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

Plan Your Trip