Idaho Botanical Garden
Idaho Botanical Garden
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Cultivate. Educate. Celebrate. Enhance your community and enrich your life. The Idaho Botanical Garden is a lush 15-acre tapestry of dappled shade and vibrant splashes of color. A peaceful haven nestled in the Boise Foothills, located in the heart of Old Penitentiary Historic District. The Garden promotes gardening in the Treasure Valley using native and domestic plants that are adapted to the intermountain region.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
409 reviews
Excellent
254
Very good
120
Average
19
Poor
9
Terrible
7
T S
Boise, ID118 contributions
Aug 2022
I love the Botanical Gardens. It is a great place to visit. However, Outlaw Field is a terrible venue. We went to see Bonnie Raitt. Even though many people walked or biked or shuttled, they ran out of parking, including handicap parking. I heard attendants telling people who needed handicap accommodations that it was dropoff only. What would a handicapped driver do?? They told us to park on the street in a nearby neighborhood. We stood in line (in the heat and sun) for 30 minutes to enter. Once the sun went down, the walkways and restroom area were not lit. People were using porta-potties in darkness. I saw a woman injured from falling down in a walkway area--I am sure that she couldn't see where she was stepping. The gardens have many walking hazards (e.g., stone walls without rails) and these were not lit or marked. Stairs did not have reflective tape or anything to help people see them. This venue should not be allowed to cater to such large crowds. As much as I would love to see performers like Bonnie Raitt, I won't be back to Outlaw Field.
Written August 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
foodieattorney
Boise, ID36 contributions
Dec 2020
You would think that with so much time on their hands due to Covid they could spend a little more time decorating for the Winter Garden. Yeah, no.... It took up literally 10 minutes to do the entire thing and it looked very half done.
Written December 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ranvanzan
Rochester, MN1 contribution
Aug 2022 • Couples
We were too late. A visit towards the end of August requires bringing your own… well, everything, including drinking water. The gardens haven’t been watered much either. Some, not at all. Ever. This could be an exceptional garden. What I saw was below average. It would be mean to include photos.
Written August 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Companion773325
3 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
April is probably the wrong time of year to go to the botanical gardens. Lots of dead leaves, weeds, debris. Some blooming flowers. But not worth $14 per person. Save it for a better time of year maybe.
Written April 13, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Denise
Green Bay, WI2,237 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
I've been to alot of gardens, so I'm probably not easily impressed. It also starts off very slow.... at first I was like.. I hope there is more. Once waking, yes there were flowers. And they just did a nice Lewis and Clark addition. I was traveling with my mom in a wheelchair, it is ok for accessible. However, we had one spot she ran straight into some thorn bushes right on thr path - made me wonder how often they have wheelchair guests and/or inspect themselves to be sure it is safe for those guests. Koi pond js neat, would be nice if machines you could feed with
Written July 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mary L
77 contributions
Jun 2020 • Couples
I am so glad that I went to the gardens. It is so much bigger than it looks from the entrance. The garden is divided into sections such as English garden, children’s garden, meditation garden, vegetable garden and on and on and on.
Absolutely beautiful. This is a non profit garden. They have some employees but also a lot of volunteers. Everyone we spoke to was extremely proud of the gardens and were very eager to talk about it and answer questions.
The koi pond is gorgeous and so pleasant to watch.
The bathrooms are well taken care of and very clean.
If I lived in Boise I would get a membership. But for you tourists I would definitely stop in for a visit.
Absolutely beautiful. This is a non profit garden. They have some employees but also a lot of volunteers. Everyone we spoke to was extremely proud of the gardens and were very eager to talk about it and answer questions.
The koi pond is gorgeous and so pleasant to watch.
The bathrooms are well taken care of and very clean.
If I lived in Boise I would get a membership. But for you tourists I would definitely stop in for a visit.
