Boise is a popular city with the most people in all of Idaho because of the environment and amazing attractions and unique places available for both tourists and residents. Boise is a part of Treasure Valley, the Boise-Nampa metropolitan area that also includes Meridian. There are several exciting day trips you can take as well to make the most out of your vacation or travels.
We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times.
1.Bogus Basin
Visitors to Bogus Basin will enjoy outdoor mountain recreation such as mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, disc golf, skiing, tubing, snowshoeing, the only mountain roller coaster in Idaho, and more. There are also a lot of special activities for children, such as wall climbing, trampolines, and Shafer Butte Mining Company. Season passes and unlimited day passes are available. Bogus Basin is located less than 10 minutes outsides of Boise, which makes it easy to get there and stay all day.
2600 N Bogus Basin Road, Boise, Idaho, 83702, Phone: 208-332-51000
2.Twin Falls
Twin Falls Idaho is one of the best places to visit for easy access to outdoor recreation in the state and is one of the largest cities in South Central Idaho. Twin Falls serves as the gate to the Snake River Canyon where visitors can explore three waterfalls, the Perrine Bridge that spans the canyon 500 feet high and offers BASE jumping all year around. Twin Falls also offers convenient access to Sawtooth National Forest, Sun Valley, Redfish Lake, Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument, and Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve. Visitors also love the vibrant downtown area for shopping and dining and Centennial Waterfront Park.
3.Day Trips from Boise, Idaho: Bruneau Dunes State Park
Bruneau Dunes State Park is an exciting outdoor recreation area less than 70 miles from Boise with sand dunes spanning 4,800 acres. Bruneau Dunes features the tallest structured sand dune on the North American Continent with a peak rising 470 feet high. Visitors can explore by hiking or renting sand boards, similar to surfboards, and off-road vehicles. There are also a few lakes with great fishing and guided horseback riding through the dunes. Make sure to stick around to dark and visit the observatory where telescopes let you see the night sky up close. Cabin rental and campsites are also available.
27608 Sand Dunes Road, Mountain Home, Idaho, 83647, Phone: 208-366-7919
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4.Caldwell
Caldwell, Idaho is just 30-minute drive West of Boise and is a thriving town in the Boise Metropolitan area. Caldwell is also home to two colleges and was a stop on the Oregon Trail where Pioneers crossed the Boise River near Silver Bridge on Plymouth Street. Caldwell is home to many annual festivals including the Winter Wonderland Festival and Indian Creek Festival. The town also has a vibrant downtown area and is known for its nearby wineries and immaculate golf courses. Families taking a day trip from Boise to Caldwell can visit Orma J. Smith Museum of Natural History, Whittenberger Planetarium, Babby Farms, Our Memories Museum, or the Glen L. and Ruth Evans Gem and Mineral Collection.
5.Day Trips from Boise, Idaho: City of Rocks
The City of Rocks in Southern Idaho is just two and a half hours from Boise and is one of the best places to enjoy backcountry adventuring. City of Rocks is a 14,407-acre National Reserve in the southern part of the Albion Mountains where rock climbing, camping, hiking, and hunter are popular outdoor activities. A visitor center for City of Rocks and the nearby Castle Rocks State Park is located in the Almo historic village and is open year-round. Almo was established as part of the old west in 1878 and remains a town of cattle ranchers with only basic services available.
City of Rocks Reserve, P.O Box 169 Almo, ID, 83312, Phone: 208-824-5901
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6.Craters of the Moon
Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve is a volcanic wonderland featuring a visitor’s center where guests will find educational exhibits, films, and onsite staff available for questions. Guided hikes are available during summer months that range from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours long with varying difficulty. You can also drive along the 7-mile scenic loop or enjoy a number of other special programs such as patio talks, and evening programs at the amphitheater. Children can get involved in the junior ranger program or participate in other educational programs, including the annual MOONFEST: Moon Landing Celebration that happens in July. Craters of the Moon is just under three hours away from Boise.
P.O. Box 29, Arco, ID, 83213, Phone: 208-527-1300
7.Day Trips from Boise, Idaho: Eagle
Eagle Idaho sits amongst ethereal foothills on the Boise River on the western side of Boise, Idaho. Eagle is an upscale, sophisticated neighborhood featuring mid to high-end homes, fine dining restaurants, shopping and is just 15 minutes from downtown Boise. Visitors to Eagle can enjoy local sporting events and outdoor recreation including hiking and fishing in the foothills, golfing, BMX dirt biking, and well-maintained parks. Merrill Park features a summer splash park, volleyball, natural wetlands and access to the river. There is also a beautiful pedestrian bridge that connects many downtown businesses for easy and convenient travel. The Eagle Historical Museum and the Eagle Performing Arts Center are also found downtown.
