Art in the Park at Julia Davis Park Art in the Park at Julia Davis Park is such a fun experience! The event is right along the Boise Greenbelt, so you can stroll through all the incredible art vendors and then enjoy a walk around the large, beautiful park. Fun fact: Julia Davis Park is the oldest park in Boise, established in 1907, and it's still one of the city's most popular gathering spots. There were so many vendors with a big variety of artwork, with something for every taste. I even found the perfect gift for my step-dad-in-law: a mountains and sun piece made out of different kinds of rocks. If you're an art lover, this event is a must-go-to. Another bonus is how easy it is to explore the area. You can rent e-bikes and e-scooters nearby to cover more ground. And every time we go, we always stop to see the giraffes at Zoo Boise, which is right next to the park. It makes for a full day of art, nature, and fun. Great place for families and anyone who wants to soak in Boise's creative and community vibe! read more

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This park features a band shell, rose garden, public restrooms, event areas, plenty of walking paths and grass. Large trees keep it cool, perfect for picnic, reading in the park, sitting next to a big Lincoln statue, play area, tennis, or just taking a stroll. It's very close to the zoo, art museum, and two history museums, all worthy attractions on their own! Across the street from the library as well on capital. It's the cities oldest park. It was created by a donation of 43 acres in 1907 from Thomas Davis. read more

Julia Davis Park - Parks Near Me - Boise, Idaho

As a way to explore the city, we decided to walk around this park and explore a bit more. It has a lot of green spaces as well as plenty of shade and picnic tables for hanging out or having lunches while resting between things. There are quite a few historical markers throughout the space, as well as a lovely rose garden, that we decided to wander through during our park visit . If the day is nice, you can also bike along the lengthy path or walk to the other side and go along the path which is also part of the university . It was relatively busy for a weekday morning, but we were able to find lots of secluded places to sit and chat and enjoy some shade. This would be a lovely place to come with a book, meet a friend, bring your lunch or just have a bit of a walk to explore. Very nice public space! read more

Julia Davis Park - Path to Rose Garden - Parks Near Me - Boise, Idaho

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This is possibly the weirdest review I've done. Bathrooms on the NE side of the Park by the Kite sculpture were clean (some of the cleanest I've seen) and completely stocked (big shock I know) Great job Boise Parks maintenance as well as park users . read more

Julia David Park is the city's oldest park and just beautiful. This park is very large and parts of the park run along the Boise river. This park has a lovely little rose garden and an Abraham Lincoln Statue. The reason why I actually wanted to come to the park was for the former president's statue, which was unveiled on June 19, 2010. This statue has former President Lincoln sitting on a bench. Sadly, this statue was vandalized February earlier this year with paint and feces (but since has been cleaned). Please note that if you visit during the day, especially during a warm day, it may be very hot to touch the statue. My husband, our little girl dog and I came during golden hour so that it would not be too hot to touch. If I lived in this area, I would most likely be a regular here and could see this place being a great place for a photo shoot. read more

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I as across the street and decided to come here. It's a really big park. A lot of open area, tons of shade, and tables. There is a rose garden you can walk around. They also had a lot of scooters all around to ride. Great place for kids to get their energy out . Also a lot of dogs walking around. read more

Julia Davis Park - Parks Near Me - Boise, Idaho

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What a gorgeous park! The Rose Garden is just so simply wonderful. Inside the park there are many things to explore. There is a Historical Society museum , a zoo, a very cool Abe Lincoln statue, a bandstand type of clam shell theater with a very cool jazz/music history, and gorgeous green spaces everywhere. We sat by the benches right on the banks of the river and hung out amongst the most gorgeous views of the water and baby puff ball geese with their families. It was so glorious! Being from PHX we can't do that in the summer since it is too hot. The weather was amazing when we visited. We only explored maybe one tenth of the park. I think I read they even have paddle boats to rent. Lots of folks picnicking, field trip kids, photographers. It is a well used space and I am sure much appreciated in Boise. Very clean too. The park also has bathrooms that were actually open and might I add, not bad for public park bathrooms. Please note though the TP holder bars are weird. You cannot forward the toilet paper roll on the steel base holder. It does not fit right as the TP is too tight on the bar so pretty much you can't get at it. They need to fix that. Maybe bring your own tissues if you might need more then a scrap. lol Lucky locals who get to experience this tranquil, pretty, lush green space and daily if they so choose. read more

