Idaho Vacation: Nampa Train Depot Museum



Nampa Train Depot Museum,  Nampa, Idaho

While there are many old railroad depots that have been turned into museums, there are few, if any, that rival the beautiful Baroque revival architecture of the Nampa Train Depot Museum.  Make this scenic building and contents a quick Idaho vacation stop. 

Built by the Oregon Short Line Railroad in 1903, the depot was the 2nd in Nampa, replacing the original depot built in 1887.   The building now houses displays of the Canyon County Historical Society and Union Pacific Railroad. 

Old Railroad Sign, Nampa Train
Depot Museum

The museum was saved from demolition in 1972 and dedicated and opened  to the public on July 3, 1976.  Between 1972 and 1976, the building was partially restored and the beautiful woodwork was rebuilt and replaced.  The original woodwork had been removed while the depot served as offices and storage between 1925 and 1972. 

The museum has three main exhibit rooms plus offices for the Canyon County Historical Society and a museum store. 

Model of Dewey Palace Hotel,
Nampa Train Depot Museum

In what was originally the Women's and Children's Waiting Room, a feature exhibit is a replica of the Dewey Palace Hotel, once the largest and most stately in the region.  Another exhibit demonstrates the classy travel clothes that were typical of the period.  There are also several items from Thomas Edison's contributions including a gramophone and various light bulbs.  The "Bronco Billy" western classic starring Clint Eastwood was shot in several SW Idaho locations including Nampa.  Memorabilia and props from the movie are on exhibit.  Other items of interest are also located in this room.

Early Edison Phonograph,
Nampa Train Depot Museum

The original Station Office is now full of railroad items.  Try out the telegraph, or view one of the two working train sets and see if you can find the miniature animals, lookouts, and other fascinating features in the display.  Also on display are a huge collection of locks and keys, old lanterns and other antique office machines. 

Part of Model Train Exhibit,
Nampa Train Depot Museum

In the original Men's Waiting Room are beautiful hand crafted wooden train models made by a Nampa artist.  Also found here in another model train display with lots of detail area surrounding the tracks that depicts an Idaho mountain town. 

Part of Hand Crafted Wooden Train Models,
Nampa Train Depot Museum

Outdoors is a 1942 caboose that is open for inspection.  The museum has a large collection of books and photographs of the area.  Museum staff will help with research efforts if they are given some advance notice. 

The museum hosts many school and youth groups and is open to the public.  Museum hours are
Wednesday - Friday 11:00am to 5:00pm and Saturdays 10:00am  to 2:00pm (May-October) and 11:00am to 2:00pm November-April. 

Lock and Key Display,
Nampa Train Depot Museum

The Museum is located at 1200 Front Street, Nampa.  Access from I-84 is quite easy from either Exit 36 or 38.  You cannot miss the railroad tracks in downtown Nampa.

Need a suggestion for a place to eat?  Click here for details on a great Mexican meal or here for wonderful Chinese food.  Both are located close to the museum. 

Additional Information:

Canyon County Historical Society: http://www.canyoncountyhistory.com/about
City of Nampa: http://ci.nampa.id.us/pages/home.php
Nampa Chamber of Commerce: http://www.nampa.com/

Idaho Vacation: Idaho Botanical Garden, Winter Garden aGlow

Spring, summer, and fall it has trees, shrubs, and flowers.  In the winter Idaho Botanical Garden has about 250,000 lights for your enjoyment.  Make this an Idaho vacation from Thanksgiving through the first week of January. 

The Idaho Botanical Garden is open throughout the year but is transformed into a glow of holiday lights from Thanksgiving day to January 8, 2012.  Visit the garden from 6-9pm every evening for the dazzling sparkling lights.  In addition to  lights, visitors are provided complimentary hot chocolate, hot apple cider, and cookies in the Folly. 

For further enjoyment, don't miss the G scale model train display in the English Garden.  Santa is present and available for photos and wish lists on weekends and from December 19-23.  A special treat is to interact with Prancer, an actual live reindeer, on December weekends and on December 19, 22, and 23 ( Prancer's availability cannot be guaranteed on all hours during these days). 