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8.Garden Valley
Garden Valley is just one-hour North of Boise off Idaho State Highway 17. The small, unincorporated village is called “Wildlife Canyon Scenic Byway” because of its excellent wildlife viewing and breathtaking mountain scenery and hot springs. Garden Valley is the perfect day trip from Boise for people who are interested in white water rafting, kayaking, hiking, and camping. Animals that frequent the valley include eagles, wolves, bears, cougars, turkey, elk, and ospreys. Visitors can also enjoy the Terrace Lakes Golf Course and Resort or take part in the annual Silver Creek Plunge in the Boise National Forest in Peace Valley. Guests who visit Garden Valley during winter have the opportunity for old fashioned sleigh rides through the valley.
9.Hagerman Fossil Beds
Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument is an hour and an hour southeast of Boise and home to the Hagerman Horse fossil. The Hagerman Horse is a horse that evolved in North America and featured only one toe. The National Monument also features fossils from a saber-tooth cat, bear, camel, ground sloth, mastodon, giant otter, rodents, swans and other birds, frogs, an otter estimated to be nearly 4 million years old, and many others. The Hagerman Fossil Beds is the richest deposit of fossils in the world of the late Pliocene epoch. Most of the fossils are pre-Ice Age, and the Oregon Trail also crosses the southern tip of the fossil beds.
PO Box 570, Hagerman, Idaho, 83332, Phone: 208-933-4105
-- "25 Best Day Trips from Boise, Idaho for Locals & Tourists - Restaurants, Hotels" Back to Top10.Day Trips from Boise, Idaho: Hailey
Hailey is a small town found in the Wood River Valley area of Sun Valley and the Central Idaho Rocky Mountains. Hailey sits at the edge of the Challis National Forest which provides easy access for outdoor adventure lovers looking for a day trip from Boise. The valley boasts 250 days of sunshine a year and offers world-class skiing in the mountains, whitewater rafting, kayaking, rock climbing, mountain biking, backpacking across the Rocky Mountains, fishing, golfing and more. Visitors to Sun Valley and Hailey can also stop by America’s first ever Dark Sky Reserve and learn about the connections Ernest Hemingway had to the valley.
781 South Main Street, Hailey, ID, 83333, Phone: 208-788-3484
11.Hells Canyon Scenic Byway
The Hells Canyon Scenic Byway runs through the eastern rift that creates the boundary between Idaho and Oregon and offers amazing views of the canyon. Hells Canyon National Recreation Area features basalt cliffs that are a striking black and green color and sandy beaches along the Snake River. Visitors will have the opportunity to see Hells Canyon Dam along the Byway and can even stop and take a guided float trip or boat along the Snake River below. Hells Canyon Road is a steep, narrow road with a lot of curves and only two lanes. Drivers should be cautious and make sure to fill up on gas and emergency supplies before traveling this road.
-- "25 Best Day Trips from Boise, Idaho" Back to Top or Romantic Getaways12.Idaho City
Idaho City was one of the largest cities during the historic gold rush in the Pacific Northwest and is now a quaint, historic, hidden gem city that acts as the Sawtooth Mountains gateway. Idaho City features historic monuments and building related to the logging and mining industry, preserved wooden sidewalks, and plenty of antique stores to explore. There is a still an operational Saloon that serves sarsaparilla and the Boise Basin Museum where visitors can learn the exciting full history of Idaho City. Idaho City is a great day trip less than an hour outside of Boise and hosts many different seasonal festivals throughout the year.
13.Idaho Wine Country
Idaho has some of the largest vineyards in the Pacific Northwest with elevations up to 3,000 feet and soils that are made from volcanic ash which is ideal for grape growing. Idaho is known for producing wine grapes that have high acidity and concentrated flavors, especially in the Snake River Valley, which is where many local wineries source their grapes. There are currently more than 50 wineries in Idaho, and most of them are located in the Snake River Valley and Eagle Foothills. A few wineries are located in the Lewis-Clark Valley in the northern part of the state and are few are in Sun Valley. There are several tour companies that visitors can book for a full day trip from Boise tour of Idaho Wine Country.
