Page 51 - BoiseRiverValley2023RELOGUIDE

THE GREENBELT

The Greenbelt:
Exploring the Jewel of

the Treasure Valley

Ask Treasure Valley residents about their most
beloved spots and you’re sure to hear two
words: The Greenbelt. This 25-mile pathway
meanders along the Boise River, connecting
850 acres of parks and three cities (Boise,
Garden City, and Eagle) along the way.

It’s impossible to showcase all of this trail’s
features in one article, so we’ll begin with
a few highlights to get you started. The
Greenbelt isn’t opened to motorized vehicles,

aside from the golf carts used by the volunteer
Greenbelt Safety Team, so a bike or your own
two feet are all you need to have an adventure.

The Heron Rookery near Bown Crossing Julia Davis Park

More than 50 years ago, when the Greenbelt was This beautiful, historic area is one of PRO TIP
conceived by civic leaders, the Boise River wasn’t Boise’s “Ribbon of Jewels,” a series of While traveling
exactly a source of pride. It was parks named for influential women along the
PRO TIP a dumping ground and not very civic leaders. Julia Davis and her Greenbelt, keep
Go in the spring hospitable to the native wildlife husband, Tom Davis, were pioneers an eye out for Zoo
when the rookery is along its banks. Now, however, it’s Boise’s giraffes
most active. in the early days of the city. Tom peeking out from
a favorite spot of wildlife watchers, turned 43 acres over to Boise in 1907 their enclosure.
including birders who flock (pun in memory of his wife. Over the years,

intended!) to this blue heron rookery. To see the nests the park expanded to 89 acres and now
and catch a glimpse of the herons in action, head to the houses a number of cultural attractions, including the
south side of the Greenbelt immediately upstream from Boise Art Museum, the Idaho State Historical Museum,
Bown Crossing. Zoo Boise, the Boise Rose Garden, the Idaho Black
History Museum, and pavilions and spaces for public
Kathryn Albertson Park performances.

This park — also one of Boise’s PRO TIP Natatorium Pool and Hydrotube
Ribbon of Jewels — is known for Each walking loop
its amazing wildlife. At 41 acres, it in the park is only ¾ Swimmers have been finding relief PRO TIP
of a mile, making it
offers plenty of space to explore perfect for a short from Boise’s dry, hot summers here Save money with
and observe the thousands of jaunt with kids. since 1892. The original Natatorium a season pass
waterfowl, owls, songbirds, turtles, was a wooden Moorish Revival (currently $25-$40).
structure along the city’s trolley
salamanders, and more that make line that attracted thousands of
their homes in the park. It’s also a popular spot for swimmers, but had to close in the 1930s due to safety
weddings and graduation and family pictures, especially concerns. However, the current Natatorium still offers
when colors begin popping in the fall.
a safe space for kids and adults alike to beat the heat.
Features include a toddler pool, a café, and a hydrotube
for adventure seekers.
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