This park is massive with a lot to do! My husband and I brought our breakfast here yesterday while we were in town and it was so nice. We also enjoyed walking though and enjoying the views at the park. We didn't visit the zoo or anything but that looked cool. We walked through the rose garden a bit and took some cool pics on the bridge. We did want to paddle boat but the water looked kinda gross so we passed on it. It's close to everything too we walked from downtown to here a few times during our trip. read more

Julia Davis Park - Parks Near Me - Boise, Idaho

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The park is the city's oldest park and the Boise River Greenbelt runs through it. There is a parking lot, but it was quite full when I came on a Saturday. We didn't spend a lot of time here, as we were short on time. We only got to check out the Rose Garden, which was in bloom. Watch out for the geese poop. read more

This park is huge! I passed the entrance were my apple gps said which was right. But I followed the google maps gps and took me more down. It took me where the water boats were. So I came back from where I saw the proper gate entrance. When I entered I took a left then I saw on my right the rose garden which is pretty. There's 2 fountains & a gazebo. Across is a big statue of Abraham Lincoln. Also there's museums around here. read more

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If it's a good day in my life, I'm probably at Julia Davis. I am blessed to live just a few blocks away, and I can't believe my luck at being just walking distance from one of Boise's crown jewels. Julia Davis is home to the Boise Art Museum, the Black History Museum, the Zoo, and the Rose Garden. There's also a new Holocaust museum, paddle boats, and the Discovery Center. If you're looking for an afternoon activity, check out Julia Davis for something to do. If you're looking for some unstructured fun, the park also has about a dozen tennis courts, horseshoe pits, picnic shelters, and huge swaths of grass to play games on or to splay out on to read a book. There are tables for picnicking and a playground for kids, and the Greenbelt courses through if you're looking for a place to ride your bike. Parking here can be a little tricky, especially during the school year when lots of BSU students park and then cross Friendship bridge over to campus. Lame--people, please don't take up free parking meant to allow people to access park services while you're in school. Summer weekends can also get crowded, especially near the Zoo. You might find yourself circling for a while looking for a spot. If you can carpool or bike here, I recommend it. That said, it's worth the effort to transport yourself here because there's so much that you can't find anywhere else in Boise. Nearly every time I walk through on the Greenbelt, I see a giraffe. How many other people in Idaho can say that? The trees here are older than almost anywhere else in Boise, and their height and size are majestic. The gingkos are beautiful with their frilly leaves, and the maples have an abundance of shade on a hot day. If you're looking for other natural beauty, the rose garden is amazing. It's free to visit and immaculately maintained. It has a few little fountains within and a gazebo in the middle that's often covered in people taking photos. The roses are all labeled with their names and it's fun to guess the titles of the different kinds and colors. Due to the size of the park, you'll always be able to find a little space for yourself if you'd like, or you can chum out with a group. They hold a number of events here, like Art in the Park, Juneteenth, and lots of fun runs and festivals. You'll often hear free concerts at the bandshell on a summer weekend and it's always fun to swing through to see what's happening. I love Julia Davis. It's truly one of the best things about Boise. If you haven't been, make sure to check it out. read more

Had a layover at Boise and wanted to go for a quick run. This park is peacefully situated downtown of Boise. A good place to run, walk, bike, play tennis and to just think. Makes me want to grow old in a place like this. People here are very well-mannered. read more

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Julia Davis Park in Downtown Boise is the home to Zoo Boise, a beautiful rose garden and several museums. Covered picnic areas and tennis courts are available by reservation. There are also paths for cycling and walking along the Boise River, as well as a small playground intended for toddlers. If you want a downtown park with a playground better suited for older children, I'd recommend Ann Morrison Park instead. Julia Davis is spread out enough that it's a great place to observe nature like ducks, geese and chipmunks without too many noisy children to scare them off. We saw a lot of geese and fluffy goslings today in particular. Feeding water fowl is discouraged to prevent them from becoming dependent on people, but not everybody complies. I'd avoid eating at the picnic tables near the lagoon and stick to more populated areas if you don't want company. Bare in mind that an abundance of water fowl also means an abundance of water fowl droppings so check your shoes and stroller wheels before packing up to go. read more

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Parks is co located with the zoo and Boise State. Very big park. Many activities going on. Really enjoyed the rose garden.

