We’ll head out to the “old pen” passing Gowen Field where B-18 and B-26 bomber crews trained during WWII. The base now is home to the Idaho Air National Guard flying the A-10 Warthog, the Idaho Army National Guard, as well as the Boise Airport.

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A bit further down the road we’ll cross over the Oregon Trail that led down to the Boise River. Tracks of wagons can still be found in the area of the historical site just off the road.

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We will cross over the Boise River and turn back to Boise following the river past some of the newest subdivisions. Skirting the foothills, we will follow the old Warm Springs Road to the Penitentiary.

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The Idaho State Penitentiary, where you can take a self-guided tour. After the tour we will continue down Warm Springs past some of the city’s historical homes. These homes, as well as several government buildings, are heated with hot spring water.

We’ll  turn down 9th Street and proceed up to the Boise Train Depot. We’ll have a quick stop for photos of the Depot and the Capital directly opposite it down Capital Blvd.  While on 9th Street, take notice of the Jump Building with the antique tractors on the balconies.

 

Costs for the Old Penitentiary Tour is $6-Adult or  $4 for Seniors 60+

 

 

Total approximate time: 4 hours

Roundtrip mileage 36 miles