You can’t plan a trip to Boise, Idaho without getting to know the Boise River Greenbelt. This 25-mile pathway winds through the heart of the city as it follows the Boise River from Lucky Peak to Garden City. The Greenbelt’s lush, tree-lined trails are dotted with city parks and playgrounds, scenic riverside views, outdoor recreation and local attractions. Thousands of locals and visitors use the Greenbelt every day to explore different parts of the city, enjoy the great outdoors, and visit the Ribbon of Jewels - 12 beloved public parks that were donated to the city in honor of some of its finest female civic leaders.
These parks are as unique as the women they’re named for, and each one offers its own collection of outdoor activities, attractions and landscapes. Before your next trip to Boise, brush up on some of the most popular parks on the Ribbon of Jewels to be sure you don’t miss the top spots.
Julia Davis Park
Julia Davis Park is the crown jewel of the Greenbelt and the oldest park in Boise. Located right in the heart of the city, the 89-acre park is packed with top attractions and unique features, including multiple museums and exhibits, a formal rose garden, playgrounds, a splash pad, tennis courts, picnic areas - it’s like a mini vacation packed into one central park! Bring a picnic, take a paddleboat ride across the lagoon, explore historic monuments or simply stroll across the sprawling green spaces. Julia Davis Park is also right across the river from Boise State University, providing easy access to campus via the Friendship Bridge.
Features:
Paddleboat rides
Botanical gardens
Ann Morrison Park
Ann Morrison Park is a family-friendly favorite with playgrounds, a splash pad, sports fields, and the largest dog park in the state. The large 153-acre area boasts a variety of outdoor activities, from disc golf and bocce ball to birdwatching, pollinator gardens and horseshoe pits. Large open fields are perfect for a pick-up game of soccer or frisbee, and the picnic area can be reserved for parties or special occasions. It’s also the exit spot for floating the Boise River from Barber Park.
Features:
Disc golf course
Bocce ball courts
Splash pad
Birdwatching at the pond
Kathryn Albertson Park
If you're looking to connect with nature, this is your spot. Kathryn Albertson Park is a 41-acre special use area that features scenic nature trails, peaceful ponds, and paved paths winding through beautifully landscaped gardens. Keep an eye out for turtles, ducks, foxes and cranes as you wander through the area. The park's gazebos and reflective pools also make it an ideal spot for meditation and nature photography.
Features:
Wildlife viewing
Paved walking paths
Gazebos and reflective pools
Nature photography spots
Marianne Williams Park
Marianne Williams Park offers a riverside retreat with stunning views of the water and East Boise’s Barber Valley. Paved walking paths that wind around the river and two park ponds make this a popular space for scenic hikes and landscape photography. It's a great place to enjoy a leisurely walk, have a picnic, or simply relax by the river and watch the world go by.
Features:
Riverside views
Walking and biking paths
Open green spaces
Picnic areas
Esther Simplot Park & Bernardine Quinn Riverside Park
Esther Simplot Park is a 55-acre space right on Boise River’s north end that features a series of ponds and wetlands perfect for fishing, paddling and swimming. There’s also a huge playground, a splash pad, and plenty of green space for running and playing. Plus, it’s a great spot to watch the sunset over the Boise River.
The sister park to Esther Simplot, Bernardine Park is home to Quinn’s Pond, a 22-acre pond that’s a popular spot for swimming, fishing, and paddling. A connected stream runs between Esther Simplot Park and Quinn’s Pond, creating a 50-acre circuit for paddling. Park amenities include fishing piers, covered picnic areas, scenic boardwalks and nature trails.
Features:
Kayaking and paddleboarding
Fishing ponds
Playgrounds
Running and biking trails
Kristin Armstrong Municipal Park
This historic 28-acre park is one of the oldest in the city and boasts shady, tree-lined paths and green spaces on the banks of the Boise River. It’s a popular space for picnics, photography, and peaceful strolls on sunny afternoons. It’s also located right next to MK Nature Center, where interactive exhibits and nature guides shed light on the wildlife and landscapes around (and in!) the river.
Features:
Bocce courts
Playground
Open play areas
Boise's Greenbelt parks are truly jewels, each offering unique experiences and endless opportunities for fun and relaxation. After a day of exploring these beautiful parks, you'll need a cozy place to rest. Browse our Boise vacation rentals and find the perfect home away from home. From comfortable condos to spacious family homes, we have the ideal spot for your Boise adventure. Book now and start planning your unforgettable trip to the "Ribbon of Jewels" in Boise!
Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or family fun, the Ribbon of Jewels has something for everyone. So lace up your shoes, grab a water bottle, and get ready to explore this amazing riverside route on your next Boise getaway.
Speaking of getaways, Family Time Vacation Rentals can help you find the best rental properties right on the Greenbelt for easy access to the Ribbon of Jewels and Downtown Boise. Book a 2-bedroom home a few blocks from BSU to stay in easy walking distance to the Greenbelt, downtown, and Julia Davis Park. If you prefer peace and quiet, consider a private home in Garden City that’s just 900 feet from the river and the charming arts scene on Chinden Blvd.
Check out our selection of
Boise vacation rentalsand find the perfect basecamp for your Greenbelt adventures. With comfortable accommodations and convenient locations, we've got you covered.