Community and school choirs perform most hours Winter Garden Lights aGlow is open, especially on weekends.  Various food vendors are also available on weekends.  A complete schedule of activities, vendors, and entertainment groups is here.

 The Idaho Botanical Garden is a private non-profit corporation.  Land for the garden is leased from the State of Idaho but the garden receives no state funding.  The first board of directors was organized in 1984.  Fourteen separate theme and display gardens make up the Idaho Botanical Garden. 

The garden is located adjacent to the Old Idaho Penitentiary and is part of the Idaho Old Penitentiary District.  Hours, directions, and entrance fees are given here.  Click here to see the other museums and sites in this historical district. 


Additional Information:
Idaho Botanical Garden - http://idahobotanicalgarden.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=feature.display&feature_id=37

Winter Garden Lights aGlow - http://idahobotanicalgarden.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=feature.display&feature_id=33&CFID=1089623&CFTOKEN=69121070

City of Boise - http://www.cityofboise.org/

Boise Convention and Visitors Bureau - http://www.boise.org/

Idaho Vacation: EBR-1, The World's First Nuclear Reactor



Highway Historic Marker at Rest Area on Highway 20-26
near EBR-1 Atomic Museum



EBR-1 made history about 60 years ago by producing the world's first usable electrical power using atomic energy.  A tour of this National Historic Landmark makes a great Idaho vacation. 

Experimental Breeder Reactor-1 generated electrical power on December 20, 1951.  This marked the first time in the world usable electrical power was produced from nuclear fuel.  The facility, located in the desert 18 miles southeast of Arco and 50 miles west of Idaho Falls, is just a mile off of US 20, 26.  In 1955 nuclear power from this reactor lit up the city of Arco, the first city to be lit by atomic power.


Arco, Idaho City Hall With Signage Showing It To Be
 First City in World To Be Lit by Atomic Power


The entire EBR-1 building was turned into an Atomic Museum after the reactor was decommissioned in 1964.  President Lyndon B Johnson dedicated EBR-1 as a National Historic Landmark in 1966. 

The museum is open from 9am – 5pm daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend.  Tours are free and can be either self-guided or guided.  Photographs are not only allowed in this nuclear reactor but encouraged. 



EBR-1 National Historic Landmark, World's First
Nuclear Power Plant

 The unimpressive exterior of EBR-1 belies what is inside.  Each of 15 marked exhibits have extensive explanations of not only what one can see but educational information on the processes of converting atomic fuel into usable electricity.  This is truly an educational experience.  The self-guided brochures add to the information presentation. 

A new exhibit opened in 2011 showcasing EBR-2, the successor to EBR-1.  EBR-2 operated from 1964 until 1994.  This exhibit has replicas of the control room and main floor of the reactor.  EBR-2 was larger and more advanced than EBR-1 and supplied most of the electrical power needed by the National Engineering Laboratory while it was active. 

Outside, near the parking lot, are two aircraft nuclear engine prototypes.  They were never commercially developed. 


Sign at Highway Turnoff at EBR-1 Atomic Museum



The emphasis throughout this one-of-a-kind Atomic Museum focuses on education and the history of nuclear power.  One can follow the pioneers of nuclear power development through the well signed exhibits as well as their theories about nuclear power.  Signage in the EBR-2 room even takes a look into the future about the possibilities of nuclear power development. 

Take an hour to visit this museum while traveling through the Idaho desert.  Idaho Falls is 50 miles to the east, Blackfoot 40 miles to the southeast, and Arco is 18 miles northwest.  Just another 20 miles west of Arco is the famous Craters of the Moon National Monument.  This is one great Idaho vacation stop. 

Additional Information:

EBR-1 - http://www.inl.gov/ebr/

Arco Chamber of Commerce - http://www.arcochamber.com/communityInfo.asp

Idaho Vacation: Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway, Part 2 Idaho City to Lowman

The Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway is one of the most diversified and beautiful byways in Idaho and in my opinion, the entire country.  Part 1 of the description of this byway is here and covers the first thirty or so miles from Boise to Idaho City.  Part 2 covers from Idaho City to Lowman and Part 3 covers the byway from Lowman to Stanley and is here.  Any way you travel this byway, it is a great Idaho vacation.