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McCall Idaho is the perfect escape from city life and located just two hours North of the Boise Metropolitan area on Payette Lake surrounded by lush forests. The scenic resort town of McCall is ten square miles and is a destination for thrill seekers and outdoor adventure lovers, and well as families who just want to relax within the peacefulness of the forested mountains. McCall is perfect for Winter getaways and boasts the highest snowfall in the state and dozens of opportunities for snowboarding, snowmobiling, skiing, and more. The Annual Winter Festival in McCall draws more than 60,000 visitors to the mountains annually.
15.Day Trips from Boise, Idaho: Meridian
Meridian Idaho is part of the Boise Metropolitan Area and features family-friendly entertainment and lodgings, boutique shopping at The Village and lots of local dining opportunities. Walking tours of the downtown areas where you can taste your way through some of the best restaurants in the Boise area are available for all ages. Families taking a day trip from Boise to Meridian can also enjoy Wahooz Family Fun Zone mini golf, Roaring Springs Waterpark, Meridian Speedway, or one of the numerous city parks. Super adventurous visitors can try out a hot air balloon ride at nearby Lake Harbor.
-- You are reading "25 Best Day Trips from Boise, Idaho" Back to Top or Amazing things to do around me16.Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey
Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area features the most nesting birds of prey anywhere in North America with more than 800 pairs of hawks, eagles, falcons, ospreys, and owls, among other birds and wildlife. There are few public facilities in the undisturbed National Conservation Area where cliffs are 700 feet high, and the Snake River meanders below. The birds are not on display, however, and your best chance of seeing them is to bring binoculars, visit early in the morning or in the evenings, keep your eyes up, and don’t get too close. Visit the Word Center for Birds of Prey in Treasure Valley to see raptors on display.
3948 Development Ave. Boise, ID 83705 Phone: 208-384-3300
17.Mountain Home
Mountain Home is a rural town with just 15,000 residents where there is a great mix of big-city amenities and small-town traditions. Many special events take place in Mountain Home including the Air Force Appreciation Day which features a massive parade, The Mountain Home Country Music Festival, and the Endless Summer Festival of Beer. Mountain Home also has access to outdoor recreational opportunities such as off-roading in the sand dunes or mountain biking and hiking in the mountains or fishing and boating in the lakes. The Desert Mountain Visitors Center offers information about events and attractions in Mountain Home and also has a gift shop.
2900 American Legion Boulevard, Mountain Home, Idaho, Phone: 208-587-4464
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Nampa is a small town just a half hour outside of Boise in the middle of Wine Country and full of local restaurants that focus on delicious local flavors. The Nampa Farmers Market features booths with local goodies from the shops downtown. There is also no shortage of concerts, rodeos, golf courses, and lakes where visitors can swim, boat or fish. Plenty of hotels, Inns, and motels are located in Nampa. Visitors can also stay at the Hostel Boise or one of the beds and breakfasts, or the RV park. Other attractions to consider on your day trip to Nampa include the Warhawk Air Museum, and Rusty Retro Antiques & Oddities.
19.Sawtooth National Forest
The Sawtooth National Forest is a producing, or working, forest. The Sawtooth National Recreation Area comprises 756,000 acres of the forest and features more than 700 miles of hiking trails, alpine lakes at elevations more than 300 feet high and 40 mountain peaks that stand more than 10,000 feet high. Visitors can also enjoy observation areas for wildlife spotting, kayaking, boating, swimming, mountain biking, canoeing, rafting, photography, and other outdoor recreation. During winter months Sawtooth National Forest also has skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing. There are dozens of campgrounds within the National Forest as well as cabins for rent and primitive camping.
5 North Fork Canyon Road, Ketchum, ID, 83340, Phone: 208-727-5000
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Silver City is an old mining town of the old west that did not become commercialized, burn down, or modernize. Visitors to Silver City get to travel back in time where you can horseback ride through the Owyhee Mountains and the nearby cities. There are also souvenir and book shops, places where visitors can pan for gems, art and antique shops, and more than 75 historical structures still standing from the late 19th century. Some of these structures can be toured during special events such as the annual open house over Labor Day weekend. Silver City is only two hours southwest of Boise and is a great day trip for the entire family.
