Ada: River Trails, Nature and History

A trip to Ada can have many different focuses: trails along the river, wildlife and plant life, outdoor activities or cultural history. When choosing a vacation rental, it helps to ask a specific question: Should the trip focus mainly on trails and nature, or would you like to plan visits to historic sites and cultural attractions? For a family trip, this can help clarify early on which experiences matter most to the group.

Trails along the Boise River and in the Foothills

The Boise River Greenbelt runs along the Boise River from Lucky Peak to Garden City. Ada County Parks & Waterways manages more than 11 miles of the Greenbelt. This trail network includes paved multi-use paths and unpaved trails reserved exclusively for pedestrians. This distinction matters for planning: the two types of trails are intended for different uses. At Barber Park, both an unpaved multi-use trail and a paved path are part of the Greenbelt. This gives you specific trail options if you want to consider particular surfaces or uses when planning an outing.

In the Boise Foothills, the partner agencies of Ridge to Rivers manage more than 220 miles of trails. A trail conditions update dated January 29, 2026, also lists 17 all-weather trail options open year-round. These figures provide two different points of reference for planning: the size of the trail network and the number of options designated as usable year-round. The Military Reserve area also has trails, as well as an archery range, an old military cemetery, a bike park and a dog park.

Active Outings and Water

If you enjoy trying new activities, there are several options: Eagle Island State Park has an 18-hole disc golf course. Along the Boise River, Boise Whitewater Park has an adjustable wave for surfing and kayaking. River conditions and facility schedules vary; check the information if you plan to take part in this activity.

The 41-acre Kathryn Albertson Park is a nature park with paved walking paths and habitats for numerous birds, waterfowl, owls, herons and other animals. The paved paths and wildlife described here give the park a different focus from the multi-use and pedestrian trails along the river or the activities at Military Reserve. Which of these options you choose may depend on whether your group is looking for exercise, wildlife viewing or a particular outdoor experience.

Cultural History and Special Places

The Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial brings together several elements: a life-size bronze statue of Anne Frank, walls bearing quotations about human rights, a First Peoples’ Welcome Plaza and an outdoor classroom. Its connection to human rights is reflected not only in the statue, but also in the quotations and the memorial’s other areas.

The Schick-Ostolasa Farmstead has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 2006 as an outstanding example of early settlement in Idaho and Western agriculture in the 19th and 20th centuries. It preserves the agricultural history of Dry Creek Valley and Ada County through on-site tours and public events. During school tours, costumed guides offer insights into the daily life of a family on a farm in Dry Creek Valley in the late 19th century. These tours are subject to scheduling.

The Idaho Botanical Garden in Boise, Idaho, is also a living, community-oriented garden and an event venue. Together with the memorial and the farmstead, it offers another possible focus for your trip: cultural history and community life.

Nature in the Wider Region

In the wider region surrounding Ada County, the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area stretches along 81 miles of the Snake River and is home to a significant concentration of nesting birds of prey. The conservation area extends beyond Ada County. Activities described for this wider region include a 56-mile scenic loop drive as well as opportunities for hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking.

When choosing a vacation rental, you can start by deciding which of the experiences mentioned are central to your trip.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Meridian, Boise, Kuna, Latah County, Gem County, Bonneville, Custer County, Boundary County.

Return to the main travel guide: Idaho.