt there are many places to stop and explore unique points of interest. Or, float along the river to enjoy a serene view of nature and beauty. The Greenbelt also allows accessible spots for birding or fishing.
For more Greenbelt info take a look at our Guide for a quick overview, tips and rules of etiquette for the pathways, and list of highly favored attractions.
Boise Parks and Memorials
Willow Lane Park and Athletic Complex
Where: 4623 Willow Ln., Boise, ID 83703
This area includes a soccer and softball field, playground, and BMX Jump Park. The jump park accommodates all levels of bikers, from the beginners to the experienced. The surrounding area includes restaurants Corona Village Mexican Restaurant and Burger N Brew and a couple breweries such as Barbarian Brewing, County Line Brewing, and Meriwether Cider Company. Wineries close to Willow Lane include Telaya Winery and Cinder Wine. You can also find local hotels including the Riverside Hotel, Boise Hillside Suites, and Hotel 43 heading towards downtown. For a fun activity in the vicinity check out the Boise Escape Room!
Veterans Memorial State Park
Where: 930 Veterans Memorial Pkwy., Boise, ID 83703
A 38-acre urban park symbolizing community pride. This park is a memorial for fallen veterans. Flags are shown in remembrance of past wars, specifically the Battle of Wake Island. Along with a Patriot Walk path in remembrance, there are also many picnic areas and a playground for kids.
Esther Simplot Park
Where: 3206 W Pleasanton Ave., Boise, ID 38702
This park features a pond for fishing and trails for exploring. Many take advantage of the picnic locations and enjoy the relaxing scenery. Nearby restaurants include Luciano’s Italian Restaurant and Main Street Tacos.
Bernardine Quinn Riverside Park
Where: 3150 W Pleasanton Ave., Boise, ID 83702
Crowned one of the Ribbon of Jewels along the Boise River Greenbelt to honor Bernadine Quinn. On hot summer days locals love to fish, swim, paddleboard or kayak at Quinn’s Pond. Quinn’s is the perfect location for you to explore the outdoors. Loading docs can be accessed directly from the Greenbelt or Whitewater Park Boulevard, where Idaho River Sports can also be found.
J.A. and Kathryn Albertsons Family Foundation Whitewater Park
Where: 3400 W Pleasanton Ave., Boise, ID 83702
This unique wave feature on the Boise river has two phases. Phase one, a Wave Shaper, to create different waves for surfing or kayaking and can be adjusted based on skill. A half a mile down you can find Phase two, which includes three waves of varying levels. At Phase two there is a nice outdoor seating and viewing area to watch the participants, or enjoy the calm nature along the Green Belt. This attraction can be used all year round.
Idaho Fallen Firefighters Memorial Park
Where: 1791 Shoreline Dr., Boise, ID 83702
This memorial park was placed to honor our local firefighters. In fact, in 2013 a part of the park was added to feature respondents of 9-11. There are flags, benches, and planters shown to appreciate the heroes. The park also features art created by local artists.
Kathryn Albertson Park
Where: 1001 N Americana Blvd., Boise, ID 83706
Enjoy a nice walk on a ¾ mile loop around this lovely park. Nature, beauty, and exercise, all in one place. Something fun: different features around the park educate visitors on nature found in the area. Gazebos around the park allow for ceremonies or special events. Directory on the path and birding.
Shoreline Park
Where: 1375 Shoreline Dr., Boise, ID 83702
Enjoy the serenity of the Boise river. Different picnic places and benches allow locals and visitors to enjoy the peace and beauty brought by the Boise River.
Ann Morrison Park
Where: 1000 S Americana Blvd., Boise, ID 83706
Harry W. Morrison gave this park to the city in remembrance of his late wife, Ann. This park is large with different walking paths, water features, benches to enjoy the river scenery and a dog park. For fun activities there is a playground, golf disc course, horseshoe pits, and tennis courts. Also there is an area designated for ceremonies or special events, head out early to reserve a spot!
Ann Morrison Park is also the exit spot after floating the river. When you get off, make sure to stop by one of these close-by restaurants. They include Big City (a great breakfast spot!), Chandlers Steakhouse, and Sandbar Patio Bar & Grill.
Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial & 8th Street Footbridge
Where: 777 S 8th St., Boise, ID 83702
One of the oldest bridges in Boise is the historic 8th street footbridge that runs across the Boise River and to the Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial. The Anne Frank Memorial is an educational park inspired by Anne Frank’s faith in humanity. This memorial is a great way to see Anne Frank’s life, and learn about her and her family’s emotional story. You will be able to get a glimpse of the 180-foot quote wall that takes you on a walk through history. Here are a few attractions you can see: The Anne Frank Statue, Stone Bookcase, the cityscape wall and butterfly poem, and the Anne Frank Chestnut Sapling, which has been named one of the only 11 United States sites to receive a sapling from the actual Anne Frank chestnut tree in Amsterdam.