Written June 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pamela V
Scottsdale, AZ457 contributions
Sep 2021
You can visit the garden and penitentiary, they are a block apart backing up to each other. The garden has many interesting plants and lots of paths for walking up and down. There were many pretty flowers in bloom. I'd describe it as somewhat rustic. Bring sun protection. They do have some reciprocal admissions, so check, it might be of no cost if you are a member at another garden.
Written September 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
alpw
Placitas, NM2,194 contributions
Jul 2021
My husband and I were at the beginning of a road trip and Boise was the starting point. I love gardens and the weather was very nice, so decided today was a good day to go to a garden! It's located next to the Idaho State Penitentiary. The grounds of the gardens were the side yard of the penitentiary at one time. There are about 7 different areas and the gardens are nice, if small. Don't compare it to other big state gardens. Take it for the nice smaller garden that it is.
Written July 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kristen M
Vancouver, WA57 contributions
Aug 2020 • Solo
I’ll give it the benefit of the doubt that I went during an off season... aside from the English Garden, most everything was dead. The differentiation between the various gardens and how to get from one to another was poorly marked. What saves this garden is everything aside from the plants. The koi fish, little lizards, sculptures... the plant life is abysmal. Thankfully I only spent $8 on admission
Written August 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nina3287
Sonoma, CA160 contributions
Oct 2020 • Family
Beautiful and inexpensive. Explore the gardens with two small kids, they had a good time. Different themed gardens, an array of different types of plants and trees. The layout was also done in a way to keep it interesting. They also had fun festive activities for the kids: small corn maze, scarecrows etc.
Written October 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Are pets allowed on a leash during Christmas light tour?
Written December 5, 2022
I was there a couple of evenings ago and saw no dogs there. I seriously doubt that they are allowed in the Gardens at any time. The Gardens' caretakers are very serious about maintenance--I can't imagine them allowing pets. Also, I don't think it would be good for the pet--it's cold and dark, and the gardens have some hazards.
Written December 6, 2022
Anne D
Severna Park, Maryland
What can I expect on Jan 2-3,2019? I will be traveling through there and with winter am not sure if I should stop, but many gardens have interesting winter exhibits. What’s going on in your place?
Written December 12, 2018
The winter garden in Boise is only open by appointment Mon-Fri during daytime hours. They have a fairly decent website for more info.
Written December 12, 2018
386richard
Boise, Idaho
Hello - Bring in a picnic! Only restrictions are no outside alcohol.
FAQ on website.
Written October 1, 2018
I have been there a few times over the years and the wheel-chair accessibility has improved to a point that visitors need not worry about access and taking in the highlights most anytime of the year. Even in the winter, if there is snow the grounds are kept clear of hazardous conditions. There are multi-levels, but they have included ramps to make it easier to get around. Don't expect smooth paths as you will encounter brick, stone, gravel, and grass pathways. Other than minimal bumps the grounds are user friendly.
Written December 9, 2018
Denise M
Eagle, Idaho
Have a new puppy, can I bring her to concert on 27th? She is 7 pounds.
Written June 5, 2017
I volunteer at the garden and pets are not allowed inside. If you go to the "policies" page on the IBG website, you will find the answer.
Written June 6, 2017
Is it open during the winter Holidays?
Written December 6, 2016
386richard
Boise, Idaho
Yes! The Garden is open during the holiday season. Mon-Fri: 9-5 pm & Winter Garden aGlow Mon-Sun: 6-9 pm. You can review hours on the website. I hope that helps! -Richard
Written December 6, 2016
Garden Admission*
Members: FREE
Adults: $7.00
Youth 5-12: $5.00
Senior (65+): $5.00
Children under 4: FREE
*Event admission prices vary
Discounts
AAA – $1 off each admission
Military – $1 off each admission
(Only one discount per admission)
General Admission rates and discounts do not apply to special events, classes, or concerts.
Winter Rates
(November 16-March 15)
$1.00 off Garden General Admission Rates.
Stroll for the Heart and Soul
May – September
Tuesday & Thursday
7:30 a.m.- 9 a.m.
Free admission
Written March 14, 2015
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