21.Silver Creek Plunge
The Boise National Forest in the Peace Valley is the home of Silver Creek Plunge and is a beautiful campground surrounded by mountains, wildlife, and Silver Creek that runs right through the middle of the grounds. During Winter months the roads in Silver Creek Plunge are only accessible via snowmobile. The Givens Hot Springs and Burgdorf Hot Springs are open 365 days per year and are open to the public. Along with the campgrounds, there are also a few cabins for rent at Silver Creek Plunge which is just two hours from Boise.
22.Day Trips from Boise, Idaho: Snake River Canyon
Snake River Canyon is located within Twin Falls where the Snake River cuts through ancient volcanic lava and ash in a canyon more than 50 miles long with dozens of springs and two beautiful waterfalls. Visitors to the Snake River Canyon can walk across the Perrine Bridge which crosses the canyon at 500 feet high. The bridge is near the site where infamous daredevil Evel Knievel failed to jump the canon in 1974 and is also the only bridge in the United States that is open all year round for BASE jumping. Just West of the bridge is Centennial Waterfront Park and a 10-mile walking path along the southern rim of Snake River Canyon that accesses the visitors center, waterfalls, and the City of Twin Falls.
2015 Nielsen Point PL, Twin Falls, ID, 83301, Phone: 208-732-5569
-- You are reading "25 Best Day Trips from Boise, Idaho" Back to Top23.Day Trips from Boise, Idaho: St Anthony Sand Dunes
The St. Anthony Sand Dunes cover more than 10,600 acres of white quartz sand dunes up to 400 feet high where off-roading, sandboarding, hiking, and horseback riding are popular outdoor recreational activities. These dunes are the largest in Idaho and are open seasonally for many exciting desert activities. Campsites with electric hookups are found at Elgin Lakes where fishing, hiking, ATV riding, and other fun outdoor activities are abundant. The facilities at St. Anthony’s Sand Dunes include 3 parking lots, restrooms, RV dump stations, water stations, ATV unloading ramp, equestrian trailer area, concession, and picnic tables.
Phone: 208-524-7500
24.Three Island Crossing
Three Island Crossing is where the pioneers crossed the Snake River on the Oregon Trail and if found just over an hour southeast of Boise. Today, the site offers self-guided tours where visitors can explore original wagon ruts, and replicas of Conestoga while also learning about the Oregon Trail and the westward expansion of the United States at the Oregon Trail History and Education Center. The museum also features exhibits on Native American life in Idaho and pioneer life. Camping and cabins are available for rent, and a Disc Golf Course is on site. Children can join the junior ranger program and STEM Challenge workshops throughout the year.
1083 S. Three Island Park Dr. Glenns Ferry Idaho, 83623, Phone: 208-366-2394
25.Boise National Forest
The Boise National Forest spans more than 2.5 million acres just northeast of Boise. The National Forest is a mix of forest and grassland and features the North Fork Payette River Canyon and Trinity Mountain which is 10,000 feet tall at its peak. Visitors to Boise National Forest can hike more than 500 maintained trails or enjoy fishing, kayaking, swimming, and boating among other water recreation at one of the 250 lakes or reservoirs in the Forest. More than 1.5 million people explore the National Forest annually, which also offers snowboarding in the winter months. Campsites and cabin rental are also available in the forest. Some campsites are developed with paved roads and water hookups and restrooms, while others are more primitive. Fees are based on the services at the site.