Julia Davis Park
Where: 700 S Capitol Blvd., Boise, ID 83702
Julia Davis Park is a Boise favorite! It is one of the cities oldest parks and is beautiful all year round. It is right next to the Boise Zoo, which is a great spot to bring your family and friends for an adventure. Or enjoy a peaceful picnic at the rose garden, featured at the beginning of the park close to the entrance. The park has tennis courts, horseshoes, and bocce courts giving everyone an activity to participate in. Julia Davis Park also backs up against Boise State University, making it accessible to use the Friendship Bridge to access Campus.
Kristin Armstrong Municipal Park
Where: 500 S Walnut St., Boise, ID 83712
This is a shady 28-acre urban park right along the banks of the Boise River. The Kristin Armstrong Municipal Park allows access to the greenbelt, open play areas, and a playground for kids! It is a great place to see wildlife, it is even part of the Idaho Birding Trail (IBT). The IBT is 2,000 miles of trail with collections of great bird watching.
Park Center Park
Where: 385 E Parkcenter Blvd., Boise, ID 83706
A 13-acre special use park, located in East Boise. It has areas for fishing, conservation stations to educate the community about a variety of conservation related topics, and a fun place to enjoy the sun and play some volleyball with friends.
Baggley Park
Where: 1410 E Parkcenter Blvd., Boise, ID 83706
Baggley park is the place to go if you love sports. It has access to basketball courts, tennis courts, volleyball and pickle ball courts, allowing you to enjoy the park while having fun. You won’t get bored here with all this park has to offer. You can also directly access the Greenbelt and sports fields for all your soccer and softball needs!
Marianne Williams Park
Where: 3451 E Barber Valley Dr., Boise, ID 83706
Marianne Williams Park is a 72-acre park located on the Boise River Greenbelt in East Boise’s Barber Valley with beautiful walking paths. There is access to the Greenbelt, fishing spots, picnic areas, along with play areas that are great for children.
Barber Park
Where: 4049 S Eckert Rd., Boise, ID 83716
These two areas are family oriented and have something for everybody! Restaurants near Barber Park and Marianne Williams Park are Lucky 13, Tavern at Bown Crossing, Flatbread Neapolitan Pizzeria, Bier: Thirty Bottle & Bistro, and with a little drive, the famous Barbacoa Grill. Hotels near the two parks require a drive, but the nearest locations include Best Western Northwest Lodge and SpringHill Suites by Marriott Boise Parkcenter. Activities near this location include satisfying your sweet tooth at Cravins Candy Emporium and touring the Old Idaho Penitentiary Site.
Not on Map
Eagle Island
Where: 165 Eagle Island Parkway, Eagle, ID 83616
Eagle Island State park is a 545-acre park west of Boise. This park features a popular swimming beach, picnic areas, and more than five miles of trails for hiking or walking your dog. There is also 18-hole disc golf course and a seasonal water slide that is fun for all ages! Along with all those fun activities, Boise Tours provides several zipline opportunities and in the cooler months there are terrain parks and tubing hills.
Photo Credit: Eagle Island State Park
Lucky Peak State Park
Where: 74 Arrowrock Rd., Boise, ID 83716
Lucky Peak State Park is the perfect place to get away and enjoy the summer weather. With swimming, fishing, boating, biking and picnic spots, Lucky Peak is the place to be. Bring your family, friends and dogs along! The park is a 10 minute drive from downtown Boise, or a 30 minute bike ride on the scenic Boise River Greenbelt! Take a swim in the Sandy Point beach or hangout at Discovery Park. For all you boaters out there, come out to Spring Shores which offer boat ramps, a full-service marina, and on-site watercraft rentals.
Special Features & Points of Interest
Float the River
During summertime, the best way to enjoy Boise’s summer beauty and cool off is floating the Boise River. Floating the river may seem like a hassle or quite an overwhelming adventure, but it’s not. These few tips will guide you through this fun summer activity!
First, drive and park a car at Ann Morrison Park. Then drive across town to Barber Park, and park a second car. If you don’t have two cars you are willing to park and leave, there is a charter bus available. At Barber Park you are able to start the journey. Also, this park has the amenities to blow up the raft or float. The float will take you to Ann Morisson where you can jump out and head straight to your car. This is a perfect round trip. Super simple, easy and fun!
