Discover Boise Scavenger Hunt
Discover the capital of Idaho with a scavenger hunt across Boise. Stand under the sandstone dome of the State Capitol, explore the only Basque Block in the country, follow the Greenbelt along the Boise River and look east to Table Rock and the foothills. Boise (the City of Trees) mixes outdoor energy, a friendly downtown and a one-of-a-kind Basque heritage, made for a great group photo on every corner.
Stops on this hunt
The geo-tagged checkpoints that anchor this route. You can rearrange, replace or remove any stop after using the template.
-
1
Idaho State Capitol
Navigate to the Idaho State Capitol on Jefferson Street and check in on the front steps or lawn.
-
2
Basque Block
Walk to the Basque Block on Grove Street and check in among the restaurants and the painted mural.
-
3
The Grove Plaza
Walk to the Grove Plaza in the centre of downtown and check in by the fountain.
-
4
Boise River Greenbelt
Walk south to the Boise River Greenbelt near Julia Davis Park and check in by the river path.
Challenges (17)
Boise kick-off
The hunt begins! Find a classic Boise backdrop (the Capitol dome, a downtown mural, the foothills behind the city) and take a group photo with the whole team in shot.
Checkpoint: Idaho State Capitol
Navigate to the Idaho State Capitol on Jefferson Street and check in on the front steps or lawn.
Capitol dome pose
The Idaho State Capitol is the only state capitol in the US heated by geothermal water, topped by a sandstone dome. Take a group photo with the team on the steps, the dome rising behind you.
Trivia: meaning of Boise
French-Canadian fur trappers named the tree-lined valley "la rivière boisée". In English, what does "boisée" mean (the quality that gave Boise its "City of Trees" nickname)?
Answers: wooded / wooded river / treed / forested
Checkpoint: Basque Block
Walk to the Basque Block on Grove Street and check in among the restaurants and the painted mural.
Basque Block mural
The Basque Block celebrates Boise's unique Basque heritage with a large mural and the Basque flag colours. Take a group photo in front of the mural or the Basque Museum.
Pintxo tasting
Order a Basque pintxo, croqueta or a slice of chorizo at a Basque Block restaurant or market. Take a group photo with everyone taking the first bite at the same time.
Trivia: Boise founded
Fort Boise was established near the river and the city grew around it during the gold-rush era. In what year was the city founded?
Answer: 1863
Checkpoint: The Grove Plaza
Walk to the Grove Plaza in the centre of downtown and check in by the fountain.
Freak Alley gallery
Freak Alley is the largest outdoor mural gallery in the Northwest, an ever-changing downtown alley. Find a mural and take a group photo with everyone matching a pose, colour or shape from the art.
Checkpoint: Boise River Greenbelt
Walk south to the Boise River Greenbelt near Julia Davis Park and check in by the river path.
Greenbelt river pose
The Greenbelt follows the Boise River under cottonwood trees. Take a group photo on the riverside path with the water (and floaters in summer) behind you.
Table Rock view
Table Rock and the foothills rise to the east of downtown, often topped by a lit cross. Find a spot with a view of the foothills and take a group photo with the ridge behind you.
Boise foodie classic
Find a Boise favourite (a finger steak, a local craft beer, an ice-cream potato, a Basque dessert) and take a group photo with everyone taking the first bite or sip at the same time.
City of Trees moment
Boise is nicknamed the City of Trees. Find the biggest, most impressive tree you can downtown and take a group photo with the whole team gathered around its trunk.
Local Boise tip
Convince a local Boise resident to share a tip about the city (a trail, a brewery, the best Basque dish). Take a photo with your impromptu guide and remember the tip.
Boise finale
Final challenge. Find a beautiful Boise spot (the Capitol lit at dusk, the Greenbelt, a foothills overlook) and take an amazing closing group photo. Cheers from the City of Trees!
Frequently asked questions
Three to four hours covers downtown, the Capitol, the Basque Block, the Grove and a stretch of the Boise River Greenbelt at a relaxed pace. The core route is flat and very walkable; Table Rock and the Old Idaho Penitentiary are a short rideshare east if you want to extend the day.
The Grove Plaza or the Idaho State Capitol downtown is the natural starting point. The Basque Block, Freak Alley and the riverfront are all within a few walkable blocks, and parking garages sit nearby. The Greenbelt is a short walk south to the river.
Yes. The route works for any age. Kids enjoy the fountain at the Grove, the colourful murals of Freak Alley and the riverside Greenbelt path. The Capitol is free to enter and explore, and downtown Boise is compact and easy to walk.
Boise is home to one of the largest Basque communities outside Europe, and the Basque Block on Grove Street celebrates it with a museum, a market, restaurants and a painted mural. Several hunt challenges send you there to taste a pintxo or croqueta and learn the story behind this unique corner of the city.
Yes. The Boise River Greenbelt is a tree-lined path that runs for miles along the river through the heart of the city, linking parks and downtown. The hunt sends you onto a downtown stretch near Julia Davis Park, and you can follow it further on foot or by bike if you have time.