27. MILITARY RESERVE, Boise, ID

 The Military Reserve is located in northeast part of Boise on 750 Mountain Cove Road.  The reserve has many family friendly biking and hiking trails. The reserve also has a off-leash area, a archery range and a old military cemetery.

One of the goals of the Park & Recreation is to have the cemetery look like the natural surroundings. For more history on the reserve you can go to http://www.cityofboise.org/and look under parks.

The trails have some beautiful views of the desert and the city.

13. MUNICIPAL PARK, Boise,ID

"Idaho is basically one giant park."

Anyone know what that quote is from? Anyone?  I'll give you a hint...
 Any "Parks and Recreation" lovers out there? 
Well the quote is from the awesome show, but we're talkin' Boise Parks and Rec. 
Here is one of the many local parks we love...

Located next to the MK Nature Center at 500 Walnut St. 

This park is perfect for nature lovers, green belt lovers or anyone looking for a Sunday stroll.
You can take the kids to play on the playground or even have a special event in the park. 
The park is open from sunrise to sunset.
There are three eating areas with many picnic tables.
The park also has restrooms in case you drink one too many Capri Suns ;) 

It is also a great place to start a walk, roll, or stroll on the Green Belt.

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12. MK NATURE CENTER, Boise, ID

MORRIS KNUDSEN NATURE CENTER

600 South Walnut Boise, ID 83712

Open Sunrise and Sunset

Foot traffic only

No pets

Donations are accepted

This beautiful place is home to many native Idaho animals.

I have personally seen blue herons, beavers, fish, and today, I saw white tail deer.

The Nature Center features an educational trail containing life cycle of the fish,

a bird observatory, and many beautiful gardens. 

The park is open year round.
The visitor center/gift shop hours are: 

Closed Monday
9am-5pm Tuesday - Friday
11am-5pm Saturday & Sunday

Pack a picnic basket, pile in the van, and head over for a beautiful nature stroll.

Don't forget your camera. You never know when you might see some deer.

5. BIG MIKE, BOISE, ID



BIG MIKE

What is Big Mike? After yesterday's post I am sure that a lot of you are asking yourselves and us this question.  Don't worry we have the answer.

What appears to be just a big train to my 3 year old nephew is actually a  Mikado-type steam locomotive that was built in 1920.  This is not just a replica, its the real thing. These engines got their nickname from the railroad men and the nickname has stuck. We are so lucky in the Treasure Valley to have a Big Mike of our own. 

Our Big Mike was an all-purpose freight engine that traveled from North Platte., Neb., to Fruitland, Idaho running along the Union Pacific line.

Donated to the city in 1956 our retired locomotive was first housed in Julia Davis Park.  Big Mike was moved in December 2007 to the Boise Depot. He got cleaned and repaired for coming generations to enjoy!

While enjoying the view and landscape at the Boise Depot don't forget to stop

and say "Hello" to Big Mike.

3. BOISE TRAIN DEPOT, BOISE, ID

Located at  2603 W Eastover Terrace.

Built in 1925 this Spanish influenced depot was the main hub for the Boise transportation system.  Though trains no longer stop there, it remains a symbol of the beginning of Boise's transformation from a small farm town to the largest city in Idaho.

The Boise Depot is currently managed by Boise Parks & Rec and the building stands as an iconic landmark of the city.  It over looks downtown Boise and the foothills. The view from the Depot should not be missed and the inside is a must-see for any history buff. It is a great place for outdoor pictures, picnics or even a stroll. Curious about what's inside?

The Boise Depot and Bell Tower are open to the public:

Mondays 12:30-8 p.m. June through September

Sundays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through September 30.  

Admission is free.

The building is also available for rent for special occasions.

On a personal note, this is one of the places that attracted me to Boise. I spent many summer night playing hide-and-seek, Sardines, and Laser tag. Before it was re-landscaped I even waded in one of the ponds. Like many people I watched fireworks at the end of the Boise River Festival and thought "what a perfect view".

This place will be with me forever. Hope you enjoy.

Coming tomorrow...BIG MIKE.

Share your Train Depot memories in the comments.