It's not massive. It's not flashy. But it's a significant part of Julia Davis Park. What it lacks in acres of land or fancy displays it makes up for in simplicity. A nice covered pavilion sits in the center of the rose garden, big enough to pause under if rain or sun is too much to take. Fountains which have been in operation since at least the 1980s gurgle away with a quaint display. They color the water a vivid blue to add to the effect. May is really when the roses start coming in. I went on a stroll through the ygrounds recently and admired the well-kept plots of colorful roses. Little plaques share their names with visitors. Later in the summer an art show takes place within the little rose garden. Sometimes quiet and picturesque is just what's needed! Stop here if you want to soak in heavenly scents and smile. :) read more

Julia Davis Park - Parks Near Me - Boise, Idaho

One of Boise's best parks. We have Kathryn Albertsons Park...which is my favorite. Julia Davis is my second favorite or tied with Albertsons park. Julia Davis has GIGANTIC trees which keep it nice and shaded. It's super big and incredibly beautiful during Autumn months. Fun to run through and kick up leaves. Always good and healthy to be a kid again. Most in Boise, if not all Boise folk, have all been here at one time or another. So this is mainly for tourists. This park would probably be a favorite for most of you's. Very large, located right along the beautiful Bouse River, located RIGHT at the entrance to the Zoo!! And who doesn't love the zoo?!?! Also, the rose gardens are right there, art museum and history museum, as well as the Black History museum...which I have yet to visit. Weird hours there. Regardless, there is this beautiful park and then all kinds of things to do surrounding the park! Ya can't go wrong! Ya really can't! (Said that last bit with my NY accent hahahaha). So if in Boise, VISIT this park! Especially during Autumn. Art in the Park is held here every year. That festival is my second favorite that Boise puts on. It's always a good time. And hey, if it's hot outside, the park is lined with giant cottonwood trees (I believe most are cottonwoods) and large maple trees. It's just a happy place to go! Thanks for reading! Cheers! read more

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Year-round this park is gorgeous. In the snowy months, the place is literally a winter wonderland, in the springtime the trees are covered with gorgeous blooming buds, during summer the trees are so vibrantly green that it feels like you turned the saturation/contrast of your perspective all the way up, and in the fall it's like nature just gave you an explosion of earthy-colored confetti. This park Runs from Capitol Blvd to where Broadway and Myrtle intersect. It has a beautiful and spacious green landscape, but also has a section that runs along the greenbelt/Boise River. Whether you are roaming around the park or walking along the riverside, you will have something beautiful to look at! Most of my time spent at this park is either running/walking or biking through, so that is what this review is based on. If you are a runner and you've yet to make your way through here, you need to get to it! It's lovely. I've also been here for several events - races are often hosted here, and every year Boise's beloved "Art in the Park" is hosted at this park. In addition to it's vast and beautiful landscape, it also has a few organizations contained within/around it that greatly benefit the community--the Boise Zoo, Discovery Center of Idaho, Rose Garden, Boise Art Museum are all located either within or right on the outskirts of this park. I'd go on about all those places, but I'll leave that for other review ;). read more

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This is a great park for a family gathering or picnic. The large rose garden, the outdoor pioneer houses and buildings of the Idaho Historical Museum, an Abraham Lincoln memorial, a band shell used for community events, playgrounds, a zoo, tennis courts, and a lagoon with paddle boats, all make this a wonderful place along the river to gather and enjoy family time. The only drawbacks are the large Canadian goose and duck populations that make stepping into poop a common occurrence. But its still a great place to gather and relax. Its proximity to the Anne Frank Human Rights memorial and the Boise Art Museum and Idaho Historical Museum also provide many options to educate and inspire. read more

Julia Davis Park is Boise's oldest park. It was created following the donation of 43 acres of land by Thomas Davis, one of the 20 original founders of Boise. The donation was made as a memorial for his wife, Julia. Over the years, the park was enlarged and now covers 90 acres north of Boise State University. It is home to Zoo Boise, the Boise Art Museum, the Idaho State Historical Museum, the Discovery Center of Idaho and the Idaho Black History Museum. Located next to the Boise Greenbelt, the park includes a duck pond, tennis courts, barbecue pits and large areas of grass. Parking is plentiful and the park is open from sunrise to sunset. The park is also home to an extensive rose garden that began in 1939. About 2,400 roses bloom every year. read more

