Idaho Botanical Garden
Idaho Botanical Garden things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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Ketchum, ID in Idaho !! #boygenius #julienbaker #lucydacus #phoebebridgers
bbells333bbells333
4.7K44
As a first-time visitor, I was not super impressed when I first walked in - but the gardens really don't get going until you get past the open concert field and up to the hillside. Then it's wonder on wonder in a series of small gardens, like a walled English garden, a kid's play garden, desert plants, native plants, all sorts. The woman who sold me my ticket recommended a way to go and she was right - once you get to the main part, with the bathrooms and gift shop on your right and the English garden to your left, sort of head to the right up the hill, make your way to the top, and walk down a small "back way" trail to the firewise garden. To do this, make sure you find the Lewis & Clark trail, which zig zags all the way up the hill. Once you finally reach the top (it's long!) there's a Sacagawea statue - walk up some stone step behind that to access the trail. But any way you visit, it's going to take some wandering around to see everything. I ended up buying a combo ticket for the Botanical Garden and the Penitentiary, which are side-by-side, for $15, which I think saved $5 (garden=$12, old pen=$8). They're very much intertwined - the botanical gardens are in the old yards for the penitentiary, so there items of interest in the garden relating to the prison - like a cemetery, foundations, and out buildings. And in the Old Pen, there are beautiful roses and other flowers throughout. There is lots of free parking in front of the gardens that's good for both locations.
Sara Beth WadeSara Beth Wade
00
SO FUN. SO INTIMATE. Just saw The Avett Brothers at Outlaw field (Idaho Botanical Gardens) and it was an epic evening. The venue is wonderful - intimate and authentic Boise and the surrounding foothills and gardens creates an ideal setting for experiencing live music. The Avett Brothers are so talented and their shows continue to entertain us and move us. This was our first concert at Idaho Botanical Gardens and we accidentally got into the entrance line for Garden members (which was much much shorter and got in earlier - a worth while investment) so we quickly, via phone, joined. Because we were now members we got in early and have seating very very close to the stage (although I doubt there is a bad seat in the house). We now look forward to coming to Idaho Botanical Gardens many more times - for concerts and for other Gardens events. Note: There are food trucks and adult beverage vendors inside so you don’t need to pack much. Also note the restrictions against brining in alcohol and limited non-alcoholic beverages. Low back beach chairs only too.
Eric WilligEric Willig
20
Took my Beautiful wife and my Mother-n-law to the Idaho Botanical Garden this past Mother’s Day. What a wonderful time we had. Nestled right below the foothills and the cross. The Koi fish are huge and really pretty. We saw wild rabbit cruising through some of the vegetables and the water features just gave such a nice, peaceful ambience. The flowers and plants featured were wonderful. Their were quite a few people there visiting but never felt crowded with all the different walk/pathways. I would highly recommend visiting this Beautiful Botanical Garden. If your going in the summer, it does got hot and would advise to bring an umbrella. Though there is shade throughout the pathways you’d probably be fine, just might help to have some cover at your convenience. Several families had packed in lunches as well and were enjoying picnics at the Gardens. Lots of open space and shade at the top of the Gardens for some really nice family time. Looking forward to next time.
Christian PugmireChristian Pugmire
00
Updated December 2022: Still awesome. You should attend the Winter Garden aGlow event, if nothing else. Original Review: Let me lead with some personal info, to build trust: I'm allergic to a significant number of things. Ever had an allergy test? I'm highly allergic to 60 of the 64 things they test for. I tell you this because I need you to understand that this place is amazing. How amazing? So amazing that it's worth powering through the actual medical fact that nature is trying to kill me. It's beautiful. It's peaceful. It's varied. There are wild growing natural portions, and maintained formal portions. There are sculptures and arbors and vines and flowers and vegetables and educational opportunities and a meditation labyrinth...and more. Come here. Become a member. Even if you're not a person that inherently loves nature, this place engages at a whole new level.
Evan GillEvan Gill
00
My first trip to the Idaho Botanical Garden holiday light show called Winter Garden Glow. Really great light displays. Cost was a bit more than I would have liked to pay. Paid much less at the St. Louis Garden Winter Glow and it was MUCH larger. Only negative I care to discuss is the parking...I prefer to back into parking spots, especially when I know it will be dark when I leave and therefore harder to back out of a parking spot, and when I tried to back into a parking spot one of their 'parking police' came over and told me I had to pull my vehicle in frontwards because it is Garden policy. I explained my reason for backing in and the lady looked at me as if I was from outer space and told me it didn't matter what I thought and that I had to pull my vehicle in correctly or leave. Very stupid policy, very poor parking assistant relations.
Brian SlindBrian Slind
20
Nearby Attractions Of Idaho Botanical Garden
Old Idaho Penitentiary Site
Old Penitentiary/Table Rock Trailhead
M&W Markets, Boise, ID
Idaho Museum of Mining and Geology

Old Idaho Penitentiary Site
4.7
(1.6K)Click for details

Old Penitentiary/Table Rock Trailhead
4.8
(251)Click for details

M&W Markets, Boise, ID
4.6
(144)Click for details

Idaho Museum of Mining and Geology
4.7
(72)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Idaho Botanical Garden
Trolley House
Subway

Trolley House
4.2
(259)Click for details

Subway
4.5
(23)Click for details
Basic Info
Address
2355 N Old Penitentiary Rd, Boise, ID 83712, United States
Map
Phone
+1 208-343-8649
Call
Website
idahobotanicalgarden.org
Visit
Reviews
Overview
4.7
(1.4K reviews)
Ratings & Description
outdoor
relaxation
family friendly
accessibility
Description
The Idaho Botanical Garden, located in the historic Old Penitentiary District of Boise, Idaho, is a 501 nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting people, plants, and nature. The Garden serves as a gathering space in the Boise community and advocates environmental stewardship.
attractions: Old Idaho Penitentiary Site, Old Penitentiary/Table Rock Trailhead, M&W Markets, Boise, ID, Idaho Museum of Mining and Geology, restaurants: Trolley House, Subway

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