Boise, ID

I don’t know how many times I’ve been up at the Boise Depot just to look and wander. It’s really peaceful up there. It’s also pretty and there’s a great view of the city. I’ve pressed my face up to the glass doors and cupped my hands around my eyes, but . . . nothing. It’s always been too dark to see anything inside. Now, I have been inside before, which is part of the reason I’ve wanted to go in again. The last time was for my cousin’s wedding and before that was when it was open after its restoration. But, those times inside are rare. . . few and far between. –sigh– Well, who knew–the place is open every Sunday and Monday! When did that happen? It doesn’t matter. I went this week!

You’ve really got to go visit some time because it’s a museum of the railroad era in the city. The space is huge with an immense wood floor, impressive doors and windows, elaborately painted trusses, original lighting, and amazing wooden benches around the perimeter where passengers used to wait. What is probably a pretty accurate replica of a weekly train schedule is hung on one end near the ticket windows.

The Depot was restored in the early ’90s to its mostly original glory. Now the space can be rented for special events. There’s even a bride’s room upstairs at the west end with a double staircase coming down. It’s really impressive, so I went up to see how it felt. Oh my gosh, it’s high up there! Turns out the ceiling, which is very close to the top of the staircase, is 44 feet high.

The original newsstand displays items that passengers might have bought back in the day.

Speaking of back in the day, an old picture shows the arrival of the first main line train in 1925. The place was just milling with people. It must have been very exciting—could make a person want to time travel.

An elevator was installed in the clock/bell tower, which means visitors can ride to the top and get an unequaled view of the city while warm summer breezes blow in. Gorgeous! I loved it.

The bells ring every day at 8:00 a.m., noon, and 5:00 p.m. If you’re downtown and hear them, they might remind you to take some time to visit one of Boise’s most prominent landmarks soon. Take the kids. Take your parents. It’ll be an interesting time for everyone!
For more information go here: http://www.cityofboise.org/departments/parks/ParksAndFacilities/Parks/page19816.aspx