Display Inside the Boise Basin Historical Museum
Idaho City

  For information and photos on Idaho City, see my entry here. 


Wood Carving Outside Idaho
City Visitor Center

We leave Idaho City heading north and east, passing several recreational areas.  Mores Creek is quite small here but the road follows the creek side more closely as we proceed up the canyon a few miles from town.  We pass the Rabbit Creek Road which gives access to the North Fork Boise River.  There are many homes along the roadway the first few miles from town.


Old Miners Cabin at Boise Basin
Museum, Idaho City



We gain elevation more quickly as the canyon narrows more and soon come to a series of three National Forest Campgrounds within a couple mile stretch.  A few more miles and switchbacks slow out speed as we tack on elevation on our way to the top of Mores Creek Summit.  Stop at the top and enjoy the view back over the valley you just came through.  It is a nice view. 



View From Highway on Road
to Mores Creek Summit

 About two miles past the summit is Whoop-Um-Up Recreation area.  This is a popular winter sports parking area and trailhead for snowmobile trails and cross country skiing.  There is also a campground with facilities for horses at the area.  This is a National Forest fee area. 

Another half mile is the Edna Creek Campground.  The road by the campground gives access to a wide array of roads leading to the North Fork Boise River, the backcountry Graham area and eventually to Atlanta, an early mining town (see my entry for Atlanta here). 



Convoluted Tree Near Highway
at Banner Summit




Highway Between Banner Summit and Lowman

  Travel another 4-5 miles and arrive at Banner Ridge.  The road here starts a descent that continues all the way to Lowman.  There are several pullout areas and Scenic Overlooks where one can stop and view the amazing countryside.  At one of these pullouts there is an interpretative sign that details the great 1989 Lowman fire. 

The remnants of this huge 47,000 acre fire are visible for miles along the roadway.  Trees were replanted on over 30,000 acres and this plus natural revegation has the area again green.  Fire evidence will be evident for many more years.  The fire burned much of Lowman with some parts that will likely never be rebuilt. 

Lowman is also the junction with the highway that traverses the Wildlife Canyon Scenic Byway (see my entry for this scenic byway here.  Traveling Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway, the Wildlife Canyon Scenic Byway to Banks then back towards Boise makes a very nice day trip. 

There are several campgrounds within a few miles of Lowman in West, North and East directions.  There is also a Forest Service Ranger Station just outside of Lowman.  Lowman is immediately adjacent to the Middle Fork Payette River. 

If continuing from Lowman on north towards Stanley on the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway, go to my blog entry that has Part 3 of this byway here.

Additional Information Sources:
Guide to Idaho's Scenic Byways - http://www.idahobyways.gov/, Idaho Division of Tourism Development,
700 West State Street, P.O. Box 83720, Boise, ID 83720-0093,  Phone: (208) 334-2470
Boise National Forest - 1249 S. Vinnell Way, Suite 200, Boise, ID 83709, (208) 373-4100,   http://fs.usda.gov/boise
Idaho City Chamber of Commerce - 208-392-4159,  http://www.idahocitychamber.com/

Idaho Vacation: Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway, Part 1 Boise to Idaho City

The Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway is one of the most scenic and diversified byways imaginable.  It has urban elements at one end, large reservoirs, mining towns, mountain passes, beautiful timber and mountain ranges, rivers,  peaceful valleys and the majestic Sawtooth mountains at the other end.  There are many ways to fit this byway into an Idaho vacation. 

Because of the many things to describe on this byway the post is given in three parts - Part 1 Boise to Idaho City, Part 2 Idaho City to Lowman, and Part 3 Lowman to Stanley. 

The 2-lane paved byway is anchored by Boise on one end and Stanley on the other end.  We will start this trip at the Boise end of this 131 mile wonderful trip.  In addition to the beauty and adventure of the byway, there are many side trips that can be taken from this route. 


Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway near Diversion Dam


The byway begins near the junction of I-84 and I-21, just southeast of Boise.  The first side trip comes only a mile or so after getting started.  The Oregon Trail Reserve, a 66 acre site is just 500 feet off of our route.  The address for the reserve is 4500 E Lake Forest Dr, Boise.  The reserve features a scenic view of the Boise Front and the historic Kelton Ramp, a path forged by overland travelers heading down the rim to the Boise River.  More information on the reserve is here.



Diversion Dam Historic Sign

 Another mile or so we find our trip along side of the Boise River.  Diversion Dam was originally built to divert water for irrigation.  Shorty after its completion it was fitted with a power plant to supply electrical power for the construction of Arrowrock Dam a few miles upstream.  A history of Diversion Dam is here.


Diversion Dam With Power Plant
on Far Right Side, Boise River 



A couple more miles brings one to Discovery Park, one of three units of Lucky Peak State Park.  This popular roadside park has reservable shelters, picnic areas, fishing access with bike and walking trails.  Sandy Point located about 1/2 mile farther up the road and at the base of Lucky Peak Dam, offers  a great sandy beach and clear cool waters.  It is very popular during warmer weather.  The third unit of Lucky Peak State Park is Spring Shores, about seven more miles along Lucky Peak Reservoir and has a large marina in addition to watercraft rentals and a convenience store.  Admission is charged for these state park units. 



"Rooster Tail" Spillway from Lucky Peak Dam, Boise River


The road leaves the reservoir after the Sandy Point and dam area and loops over a modest hill to the junction of I-21 and FR 268.  FR268 leads to Spring Shores, on to Arrowrock Dam and Reservoir, the Boise National Forest and eventually to Atlanta, an early Idaho mining town.  My entry on Atlanta and the trip getting there is found here.

We stay on I-21 for this trip.  This road is also signed as FR 237.  The roadway follows an arm of Lucky Peak reservoir then enters a canyon with Mores Creek for a roadside companion.  Homes dot the mountain side landscape and the scenery  changes from dry desert to forested slopes.  Deer are numerous along the highway, especially in winter, and special caution is encouraged to avoid collisions. 



Historic Sign at Grimes Creek Junction on ID-21



Watch for the Grimes Creek about 12 miles past the FR237 junction.  The road up Grimes Creek offers fishing, lots of boondocking (no formal camp ground facilities) camping opportunities and access to backcountry ghost towns Placerville, New Centerville, and Pioneerville, among others. The area is a popular snow mobile and tubing area in winter  This area was an extremely important mining district in the latter 1800's.  The mining history is readily visible.  This is also a popular hunting area.

Continuing on I-21 we soon arrive at Idaho City, a historically important and well preserved mining town.  One could spend an entire day here exploring the visitors center, old cemetaries, historical buildings, and the Boise Basin Historical Museum.  See my entry about Idaho City here.


Wood Carving
Outside of Idaho
City Visitor Center



Wood Carving
Outside of Idaho
City Visitor Center



Additional Information Sources:

Guide to Idaho's Scenic Byways - http://www.idahobyways.gov/, Idaho Division of Tourism Development, 700 West State Street, P.O. Box 83720, Boise, ID 83720-0093, Phone: (208) 334-2470

Boise City - http://www.cityofboise.org/, 150 N Capitol Blvd, Boise, ID 83702, 1-800-377-3529
Oregon Trail in Idaho - http://history.idaho.gov/, 2205 Old Penitentiary Rd, Boise, ID 83712, 208-334-2682
Lucky Peak State Park - http://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/parks/luckypeak.aspx, Location: 8 miles SE of Boise, 74 Arrowrock Rd, Boise, ID 83716, (208) 334-2432
Idaho City Chamber of Commerce - 208-392-4159,    http://www.idahocitychamber.com/,
Boise National Forest -    1249 S. Vinnell Way, Suite 200, Boise, ID 83709, (208) 373-4100,
rmailto:rr4boiseinfo@fs.fed.us, http://fs.usda.gov/boise, (Idaho City Ranger District 208-392-6681)

Idaho Vacation: Idaho City

Gold!  That was the cry as gold was discovered in the Boise Basin in 1862.  By 1864 some 20,000 miners had flooded to the Idaho City area making this the largest city in the Northwest.  More gold was mined from the area mountains than from all of Alaska.  Visit this historic town and relive the feeling of the 1860's on your Idaho vacation.   


