Experience the natural beauty and educational wonder of the Idaho Botanical Garden, a lush oasis in Boise’s historic Old Penitentiary District. With over 30 acres of curated gardens, interactive exhibits, and year-round programming, the Garden invites guests of all ages to connect with nature and cultivate a deeper appreciation for botany, sustainability, and conservation.
Recommended For
Garden Enthusiasts: Explore themed gardens from heirloom roses to native Idaho species and seasonal succulent displays.
Families: Let kids learn and play in the interactive Children’s Adventure Garden, complete with treehouses and carnivorous plants.
Nature Lovers & Hikers: Combine your visit with a walk through the Boise foothills or explore the Meditation Garden’s cool, shaded paths.
Event Seekers: Catch a summer concert at Outlaw Field or enjoy special seasonal events in one of the Garden’s beautiful venues.
What to Expect
- 33 Acres of Gardens: Fifteen cultivated acres with over a dozen themed garden areas to explore.
- Historic Setting: Located on the grounds of the Old Idaho Penitentiary, now part of Boise’s Old Penitentiary Historic District.
- Year-Round Access: Seasonal changes bring fresh blooms and activities—there’s always something new to discover.
Garden Highlights
- Water Conservation Landscape: Showcasing drought-tolerant plants that thrive in Idaho’s climate while reducing water use.
- Vegetable Garden: Learn how to grow your own produce while exploring edible flowers, composting tips, and seasonal crops.
- Summer Succulent Garden: A rotating seasonal display of succulents and cacti, built on the former penitentiary poultry barn foundation.
- Outlaw Field & Labyrinth: Home to summer concerts and a walking labyrinth modeled after France’s Chartres Cathedral.
- Meditation Garden: A cool, shaded oasis with winding paths, trickling water, and a peaceful picnic canopy—up to 20 degrees cooler in summer.
- Lewis & Clark Native Plant Garden: Explore 125 species from the famous expedition’s journey, with a goal of all 145 plants displayed.
- Jane Elk Oppenheimer Heirloom Rose Garden: A romantic showcase of rare antique and modern roses in a storybook setting.
- Idaho Native Plant Garden: Recently updated with new signage, sculptures, and all 42 of Idaho’s native plant species.
- Children’s Adventure Garden: A kid-friendly favorite with fountains, wildlife zones, musical trails, and interactive garden spaces.
- Muriel & Diana Kirk English Garden: Designed by landscape architect John Brookes and home to the elegant Princess Diana Fountain.
- Firewise Garden: A practical and beautiful exhibit teaching fire-resistant landscaping techniques for Idaho homes.
- Herb Garden: Fragrant and flavorful plants used for centuries in food, medicine, and self-care—best visited from June through fall.
Educational Opportunities
The Garden is committed to conservation education and offers a variety of learning programs throughout the year:
- Workshops on native plant gardening, sustainability, and habitat restoration
- Hands-on environmental education for children and families
- Seasonal volunteer and stewardship events for community involvement
Visit the Garden’s website for a current list of educational programs and events.
Visitor Info
- Location: 2355 Old Penitentiary Road, Boise, Idaho 83712
- Phone: 208-343-8649
- Website: idahobotanicalgarden.org
Plan Your Trip