Pretty and fragrant rose garden, centered around a gazebo in one of the prettiest central parks in downtown Boise. Check the Rose Garden on your way to spend time in the park or walk across the lawn to the entrance of the fun, shady and sweet Boise Zoo, for a relaxing summer visit under mature trees. The Rose Garden and Boise Zoo are right near one another. read more

Such an amazing park! EAsy to get to, quite a bit of parking if you need it, easy access to the green belt, university, the other parks! You get the zoo, the rose garden, the history museum, the science museum, the discovery center! All close to downtown! It's gorgeous, separated bike/walking path, and the ability to get in a lovely walk (inclusding a giant statue of lincoln!) I love this park since it is close to my hotel when i stay there! read more

Nice place just near downtown with a rose garden, fountains with blue water, access to sit by the river and ample parking. I think this is a great place to come take pictures or a lovely afternoon stroll. There were gazebos and picnic tables as well so I would think that it may be fun for families to come here. Not sure if its pet friendly. read more

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Great place to relax, walk, or bike. If you go to the Julia Davis Park, you can do the Greenbelt, take in the rose garden, visit the Boise Art Museum (BAM), and go to the zoo. In addition, the basque museum and restaurants are within walking distance. read more

Julia Davis Park - Rose garden at Julia Davis Park - Parks Near Me - Boise, Idaho

Julia Davis Park was a stop for my husband and I during a recent visit to Boise. It reminded me of Chico, CA with a little something for everyone. Let's see, I hope I remember all of the really neat stuff I saw. First there was Abe Lincoln near the Black History Museum. It was too early so We weren't able to go in for a visit. There is a beautiful Rose Garden with paths that meander through the hundreds of rose varieties and a large gazebo for relaxing a bit. A really nice zoo, tennis courts, paddle boat rentals and lots of covered picnic areas for families and large groups to enjoy. The green belt runs along the park and is very popular with joggers and bicycle riders. A few bike rental companies are close by and very reasonably priced. While enjoying the green belt and checking out the foot bridges that cross the river we ran into two volunteers in a golf cart that assist first time visitors offering maps and answering questions. Which by the way led us to our next days adventure which was a river float. We probably would have not known about it if they had not given us the 411. We really enjoyed the park and felt it was a great place for the entire family. Boise is a great place for a family vacation with plenty to see and do. read more

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We're from out of state and wandered into this park. It's beautifully setup with lots of big shade trees, the river, the art museum, the zoo, and the rose garden. It's a great use of space, and seemed to get a lot of public use. Lots of joggers, picnickers and people visiting the other attractions. The rose garden was a great walk through. read more

Julia Davis Park - Parks Near Me - Boise, Idaho

Homelessness is definitely a problem in this park but that isn't a park problem, that's a city problem. However, all things considered, this park has so many good features! The zoo, rose garden, tennis courts, right by the river, the greenbelt runs through it. This is so close to the heart of Boise and is definitely worth a stroll! read more

Julia Davis Park - Parks Near Me - Boise, Idaho

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What a wonderful place! Shame I went in the winter because I couldn't enjoy the river being up high. This place has a very nice bike path and a couple of nice ponds. There are ducks and squirrels that hang out all over the place. My daughter would have loved it. The proximity to downtown is also nice. Seems like a nice place to take in lunch on a Work day or kill time while waiting for some event to begin. The park seems like an outstanding place to work out with beautiful scenery, safe bike/running path, and ample parking. The special cancer survivor monument is also a very nice touch. Wonderful place here. read more

Adjacent to Zoo Boise, BAM (Boise Art Museum), and the Boise river (therefore the greenbelt)--what's not to love? It has a pond (with ducks and geese galore), a rose garden, and shade a-plenty (in the city of trees...oddly several of my favorite parks aren't shade-centric--ie: Camel's Back, Ann Morrison, Katheryn Alberson--Julia Davis is the exception). Julia Davis plays host to BAM's annual Art in the Park, movies under the stars in the summer months, the occasional concert (it has a stage), and is the starting/ending point of several 5k's throughout the year. As with most of Boise, Julia Davis is dog friendly (on leash only), has a nice play area for the kiddos, and picnic tables for outdoor dining (one of my favorite things is to ride my bike here via the greenbelt, and enjoy a picnic, and lounge and read in the shade before riding home). If you come via car, there is parking along the road surrounding the park, in front of BAM, and in front of Zoo Boise. If you follow the loop, there is also an ample lot just past Zoo Boise. I have never had difficulty finding a spot--even during some of their events (though I'm sure it happens)--just keep following the loop around and you'll find something! Plus, it's downtown to boot....convenient! :) read more