Idaho City Visitors Center



 Idaho City is located less than 40 miles from Boise making this an easy drive and a nice day trip.  The road from Boise to Idaho City follows ID-21, which is also the southern 38 miles of the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway.  The Byway continues past Idaho City to Lowman and on to Stanley in the beautiful Stanley Basin and the Salmon River.



Idaho City Ice Cream Shop

 Stop at the attractive Idaho City Visitors Center for helpful information and brochures to be sure you don't miss the many historical sites.  Traverse the wooden sidewalks, enjoy old time shops, and top it off with a delicious ice cream cone from the ice cream shop. 



Idaho City Main Street



Caption on Idaho Territorial
 Penitentiary Idaho City

 Idaho City buildings to visit have many firsts - the 1863 Idaho World building housed Idaho's oldest newspaper.  The Idaho Territorial Penitentiary, a handhewn log prison, housed  the killer of Idaho City's first marshall.  The Boise Basin Mercantile, built in 1865, was Idaho's first general store.  The 1867 St Joseph's Catholic Church replaced an 1863 structure that was Idaho's first Catholic church for whites.



Idaho City Building

 Stop at the Boise Basin Historical Museum to view old photographs, mining tools, and many other artifacts and memorabilia.  On the west end of town is Pioneer Cemetery.  It is reported that of the first 200 graves dug, only 28 were occupied by people who died of natural causes. 



US Flag With 45 Stars
Idaho City Museum

 Today Idaho City is a mix of old and new.  Modern convenience stores, eating establishments, and lodging are available while exploring the old.  motels and RV parks are available.  Idaho City refused to die as have many mining towns even after devastating wildfires destroyed most of the town on two separate occasions. 



Water Cannon Used in Placer Mining
Idaho City Mines



Miners Cabin Idaho City Museum



Idaho City is surrounded by history and mountains, and today boasts about 300 permanent residents.  It is close to hunting and fishing and boasts a newly reopened sledding hill as well as a hot spring and pool 1 1/2 miles southwest of town.  Forest Service campgrounds are located a few miles southwest of town and more northeast of town along ID-21.  Idaho City should be your Idaho vacation destination.  Many events are scheduled during the year as it doesn't take much of an excuse for Idaho City to throw a party. 

Contact Information:
Idaho City Chamber of Commerce - 208-392-4159,  http://www.idahocitychamber.com/,
Boise National Forest -    1249 S. Vinnell Way, Suite 200, Boise, ID 83709, (208) 373-4100,
r4boiseinfo@fs.fed.us, http://fs.usda.gov/boise, (Idaho City Ranger District 208-392-6681)
Warm Springs Resort - 208-392-4437,

Idaho Vacation: Kelly's Whitewater Park

 





Entrance to Kelly's WhiteWater Park

   Kelly's Whitewater Park on the Payette River in Cascade is Idaho's only whitewater park.  Make it a stop on your Idaho vacation. 

White water enthusiast? No problem, Kelly's Whitewater Park has 5 water features to give you hours of practice and enjoyment in a pristine environment with water flow regulated by the Cascade Dam located just a mile upriver.

More of a spectator? No problem, Kelly's Whitewater Park has both indoor and outdoor seating with a great overview of the water features.  The grounds are beautifully landscaped and the walking path from the spacious visitors center to upstream features invite you  to walk. 



Part of Landscaped Grounds at Kelly's
Whitewater Park



Beautiful Grounds and Views
at Kelly's Whitewater Park





Part of Exhibit Gallery at Kelly's
Whitewater Park



Kelly's Whitewater Park was just a dream in 2008 when Mayor Dick Carter and Hans Borbonus discussed ways to enhance commerce and opportunities in Cascade.  With 3.4 acres donated by Hans Borbonus and private funding generously provided by Mark and Kristina Pickard, the park became a reality in June of 2010 and continues to make rapid progress.  More enhancements are planned for this work in progress.

