Nature is a big part of Boise, Idaho. The snow-capped Rocky Mountains serve as a backdrop, the Boise River and its riverfront paths wind through the city and skiing is a short drive away. Boise's varied museums include the Idaho History Museum, the Boise Art Museum, the Basque Museum and Cultural Center and the interactive Discovery Museum of Idaho. Unique attractions include Old Idaho Penitentiary and historic Pioneer Village. Old Boise offers shopping, dining, culture and nightlife.

While it may sound like a French village, Coeur d'Alene (pronounced core-da-lane) is decidedly all-American. Located in northern Idaho, this lakefront resort offers five-star amenities in a beautifully rugged setting. Visitors enjoy everything from pristine golf courses and professional quality tennis courts to hiking on pine-forested trails and biking through natural preserves. The sparkling Coeur d'Alene Lake is the center of most of the action. Sunbathe on the beach, water ski, kayak or tour the area by sea plane. At night, dine in fine restaurants and see top-rated shows. With upscale attractions in an unspoiled setting, Coeur d'Alene offers visitors the best of both worlds.

Surrounded on three sides by snow-capped mountains, Pocatello is a beautiful small city in the heart of eastern Idaho. The unspoiled wilderness in and around the city is perfect for cross country skiing and snowmobiling in the winter or hiking and biking in the summer. The Pontneuf River Greenway running through town is popular for jogging and strolling in warmer climes. For a more cultured vacation, try any of the city's theaters, dinner museums or outdoor bandshells for live entertainment.

Once a modest mining and ranching town, Ketchum is now a bustling resort town that became a popular ski destination with the settlement of nearby Sun Valley. Bald Mountain towers above the city and draws world class skiers every year. The surrounding wilderness provides a beautiful escape for hiking, trail riding, hunting and sports. Ernest Hemingway was known to have fallen in love with the valley and made his final home in Ketchum.

Open to the public, the Idaho Falls Temple grounds are a beautiful and peaceful place to visit. Visitors can walk through the colorful gardens lined with towering trees, sit by the fountains and cascading waterfall, enjoy the beautiful view of the Snake River, and feel the peace of the grounds. While you're there, you can take a guided tour at the Visitors' Center. Or, during the pandemic, take a virtual tour from anywhere in the world!

PLEASE READ: OPEN BY APPOINTMENT, APRIL 1 THRU SEPTEMBER 30 AT 11 AM ONLY We are offering a guided tour at 11 am where you help take the alpacas from their evening field to the daytime pasture. This is a fun way to learn more about the alpaca. You will also receive a presentation on how two people in their retirement years landed on a ranch and are having the time of their life. Email us and let us know how many in your group, date, and time. We understand the need for people to enjoy the great outdoors and meet some really wonderful animals. We charge $12 for people 12 and over, $7 for kids, toddlers under 3 are free. No children under 12 are allowed in the fenced areas with the animals but a walk-about along the fence is always fun. Sonia, Andy, and the 77 Heartbeats

In 1872 the Idaho Territorial Prison opened its doors to some of the most desperate and mean criminals the West could offer. In 1973 the Idaho State Penitentiary closed to inmates. Now our doors are open for visitors to explore over 100 years of Idaho's unique prison history. Open year-round, visitors of the Old Idaho Penitentiary can walk through solitary confinement, cell blocks, and the gallows. Visit today and relive the Old Pen's exciting past of daring escapes, scandals, and executions. Call for more details about special events, educational programs and guided tours.

Freak Alley Gallery is the largest outdoor mural gallery in the Northwest. It's free and open to the public 24/7. We also have an Indoor Gallery that promotes our local Art and Artists; all proceeds from sales support the project and keep the lights on. Be sure to visit our website for detailed information on the indoor and outdoor events. You can even watch the progression of this Boise landmark.

at Boise State University