I'm just glad I have cousins in Boise because it gives me reason to go visit there and see some beautiful urban parks, like Julia Davis Park. You've got museums, a zoo, room to stretch, a river, and an amazing rose garden. Basically the rose garden is the thing that is moving me to write this review and for the 5 star rave. Last time I was there my cousins and I had some red vino late at night and went there to sniff the roses and pick favorites - it's a beautiful, life-changing experience and I'd recommend this activity to anyone. Basically, there are some really sweet smelling roses, which is maybe like a metaphor for life or something, I don't know I'm still trying to figure it out. Oh yes, and the park (including the rose garden) is also really cool in the daytime too. read more

This is probably my favorite rose garden I have ever walked. The sunny skies of Boise display all the colors wonderfully, and there is good variety of hybrids to view. This garden is a mecca for photography with fountains, gazebo, and statue of the namesake, Julia Davis with a child. Wonderful! read more

A nice, spacious park to walk around on a sunny day. Lots of museums nearby, many of them closed for renovations currently. The zoo is close. You can walk over to the university. The rose garden is really beautiful when in bloom. Lots of parking nearby. A really great thing to do in Boise. read more

This is one of the most fun parks in boise to visit. I especially love going when the rise garden is in bloom. It's simply gorgeous! The park itself is rather large in size. What makes the park so fun is it's location. Inside the park, you can go visit the zoo or take a paddle boat ride. Next to the park you can visit the art museum, idaho history museum, or the discovery center. Across the street there is a winco so why not grab some food for a picnic. It's the perfect place to go spend the day with the kids. You also have easy greenbelt access for those that like to ride bike or walk. I remember loving field trips there as a kid and I still enjoy going back as an adult. It's great for people of all ages to just go relax outside. read more

Wow this is an amazing park! Lots of parking, bicycle paths, lakes, and lawns (just be careful where you step!). It probably helped that it was such a beautiful day while we were strolling around. I think I'd like to take up ultimate frisbee if I lived here. read more

I was visiting from Vegas and my friend new I wanted to experience some nature (not sand). We took a stroll through the rose garden, walked around the different areas of interest, took pictures with Abe. It was a great time and the garden looks like a gorgeous spot for special events. read more

This park is a local gem, and one of the best city parks that I have encountered. Home to the zoo, lagoons, trails, rose gardens, and the cultural center it is both great for family outtings, personal contemplation, walking / biking, or just bringing those from out of town to see while visiting. In the early morning you can hear the sounds of birds and monkeys from the zoo over the spritzing of sprinklers and it is an excellent place in the city to get away for a little bit and just stroll. Each area of the park has a bit of history and something to do. The grounds are almost always in pristine condition in spite of rowdy family gatherings, kids running amok in the summer, and heavy traffic on the trails in the afternoons. read more

Very nice park in the center of town. We had a five star experience from walking next to the river, watching kids play at the playground, geese watching and the paddle boat lagoon. It was the weekend so parking was unlimited. Weekdays, there is a 2 hour time limit. It cost $8/half hour or $12/hour to take a paddle boat out. They are very easy to drive and are not very deep. The water did look icky; would hate to fall in. The only complaint I have is the amount of geese poop on the grass. If you have an aversion to poop, you'd be horrified. read more

So fun. I took my 8th month old and walked the loop while my husband long boarded. It's very smoothly paved.

It's a park. There's grass and trees. On the positive side, there are minimal homeless folks (as opposed to Julie Davis Park). On the negative, it's one of Boise's few parks. Not my first choice to visit but when people suggest visiting it, I tend to not roll my eyes in disgust. read more

One of the best parks in Boise. This park can get packed, worse during a special event. Dang birds!!

Julia Davis is a beautiful park that normally is host to a lot of Boise's events. The green belt is worth taking a walk on!