1249 S. Vinnell Way, Suite 200, Boise Idaho, 83709, Phone: 208-373-4100
25 Best Day Trips from Boise, Idaho
- Bogus Basin, Photo: pmilota/stock.adobe.com
- Twin Falls, Photo: Liam/stock.adobe.com
- Day Trips from Boise, Idaho: Bruneau Dunes State Park, Photo: Frank Merfort/stock.adobe.com
- Caldwell, Photo: City of Caldwell
- Day Trips from Boise, Idaho: City of Rocks, Photo: Keith/stock.adobe.com
- Craters of the Moon, Photo: kalichka/stock.adobe.com
- Day Trips from Boise, Idaho: Eagle, Photo: milanares/stock.adobe.com
- Garden Valley, Photo: Jon Del Secco/stock.adobe.com
- Hagerman Fossil Beds, Photo: Rob Mutch Photo/stock.adobe.com
- Day Trips from Boise, Idaho: Hailey, Photo: City of Hailey
- Hells Canyon Scenic Byway, Photo: Sam Judy/stock.adobe.com
- Idaho City, Photo: Idaho City Chamber
- Idaho Wine Country, Photo: wollertz/stock.adobe.com
- McCall, Photo: Sean/stock.adobe.com
- Day Trips from Boise, Idaho: Meridian, Photo: knowlesgallery/stock.adobe.com
- Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey, Photo: Kathleen Bowman/stock.adobe.com
- Mountain Home, Photo: Kyle/stock.adobe.com
- Nampa, Photo: City of Nampa, Idaho - Municipal Government
- Sawtooth National Forest, Photo: MelissaMN/stock.adobe.com
- Silver City Idaho, Photo: flommer/stock.adobe.com
- Silver Creek Plunge, Photo: Silver Creek Plunge
- Day Trips from Boise, Idaho: Snake River Canyon, Photo: riebevonsehl/stock.adobe.com
- Day Trips from Boise, Idaho: St Anthony Sand Dunes, Photo: henktennapel/stock.adobe.com
- Three Island Crossing, Photo: Michael/stock.adobe.com
- Boise National Forest, Photo: tristanbnz/stock.adobe.com
- Cover Photo: knowlesgallery/stock.adobe.com
More Ideas in Idaho: Sun Valley Lodge in Sun Valley
The Sun Valley Lodge is a classic American ski lodge located in the heart of ski territory in Idaho. It features upscale overnight lodging with traditional amenities, an enormous spa, a 24-hour fitness center, and unique dining options.
Lodging
Sun Valley Lodge has multiple options for overnight lodging including 108 recently expanded and renovated guest rooms.
The Lodge Premier King guest room offers a large bedroom with a king size bed and a private bathroom that includes a soaking tub and separate walk-in shower. The bathroom also has double vanity sinks. The Premier King also features a large dressing area. This is the standard, traditional guest room offered at the lodge.
The Lodge King Suites and the Lodge 2 Queen Suites are larger in size and features an additional living/seating area for guests that has a fold-out sofa to accommodate additional overnight guests. The King Suite has a king size bed, while the 2 Queen Suite offers two queen size beds. Guests are also provided a more substantial dressing area that includes built-in cabinet dressers and a ski closet. The bathroom in the King Suite has a separate soaking tub and walk-in shower and double vanity sinks. Some of these suites also have a fireplace.
The Lodge Rink View King Suites and the Lodge Rink View 2 Queen Suites offer the same amenities as the regular suites, but with the extra benefit of providing a view of the outdoor rink area of the resort.
For additional views, Sun Valley Lodge offers the Lodge Terrace Suite. This suite offers guests panoramic views of the resort with a king size bed and all the amenities of the more traditional suites.
The most luxurious suite offered at the lodge is the Lodge Celebrity Suite. There are five of these suites available, and all are named after famous guests who have stayed at the lodge - Sonia Henie, Marilyn Monroe, Clint Eastwood, Ernest Hemingway, and the founder of the lodge, Averell Harriman. Considered a “parlor” suite, it features a separate living area and king size bed. The bathrooms are the largest at the lodge as well.
Amenities
All lodging comes with at least one flat screen high definition television, in-room safes, mini refrigerators, and iHome brand clock radio and charging docks. They also have coffee systems that come with a selection of complimentary coffee and tea options.
Sun Valley Lodge also provides complimentary wireless internet access to all overnight guests.
Concierge services are available free of charge to help assist guests with dining, transportation, spa, skiing, and other general services and questions. Contact the front desk for additional information.
Spa
The lodge also has a large (over 20,000 square feet) spa on-site. The spa offers guests a choice of signature treatments performed by trained spa professionals, like body rituals, massage therapy, salon services, and health and wellness services.
Massage therapy options at the spa can be purchased for either 50 or 80 minutes, and include most of the traditional spa options - deep tissue/therapeutic, hot stone, prenatal, and Thai massage. They also offer a softer, signature massage and more unique options like the salt stone massage. Massages can also be performed in the room both during and after regular spa hours, and couples massage is available as well.
The spa offers four different body rituals, which last for 110 minutes and include either a dry brush exfoliation or a body wrap followed by a body massage using different oils and herbs to enhance the experience.
The salon services at the spa are plentiful. They include the more traditional services like manicures, pedicures, and skincare and include haircuts, colors, treatments, and lash, eyebrow, waxing, and makeup services.
