The Boise Greenbelt is one of the best and most beautiful places to go throughout the entire year. Stretching 25 miles and located alongside the north and south sides of the Boise River, you can find scenic views, wildlife habitat and access to Boise’s popular riverside parks.
The Greenbelt was built in 1969 and celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2019. The idea of having a Greenbelt in the city was first presented in 1963 and senators were asked to help fund it in 1967. Believe it or not, the latest milestone in the Greenbelt project was completed as late as 2016, when the final portion of it was completed after being unfinished for many years.
In Boise city limits, you’ll notice there are no vendors or shops alongside the Greenbelt, but that changes when you hit Garden City. Garden City has a variety of wineries, breweries and food places alongside the Greenbelt for you to check out on your walk or bike ride.
In Boise, you can appreciate the nature that the Greenbelt provides without the distraction of shops and food places advertising their offerings. There are some breweries and food trucks that are located near the Greenbelt if you are willing to walk off a ways, like Payette Brewing and Green Acres Food Truck Park.
Other things to do off the Greenbelt in Boise is the Zoo, located in Julia Davis Park. It’s a quick walk off the Greenbelt and also from Downtown Boise. You can also check out the main branch of the Boise Public Library while you’re in that area, as well as the Boise Art Museum.
The MK Nature Center is also located off the Greenbelt, offering a unique wildlife experience. You can spot many landscapes and wildlife in the area, with viewing windows alongside the stream walk to see a variety of fish, like chinook salmon and several sturgeon.
Public art is abundant along the Greenbelt, with the latest piece located in the 8th Street Tunnel. The mural, done by Portland artist Addie Boswell, was completed earlier this year. The City of Boise wanted to spread a message of acceptance and belonging with the colorful mural.
And as we move into colder months, the Greenbelt is a great place to get your exercise in. Hiking trails in the foothills get muddy and icy during winter, but the Boise Greenbelt is good to walk, run and bike on in the city limits, especially around Boise State University.
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