The Boise Riverside Recreation and Attractions of Ann Morrison Park and Julia Davis Park

The Boise River flows for approximately 75 miles through the desert of southwestern Idaho. It runs consecutively through Ann Morrison Park and Julia Davis Park. These Boise city parks are conveniently located near Boise State University and downtown Boise. Ann Morrison Park and Julia Davis Park both give visitors access to the Boise River. Visitors can make use of the Boise River by fishing, swimming, rafting, or floating. The recreational area around the Boise River has been developed to include an elaborate path, playgrounds, museums, and more. The Greenbelt along the Boise River is a paved path for pedestrians, including bikers, skaters, and joggers. From the Greenbelt, you can view the scenic Boise River and some of its wildlife.

As you walk along the Greenbelt in Ann Morrison Park you might see a family of ducks in some tall grass, a group of teenagers playing volleyball on a sandy court, and teams of grade school soccer players at practice. Continue along the Greenbelt and you’ll come upon a pedestrian-only bridge over the Boise River. From this bridge, you can witness a great view of the water as well as floaters, rafters, and fishermen. This bridge also offers an opportunity for photography, whether you photograph your family and friends in front of the Boise River or focus on the river itself. There are many outlook points along the Boise River that are perfect for enjoying the view.

Volleyball, soccer, softball, football, and Frisbee are all popular recreational activities that bring people to Ann Morrison Park’s 145 acres. Ann Morrison Park accommodates athletes with soccer fields, lighted softball diamonds, football fields, and tennis courts. A disc golf course provides eighteen holes of fun for the avid Frisbee golfer. Children can enjoy the slides, swings, and other playground equipment at Candy Cane Playground. Everyone can enjoy barbequing and picnicking here. Multiple picnic tables, barbeque pits, and a picnic pavilion are available and often used for special events. Ann Morrison Park can also be recognized by its lighted pool and fountain.

From Ann Morrison Park you can cross the street to Julia Davis Park, or simply walk over on the Greenbelt along the Boise River and through the 9th Street Tunnel. As you exit the tunnel, you will be greeted by the sight of the Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial. A large plaque in the stone of the Cityscape Wall along the Greenbelt’s path displays the poem, The Butterfly, by Pavel Friedmann. This poem can serve as a transition from your leisurely stroll and act as your introduction to the memorial. From here you can continue into an educational park area to view more attractions created in honor of human rights. You can also continue on the Greenbelt and will soon approach the Log Cabin Literary Center, followed by the band shell.

In Julia Davis Park you can continue to discover many cultural attractions from the Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial to Zoo Boise. Julia Davis Park is a great place to enjoy the outdoors, but you can also step inside several buildings located in the park and enjoy the Boise Art Museum, Discovery Center of Idaho, Idaho State Historical Museum, or Idaho Black History Museum. Because of the educational nature of these attractions, Julia Davis Park has become a popular destination for grade school field trips from all over Idaho. Many enjoy picnic lunches between museum trips and activities. Although about half the size of Ann Morrison Park, Julia Davis Park boasts a rose garden, pond, band shell, playground, picnic areas and tennis courts. In the summer months, you can rent a paddle boat to take full advantage of the pond. Plan on taking your time and visiting Julia Davis Park will be a great way to enjoy a variety of indoor and outdoor attractions and recreational activities.