Health and wellness services are also available at the spa. These services include acupuncture, cupping therapy, and Reiki. Each of these services can be purchased for 50 minutes, and acupuncture can be extended into 80 minutes if desired.
Bathing rituals can be added to any service as well. There are five options, varying by the type of herbs and oils used in the bath. All bathing rituals last 25 minutes. There are also other treatment enhancements available, including hair and scalp treatments, full body exfoliation, and body wraps.
Fitness Center
Also on-site is a full-service fitness center as well as a yoga studio. The fitness center allows guests use of their state of the art cardiovascular equipment including spin bikes, elliptical machines, treadmills as well as weight machines and free weights. The yoga studio offers multiple class options for yoga a few days a week. Guests can choose from the gentle flow, restorative, vinyasa flow, or HIIT, all taught by trained and certified yoga instructors. The fitness center never closes to lodge guests.
Pool
Sun Valley Lodge also has an outdoor pool (enclosed in glass for swimming year-round). The pool is heated, and there is also an attached shower, and locker room for guests use before or after a swim. The pool also includes its own cafe, where resort guests can order both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages or a selection of lunch options. There is also a whirlpool on-site.
Dining
Located at the resort is the Trail Creek Cabin restaurant, which is accessible by sleigh. The restaurant serves a menu of hearty American classics, and guests can choose from trout, buffalo, or new york strip steaks with a selection of traditional sides like mashed potatoes, fresh vegetables, or salads.
There are also multiple lounges and grab and go options for guests to enjoy while visiting.
Skiing
The top attraction at the Sun Valley Lodge is skiing. Lift tickets and mountain passes can be purchased on-site, or guests can take part in the SnowSports School. The staff at the school will help each guest, no matter their experience level, learn how to understand skiing better and improve their own skills. Group and private lessons are available, and there are two ski shops at the lodge where guests can purchase equipment and apparel.
1 Sun Valley Road, Sun Valley, ID 83353, Phone: 800-786-8259
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More Ideas in Idaho: Warhawk Air Museum
Located in Nampa, Idaho, the Warhawk Air Museum is a 40,000-square-foot museum dedicated to the history of American military culture and technology, featuring a collection airplanes and equipment from the major military conflicts of the 20th century, with a special emphasis on World War II.
Permanent Exhibits and Attractions
Operated as a nonprofit organization funded by private and individual donations, the Warhawk Air Museum serves as a cultural center for American veteran history, emphasizing the cultural, social, and technological changes and advancements that resulted from the major military conflicts of the 20th century. Exhibits chronicle the history of flight, from early innovations at the beginning of the 20th century through modern space flight, as well as the role of airplanes in major American conflicts, with a particular emphasis on World War II air flight. A large collection of personal artifacts, memorabilia, and anecdotes is displayed, illustrating the relationship between military personnel and American citizens and preserving the personal history of those who helped shape American history and freedoms through war service.
The museum contains an extensive collection of aircraft used in World Wars I and II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, including two of the only remaining Curtiss P-40 planes from the World War II era, the Parrot Head Curtiss P-40N Warhawk and the Sneak Attack Curtiss P-40E Kittyhawk. The P-40, known as the foremost American fighter craft at the start of World War II, was noted for its service during the Pearl Harbor attack of 1941. At their peak of service, more than 14,000 P-40s were used by the militaries of more than 28 world nations, holding a battle reputation of extreme durability and ruggedness that often outmatched craft capable of higher speeds and more sophisticated maneuvering. The museum’s Warhawk and Kittyhawk planes have been fully restored to their original flying conditions and were used in the 2001 film Pearl Harbor.
Another rare World-War-II-era craft, the Boise Bee North American P-51C Mustang, was custom-painted by Lieutenant Colonel Duane W. Beeson, a five-time WWII Fighter Ace. A hybrid craft featuring an American airframe and a British Rolls-Royce engine, the P-51 Mustang was one of the most noted piston aircrafts of the World War II era. As one of a few surviving examples of the 1,750 P-51s commissioned, the museum’s craft was fully restored in 2010 and frequently competes in the Reno Air Races.