Ribbon of Jewels
Along the Greenbelt there are 10 historical parks, dedicated to local women: Alta Harris Park (undeveloped until future notice), Ann Morrison Park, Bernardine Quinn, Riverside Park, Dona Larsen Park, Esther Simplot Park, Julia Davis Park, Kathryn Albertson Park, Kristin Armstrong Municipal Park, and Marianne Williams Park. These women were civic heroes of Boise.
Anne Frank Memorial
Boise is unique with history. Many may not know this but Boise holds one of 11 Chestnut tree saplings from Anne Frank’s hometown, Amsterdam.The Anne Frank Memorial is a simple, honorable element of the Greenbelt. This feature is located across from the Boise Library!
MK Nature Center
Where: 600 S Walnut St, Boise, ID 83712
The MK Nature Center is operated and ran by the Idaho Fish and Game department. Take a look and learn about the wildlife surrounding The Boise Greenbelt. This center is a place to view and educate yourself about Fishing. It is open from sunrise to sunset.
Natatorium Pool
Where: 1811 E Warm Springs Ave, Boise, ID 83712
Relax in the sunshine or take a dip in the pool. Located, in the Warm Springs neighborhood, right off the Boise River Greenbelt, there is a pool open to the public with diving boards, hydrotubes, a kiddy pool, concession stand, and lounging areas with chairs.
Warm Springs Golf Course
Where: 2495 E Warm Springs Ave., Boise, ID 83712
This golf course is a beautiful place to go if you love the game of golf. On the banks of the river, an 18-hole championship course is located just minutes from downtown Boise. While being there you also have a scenic view of the Boise foothills. Restaurants near this area require a quick drive, but they can’t be beat! A close breakfast spot is the Trolley House, as well as other spots such as Barbacoa Grill.
Photo Credit: Warm Springs Golf Course
Bown Crossing
Where: 3111 S Bown Way, Boise, ID 83706
Located in Southeast Boise, Bown Crossing is home to a branch of the Boise Library, salons, shops and restaurants. This special place, along the Greenbelt, is the hub of yummy eateries. Take a break from a long walk and grab a snack, meal, or drink at one of the places located along Bown Crossing.
Quail Hollow Golf Course
Where: 4720 36th St, Boise, ID 83703
Along the Greenbelt sits a challenging 18 hole, golf course. This course sits under the foothills allowing for stunning views as you play. Also, on this course is a restaurant to enjoy, called Foothills Grill.
Dona Larsen Park
Where: 150 South Broadway, Boise, ID 83712
Owned by Boise State University and home to the BSU Softball team, this park is just a bit off the Greenbelt. Cheer on our local BSU sports in the springtime, at Dona Larsen Park.
Boise Seasonal Events
The City of Boise really takes advantage of the outdoors. Seasonally there are many events happening throughout the year. A few favorites are Art in the Park and The Spirit of Boise. Most events are located along the Greenbelt. Check out this list of events happening, Your Annual Guide to Boise, Idaho | Boise Information.
Boise Restaurants
While out discovering Boise’s great attractions, special features, beautiful parks and downtown, you and your family will need to take a break for some lunch, dinner or even a quick drink! Check out our directory on restaurants and pick the perfect spot for you and your group!
Photo Credit: Boise State University Athletics
Foot Bridges and Paths
Bethine Church River Trail
Where: Boise River Greenbelt
This 1.6 mile section of pathway on the Boise River is located in a natural area including vegetation, wildlife nesting spots and several small streams inhabited by fish. A part of the “Ribbon of Jewels” is Bethine Church River Trail, which can be determined as a great place for a walk and wildlife viewing.
Baybrook Court Footbridge
Where: Baybrook Ct. (at Boise Greenbelt)
Baybrook Court Footbridge runs across the Boise River at Baybrook Ct. and Warm Springs golf course, connected to the Greenbelt. Being along Baybrook Court Footbridge you are right next to the Park Center Pond, restaurants, and hotels.
Boise State University- Friendship Bridge
Where: 1910 W University Dr., Boise, ID 83725
The Friendship Bridge connects the Greenbelt and Julia Davis Park to Boise State University, allowing you to stroll through the campus on the greenbelt. It allows students to ride bikes from each side of campus, and wraps around the bronco stadium. It is also an easy access to the beautiful Julia Davis Park and easy access to downtown when hopping on the Greenbelt.
Pioneer Footbridge
Where: 1101 Front St., Boise, ID 83702
Need to get downtown from the Greenbelt? No problem, the Pioneer Walk links the Greenbelt to Main St., walk along and will be on your way to downtown. There are benches and lighting along the walk if you need to take a break or just need some extra light.