Kelly's Whitewater Park is named for Kelly Brennan, late sister of Kristina Pickard 







Plaque Honoring Kelly Brennen, Namesake of Kelly's
Whitewater Park





The large visitors center features an art gallery of mostly local photographs of the area.  Videos of whitewater activities are shown on large video monitors.  Spacious seating allows viewing of the river action in air conditioned comfort.  An information center and store are located in an adjacent building.  The grounds have lots of space to sit on the grass and watch the river action.



  

 



Kyaker Practicing in One of the Man-

Made Rapids, Kelly's Whitewater Park



The park is located just 72 miles north of Boise on US-55.  Turn in at mile marker114.44.  This is just south of the railroad tracks on the south edge of Cascade.  There are many other recreational activities available in the Cascade area. 



Almost Buried in Water at Kelly's
Whitewater Park

 

Additional information about the park is found here.  Cascade information is here and here. Information for other area towns include Donnelly and McCall.



Kyaker Riding the Wave at Kelly's Whitewater Park



Practicing a Roll at Kelly's Whitewater Park



Idaho Vacation: Roseberry Historical Townsite

 Railroads are unpredictable.  Roseberry was settled expecting the railroad to come through the town, the railroad choose a different route.  Visit the historic Roseberry townsite and enjoy a step back in history on your Idaho Vacation. 
 

Roseberry General Store



The historic Roseberry townsite is located just a mile east of present day Donnlley.  Settled in 1905 by Finnish immigrants, Roseberry became the largest town in Valley County by 1911.  At its zenith, Roseberry boasted saw mills, flour mills, a brass band, a beautiful 5-sided hotel, and even their own baseball team. 



Front Window for the Methodist
Episcopal Church in Roseberry



Methodist-Episcopal Church in Roseberry



Roseberry is located in a beautiful settting, large green meadows with mountains on every side.  Agriculture was practiced in the valley meadows and was supported by timber from the mountains.  Life was promising until 1914 when the railroad  decided to lay their tracks 1 1/2 miles to the west.  The town of Donnelly was developed to be near the railroad.



Finnish Pioneer Cabin in Roseberry



This railroad’s decision was a death sentence for Roseberry.  Slowly the town started to decline and fade away.  The Roseberry general store stayed open until 1939.  The building was used for various other purposes until it was purchased by Frank Eld in 1969.  This was the beginning of a new chapter in the life of Roseberry.

Frank Eld started restoring the store and the town, one building at a time.  In 1971 Frank and his mother Ella Eld started the Valley County Museum.  In 1973 the Methodist-Episcopal church, which had been moved from Roseberry to Donnelly, was moved back to within 7 feet of its original Roseberry location. 



Valley County Museum, Roseberry

 Today Roseberry boasts some 20 historic buildings moved here from all over the valley.  Buildings include Finnish cabins, a Finnish blacksmith shop, bandshell, the old McCall City Hall, a one-room school house and more.  There is also a collection of old farm machinery collected from around the valley.  In 2009, a Finnish barn dating back to 1912 was rebuilt and is now the largest building in Roseberry. 



Pioneer Cabin, Roseberry



Today the Valley County Museum and General Store are the center pieces to visit.  The General Store sits in its original 1905 location and is open for business.  The store reflects the 1905 period but has modern conveniences such as European gifts, Byers Choice Carolers, Byers houses, Roseberry branded wine, old fashioned  toys and candy. Vintage signs, thermometers, and other hard to find items adorn the shelves. 

Summer activities include music festivals and other events. 


Barringer House, Roseberry



Buggy and Other Equipment, Roseberry



Antique Grain Drill, Roseberry



Roseberry townsite is located a mile east of Donnelly on Roseberry Road.  Donnelly is about 12 miles south of McCall and about two hours north of Boise on US-55.  Additional information about Roseberry and a schedule of events can be found here.  The store and other buildings are open May - September.  Phone numbers are 208-325-5000 or 208-315-1080.  The store and museum are closed on Monday and Tuesday.  Clearly, this is a work of love for Frank Eld.  Make this a stop while traveling on your Idaho vacation.