YOUR KEY TO THE CITY
US Facts 
Footsteps of History 
It Happened Here 
Mottos, Slogans and Nicknames 
Noted Notables
Welcome To KEY TO THE CITY's Page For
Boise
Ada County, Idaho
ZipCodes
83702, 83703, 83704, 83705, 83706, 83709, 83712
Motto
"The City of Trees"
History & History-related items
Chamber of Commerce.
Organizations, Churches, and Sports.
When French-Canadian trappers finished crossing the territory's flat arrid plain, the forest by the river was a truly welcome sight. Therefore, they named it Boise, which means "wooded." The city itself was not founded until 1863 after the gold rush reached the area. Boise, Idaho's capital, is known as the city of Trees. The first government in Idaho was in Lewiston, but was moved to Boise in 1864 after being in Lewiston only one year.
also see this history of Boise
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Discovery Center of Idaho
131 Myrtle St.
Boise, Idaho
Phone: (208) 343-9895
Idaho Botanical Garden
Main St & Warm springs Road
Phone: (208) 343-8649
Several areas available to view displays, gardens, herbs, and more. There is a self-guided nature trail as well as a guide to answer questions.
Boise Art Museum
670 s. Julia Davis Dr.
Boise, Idaho
Phone: (208) 345-8330
Both permanent and changing exhibits are available. Guided tours are available by appointment.
Zoo Boise
355 N. Julia Davis Drive
Boise, Idaho 83702
Phone: (208) 384-4260
Many types of animals may be seen at the zoo, plus special exhibits. Thursday is Family day with reduced rates.
Idaho Historical Museum
610 N. Julia Davis Dr.
Boise, Idaho
Phone: (208) 334-2120
The history of Idaho is outlined as well as many other displays and relics from the early days in the state.
Old Idaho Penitentiary
near Boise
Phone: (208) 368-6080
In use from 1872-1973 as a territorial prison and then as the sole state penitentiary, the grounds of the prison may be toured as well as a short film about the area. Exhibits of prison life are also provided.
World Center for Birds of Prey
5666 W. Flying Hawk
7 miles south of Boise.
PHone: (208) 362-8687
Exhibits of birds of prey, including biology, ecology and conservation, may be seen here. A tropical forest is also featured. Visitors may be aided by the staff of the facility.
State Capitol
Phone: (208) 334-2470
Not only is this sandstone and marble building an impressive sight, but it also has many displays to see. Guided tours may be arranged.
Boise Philharmonic
516 S. Ninth Street, Suite C
Boise, ID 83702
1-208-344-7849 or 1-888-300-7849
Boise Hawks Baseball
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Boise City has a strong mayor-council form of government with both the full-time Mayor and the part-time city council elected by the voters.
Boise Chamber
Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce
250 S. 5th Street
Boise, Idaho 83702
Phone: 208-472-5200
Boise has a population density of 2,913.1 persons per square mile as of the 2000 US Census.
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