Boise, Idaho: Get Out of Town
It seems like no matter the time of year, there is always something happening in Boise. But what if you want to get away for the day? Get out of the city and see what else our beautiful gem state offers! Here are some of our favorite day trip locations.
A quaint town full of rich history sits nestled into the Boise National Forest, only 36 miles Northeast of Boise.
In 1862 Idaho City was founded during the Boise Basin gold rush (which was, in fact, the largest since the California gold rush). Idaho City flourished in 1864 with more than 7,000 residents and more than 200 businesses in town; making it largest city in the Northwest (even larger than Portland). But, as the mining boom weakened, so did the population of Idaho City. By 1870 the population had dropped to 900 and quickly shrank to 100 by 1920.
Today the population of Idaho City is estimated to be less than 500, but the history of the mining boom has not been forgotten. Take a stroll along planked boardwalks along Idaho City’s Main Street and be transported back to the late 1800s. Visit the jail, the old schoolhouse, the Pioneer Cemetery, and the museum to truly experience the antiquity of Idaho City.
But, no visit to Idaho City would be complete without a visit to The Springs. The Warm Springs Resort also has rich history, discovered back in the 1800s The Warm Springs Resort was once a post office, police station, saloon, and overnight stage stop.
After a $2.7 million upgrade, The Springs opened to the public in 2013.
The Springs has:
40’ X 80’ geothermal pool
16’ hot tub (104 degrees)
Steam Room
Splash Deck with 16 jets of cold water (during summer months)
4 Private Pools that can be rented by the hour
Spa
Café
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Only 10 minutes from Boise, Lucky Peak is the perfect location to soak in some rays and enjoy the cold water. At Lucky Peak State Park you can enjoy swimming, picnicking, fishing, boating or biking.
One of the most popular sections of Lucky Peak State Park is “Sandy Point;” Boise’s beach! Located at the bottom of Lucky Peak Dam, Sandy Point offers a 34-acre site to swim, play beach volleyball, disc golf or sunbathe.
Another element of Lucky Peak is Discovery Park. Discovery Park is perfect for canoe, kayak, and fishing enthusiasts.
Not far from Sandy Point and Discovery Park is a full-service marina; Spring Shores Marina. Take your boat or jet skis out on the lake or rent through the Marina.
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Want to escape the heat of Boise and see some jaw-dropping views? Take a short two-hour drive through Idaho’s west central mountains to McCall. McCall is known as a year-round resort community on pristine Payette Lake Each year, McCall is home to a myriad of popular events.
WINTER:
-Winter Carnival: Each year hotels sell out for the Winter Carnival. The Winter Carnival week consists of unbelievable snow sculptures, a craft fair, live music, fireworks, a parade, and countless other activities throughout the town!
-Skiing & Snowshoeing: McCall receives approximately 300 inches of snow fall each year, perfect for all of you snow bunnies!
“Area ski resorts boast a combined 2,600 skiable acres featuring vertical drops ranging from 1,800 to 2,800 feet. Spend a day cat skiing or boarding and you will have access to over 20,000 acres of unbelievable snow.” (McCall Chamber of Commerce)
Nordic Skiing is also a popular past-time during the winter months. In 2008, McCall hosted the premier Nordic Skiing world-wide competition; the Masters World Cup.
SUMMER / SPRING:
-4th of July on the Lake: Just like the Winter Carnival, the 4th of July has individuals traveling from all over to witness. You’ll witness everything from car shows, craft fairs, street dances, and an astounding firework show on Payette Lake!
-Golfing: McCall has four high-end courses available for your golfing pleasure. All with stunning views, of course.
-Mtn. Biking: The McCall area has more than 500 miles of public trails, 300 lakes, and 1,400 miles of streams
-White Water Rafting: World class I-V rafting and kayaking within a 50-mile radius. Kelly Whitewater Park is a must-see for kayaking athletes. It has been named one of the premier whitewater parks in the country.
-Jet skiing, canoeing, kayaking… you name it
-Fishing
-Hot Springs
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You have not truly experienced Idaho until you visit Sun Valley. The outdoor activities in Sun Valley are top-notch; world-class skiing on more than 2,000 acres and premier hiking and biking trails!
Did you know? Sun Valley was the first ski resort to build a chairlift AND Sun Valley has the largest automated snowmaking system in the world!
As you can tell, skiing is central to the Sun Valley life. But, we can’t forget to mention their impeccable ice shows! Every summer, Sun Valley delivers an original season of summer ice shows featuring some of the world’s finest skaters. The shows begin July 4th and run select Saturday nights through Labor Day.
Of course, there are other must-see locations for Day Trips from Boise.
Here is a list of a few special mentions:
Cascade
Bruneau Dunes State Park
Celebration Park
Idaho’s Wine Country (see our previous blog post on Boise’s growing wine-industry)
Three Island Crossing State Park
Thousand Springs
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When you are out visiting Boise – make sure to save some time during your real estate search to take in these surrounding locations. You’ll be glad you did!
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