Idaho Botanical Garden, Boise: Hours, Address, Idaho Botanical Garden Reviews: 4.5/5
Idaho Botanical Garden
Idaho Botanical Garden
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
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
9:00 AM - 5:00 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.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingFull view
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
350 within 3 miles
Trolley House
55
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Diner • Vegetarian Friendly
Subway
2
0.4 mi
The Griddle
193
0.7 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Cafe • Vegetarian Friendly
La Tapatia
87
0.7 mi$$ - $$$ • Mexican • Vegetarian Friendly
Mazzah Mediterranean Grill
72
0.7 mi$$ - $$$ • Lebanese • Mediterranean • Greek
Barbacoa Grill
1,249
0.9 mi$$$$ • Steakhouse • Latin • Seafood
The Refuge Pub and Grill
50
0.7 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Pub
Smoky Mountain Pizzeria Grill
94
0.8 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Pizza • Grill
Smoky Mountain Pizza
27
0.8 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Pizza
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers
119
1 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Pub
Attractions
94 within 6 miles
Old Idaho Penitentiary
991
509 ftHistoric Sites
Idaho State Archives
3
269 ftLibraries • History Museums
Quarry View Park
5
0.1 miParks
Museum of Mining & Geology
18
0.2 miSpeciality Museums
Morrison-Knudsen Nature Center
156
1 miNature & Wildlife Areas
Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial
289
2.2 miMonuments & Statues
Julia Davis Park
256
2.1 miParks • Gardens
Albertsons Stadium
267
1.5 miArenas & Stadiums
Boise River Greenbelt
1,463
2.9 miHiking Trails
Idaho State Capitol Building
747
2 miMonuments & Statues • Government Buildings
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
402 reviews
Excellent
250
Very good
120
Average
18
Poor
9
Terrible
5
Rheinhold Festung
Oak Park, IL195 contributions
This is behind the Old State Penitentiary. If you belong to another arboretum, you might get in free.
This is small in acreage, but is just packed with flowers of all different kinds. I took far more pictures here than I did on all of the rest of my trip to Idaho combined.
Good signage telling you what flowers/shrubs you are looking at.
This is small in acreage, but is just packed with flowers of all different kinds. I took far more pictures here than I did on all of the rest of my trip to Idaho combined.
Good signage telling you what flowers/shrubs you are looking at.
Written June 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Pamela V
Scottsdale, AZ467 contributions
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.
alpw
Placitas, NM2,009 contributions
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.
foodieattorney
Boise, ID37 contributions
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.
Denise
Green Bay, WI95 contributions
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.
Mary L
80 contributions
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.
Kristen M
Vancouver, WA57 contributions
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.
4Bug-a-Boos
Oregon231 contributions
Lovely Botanical Garden. We enjoyed our visit to this garden. Be prepared for walking with decent shoes as there is quite a lot to see here. It is interesting having the old penitentiary as a back drop. The nice thing is you can visit both if you are interested in doing so (the gardens and the penitentiary).
Written August 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Nina3287
Sonoma, CA162 contributions
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.
srmooreinLA
Los Angeles, CA2 contributions
Family
I traveled from California to visit my granddaughters who live north of the Boise area. During my visit, I wanted to take them to the Idaho Botanical Garden on Thursday, June 7. After driving for nearly an hour, we arrived at the Garden at 10:30 a.m., only to be informed that it was closed for the day in order to prepare for an evening event. I had researched the Garden in advance and also checked their website just prior to our visit. Their Visitor’s Information page stated that the Garden would be open on that day. There was no mention of the closure. The four of us were frustrated and disappointed to be turned away from the Garden. It is extremely thoughtless and unprofessional to provide prospective visitors with the wrong information about something as basic as when you are open to the public.
Written June 14, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
LindySue2378
Williamsburg, VA
Are dogs allowed ?
andrxxcea
Boise, ID14 contributions
Approved o ly, i believe
Anne D
Severna Park, MD
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?
Tiffany A
Salt Lake City, UT170 contributions
The winter garden in Boise is only open by appointment Mon-Fri during daytime hours. They have a fairly decent website for more info.
What is the rules on outside food and drinks ?
386richard
Boise, ID
Hello - Bring in a picnic! Only restrictions are no outside alcohol.
FAQ on website.
marileero3
Eagle, ID
What is availability for wheelchair accessibility?
Stan S
Boise, ID59 contributions
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.
boisedenise
Eagle, ID
Have a new puppy, can I bring her to concert on 27th? She is 7 pounds.
John Sowell
Boise, ID1,619 contributions
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.
Drmbd627
Barcelona, Spain42 contributions
Is it open during the winter Holidays?
386richard
Boise, ID
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
how much does it cost to get in
Hanepoot
Fullerton, CA115 contributions
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
Frequently Asked Questions about Idaho Botanical Garden
- Idaho Botanical Garden is open:
- Sun - Sat 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Hotels near Idaho Botanical Garden:
- (0.76 mi) SpringHill Suites by Marriott Boise ParkCenter
- (1.99 mi) Home2 Suites By Hilton Boise Downtown
- (1.89 mi) Boise Guest House
- (0.40 mi) #StayInMyDistrict Boise Location! Location! Location!
- (1.08 mi) Holiday Inn Express Boise-University Area, an IHG Hotel
- Restaurants near Idaho Botanical Garden:
- (0.95 mi) Barbacoa Grill
- (0.70 mi) The Griddle
- (0.39 mi) Trolley House
- (0.36 mi) Subway
- (2.25 mi) Chandlers Prime Steaks & Fine Seafood