Summer in Idaho is all about spending time outdoors and taking in Mother Nature’s beauty, and there’s no better place to do so than the Idaho Botanical Garden. One of Boise’s most popular destinations, visiting this paradise of a garden is an item that definitely belongs on your summer bucket list. Home to hundreds of different species of plants and flowers, you could spend the entire afternoon taking it all in. Check it out:
Nestled in the Boise foothills in the heart of the Old Penitentiary Historic District, the Idaho Botanical Garden is one of the oldest and best botanical gardens in the state. When you feel like enjoying the sights and sounds of nature for a few hours, this 15-acre oasis is the place to go!
Idaho Botanical Garden is a private, non-profit corporation that has a mission of connecting people, plants, and nature. It was established in 1984 and it grew quickly, becoming home to 7,000 plants over the course of its first two years.
Today, you'll find that within the garden are several different specialty gardens that you can explore. These gardens include the Rose Garden, English Garden, Meditation Garden, Idaho Native Plant Garden, Herb Garden, and Vegetable Garden—just to name a few.
The garden makes for a wonderful place to visit year-round, as each season has something special to offer. However, there's no arguing that summer is an especially great time to stroll the gardens! Admission to the garden is just $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, and $5 for children.
All visitors are welcome to partake on a self-guided tour of this brilliant oasis. Be sure to obtain a map of the grounds to help you navigate. Alternatively, you can take advantage of the free guided tours that are offered on select Thursdays and Saturdays.
Paying regular admission gets you access to this tour which starts at 10:00 a.m. on certain dates. On this special guided experiences, visitors can learn all about the garden's history, including its transformation from prison grounds to the beautiful display that you see today.
Idaho Botanical Garden is currently up and running for people to visit. Come see one of the most breathtaking displays of flowers and foliage in the state and pay this special garden a visit soon!
