Fall Like a Pro in Boise

Hands down, fall is one of the best times to visit Boise. Not only is the weather amazing, but the city’s bursting colors and seasonal flavors are second to none. As the weather changes, so do the city’s offerings and adventures. Here’s a collection of Boise’s not-to-be-missed fall activities and destinations.

Party pigskin-style

Boise goes a little football crazy in the fall, and Boise State University games are as fun as they are legendary. Check out the team’s schedule here. If you’d rather watch a game at a bar or restaurant, the city has no shortage of places to grab a drink and hang with friends. 

Endzone
1010 S. Broadway Ave.
Across the street from Albertsons stadium, Endzone is Boise’s premier college dive bar, in the best sense of the term. They have plenty of TVs and offer nightly drink specials and outdoor seating.

Suds Tavern
1024 S. Broadway Ave.
Just a block down Broadway, Suds has long been a BSU fan favorite. Tons of college students and fans pack this bar on game day. And no wonder — they have 18 TVs and a spectacular menu.

Other places to watch Boise State games in Boise include:
– The Warehouse Food Hall – 370 S. 8th St. 
– House of Western – 610 W Idaho St.
– Taphouse – 760 W. Main St.
– Double Tap Pub – 409 S. 8th St.
– Buffalo Wild Wings – 777 W. Main St.
– Legends Pub & Grill – 7609 W. Overland Rd.
– Stubs Sports Pub – 3662 S. Findley Ave.
– Brixx Craft House – 7700 W. State St.
– State Kitchen & Drinkery – 3515 W. State S.

Fall color explosion

Known as the City of Trees, Boise transforms into the City of Color during fall. Peak season lasts from early October through early November. You don’t even need to leave the city to enjoy all the spectacular colors — downtown and the river area become blanketed with vibrant hues. 

Bogus Basin
2600 North Bogus Basin Road
Famous for skiing, Bogus Basin is a mere 16 miles from downtown Boise. In the fall, this recreation area is filled with stunning colors. Take a dazzling fall hike or ride up the lift for views that stretch for miles. Find more information about Bogus Basin here.

Kathryn Albertson Park
1001 S. Americana Blvd.
This panoramic, 41-acre downtown park is pedestrian-only. You can see an array of fall colors here, as well as occasional birds, foxes, turtles, fish, deer, raccoons, beavers and rabbits. Walking trails are plentiful as are viewing experiences. As most trails here are flat and paved, this park is accessible for most ages and abilities.

Camel’s Back Park
1200 Heron St.
You’ll find a world of fall color at Camel’s Back Park, located just ten minutes from downtown Boise. The view from the lookout is breathtaking, with the city skyline surrounded by bold reds, yellows, oranges and every color in between.

Table Rock
2421 E. Old Penitentiary
Considered one of Boise’s most famous hikes, the 3.7-mile loop to Table Rock offers incredible views of the city and its spectacular fall colors. Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.

Eagle Island
165 Eagle Island Pkwy., Eagle
Located west of Boise in Eagle, Eagle Island is a 545-acre park bordered on the north and south by the Boise River. This area is filled with trails and absolutely pops with fall colors.

Halloween happenings

Whether you like to decorate pumpkins, sip rich cider, or give yourself a good scare, October in Boise has something for everyone. Choose from pumpkin patches, holiday festivals, and spooky tours.

Squawky & Spirits – The Old Idaho Penitentiary’s Halloween Bash (October 27 & 28)
2205 Old Penitentiary Rd.
The last weekend in October, the Penitentiary is filled with live music, entertainment, food trucks, drinks and ghastly ghost stories, along with a haunted cell block and infirmary. Must be 18 or older to attend.

Haunted Halloween Trolley Tour
This 90-minute tour around downtown Boise features a decorated Halloween Trolley and spooky holiday fun. Must be 12 or older to participate.

Scarecrow Stroll and Fall Harvest Festival
Idaho Botanical Garden – 2355 N. Old Penitentiary Rd.
Every Saturday in October, the Idaho Botanical Garden has artisan vendors, food trucks, live music, wine, beer, cider and the famous Scarecrow Stroll. 

Boo at the Zoo
355 Julia Davis Drive
This fun and festive annual event happens the Saturday and Sunday before Halloween. The zoo becomes filled with candy stations, costume contests, vendors, face painting, Halloween treats for the zoo animals and much more.

Lowe Family Farmstead
2500 S. Eagle Rd., Kuna
Enjoy a corn maze, pumpkin patch, flower field, treats, hayrides, animals and much more. You can pick from more than 55 varieties of pumpkins and gourds!

The Haunted World
20031 Northside Blvd., Caldwell
Known as Idaho’s largest indoor and outdoor haunted attraction, The Haunted World has frightening entertainment and scary experiences for the whole family.

Wine with a view

Finally, there’s no place like the Sunnyslope Wine Trail in fall. The fall colors and wine are to die for! The Wine Trail is just 30 minutes from Boise and is part of the Snake River American Viticultural Area (AVA). The Trail has 17 amazing locations, many of which are family-owned and operated. For a complete list of wineries in the area, click here.

You can get to the wineries by driving yourself or taking a wine tour. Tours are probably the easiest way to see the area, especially if you don’t have a designated driver. There are a bunch of good ones:
– Snake River Wine Tours
– Sunshine Wine Tours
– Idaho Winery Seekers
– Idaho Wine Tours

If you’re not up for the drive to Sunnyslope, you can also explore the urban wineries in and around downtown Boise using the Visit Boise Urban Wine Trail pass.