World War I aircraft include a replica of the Fokker DR-1 Triplane, nicknamed “The Blue Max,” which is associated today in popular culture with the character of the Red Baron. Two Vietnam-era Mikoyan Gurevitch fighter aircraft are displayed, the MiG-17 and MiG-21, the first Soviet aircraft to successfully combine fighter and interceptor characteristics. The “Bernie’s Bo” North American F-86F Sabre Jet, the first American swept wing fighter, is considered among the most important fighter aircraft of the Korean War. Other notable aircraft holdings include the all-metal-frame “Yellow Peril” Naval Aircraft Factory N3N, the Bell UH-1C “Mike” Model Huey Gunship, the Cessna L-19 Bird Dog, and the Cold-War-era Lockheed F-104A Starfighter.
Ongoing Programs and Education
Museum tours are offered for small groups and organizations, requiring reservations at least two weeks in advance for docent-led tours. Field trips for students may be led by docents or teachers, utilizing self-guided tour brochures that tie museum exhibits to curriculum standards. Two age-appropriate scavenger hunt programs are offered for student groups, tailored to elementary and secondary students and providing opportunities for direct interaction with museum artifacts.
In addition to field trip opportunities, a number of workshop classes for students are held at the NASA Space Center and Warhawk Air Museum Educational Center. A Child’s Play course is offered for third through fifth graders, exploring the role that American children served in the community during World War II. For middle schoolers, a pilot-led Forces of Flight program incorporates physics principles to demonstrate aviation concepts, and a Bridging the Generations program for high schoolers offers opportunities to meet veterans from World War II and the Korean and Vietnam conflicts. A course on the history of the American flag and the Pledge of Allegiance is also offered.
The Warkhawk Air Museum’s Veterans History Project, developed in cooperation with the Library of Congress, strives to collect personal stories from service members from all branches of the American military, along with the stories of civilian workers who supported the Armed Forces during 20th century conflicts. A book anthology of interview excerpts is available at the museum’s gift shop, with all proceeds supporting future endeavors by the project. A free Kilroy Coffee Klatch program also meets on the first Tuesday of every month, offering community discussions for area veterans to recall their service experiences, and a Veteran’s Day Breakfast features entertainment by the Top Fun Flyers.
201 Municipal Way, Nampa, ID 83687, Phone: 208-465-6446
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More Ideas in Idaho: The Art Museum of Eastern Idaho
The Art Museum of Eastern Idaho opened its doors in 2002. Since then, it has been operated as a nonprofit museum and education center. The institution was largely funded through various corporations and foundation and is now run by a board of directors. One of the stated goals of the Art Museum of Eastern Idaho is to promote artistic creativity in the area’s youngest residents. To this end, the museum offers art classes aimed at children ages 5 to 13. Special summer programming is another way that the museum engages the youth of the area.
Education:
In their Art Trek summer camps, children have the opportunity to work with wood, clay, paint, and found materials. In addition, guided tours provide students with instruction around how to read exhibit labels and how to go about interpreting art works.
The museum also offers a variety of workshops and classes geared for adults. Figure drawing, sculpture, and still life drawing are all offered to those looking to explore their creative side.
Other Attraction Nearby
Museums of Idaho
Visitors wishing to get a more comprehensive look at the history of Idaho and the Intermountain region will likely enjoy an afternoon at the Museum of Idaho. Conveniently located in downtown Idaho Falls, this cultural attraction welcomes 100,000 local and international visitors annually. Its world-class travelling exhibits are sure to educate and delight visitors of all ages.
Historic Colonial Theatre
Originally built in 1919, the Colonial Theatre is a great example of the cultural heritage at the heart of Idaho Falls. The Colonial Theatre has 988 seats as well as galleries, classrooms, artists’ studios, and meeting spaces. Visitors will be surprised to learn that the theatre they see today is actually a renovated version of the original structure. The project was spearheaded by a generous anonymous donor whose contributions matched those made by the public.
Dining Nearby
While Idaho Falls has much to offer in the way of premium meats and seafood options, vegetarian-friendly restaurants can also be found. D’railed Gastropub is sure to make an impression with their gourmet lineup of seafood, including king crab, North Atlantic lobster tail, and halibut. Equally impressive are their steaks, which include filet mignon, bacon-wrapped pork medallions, and 14 oz. rib eye. To get a taste of locally sourced ingredients, visitors should consider the Arugula Deli. Providing plenty of options for vegetarians, vegans, and meat eaters, this local joint is a crowd pleaser.
300 S. Capital Ave., Idaho Falls, ID 83402, Phone: 208-524-7777
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