Top 15 Activities and Attractions in Nampa, Idaho | Go Travel Daily

Top 15 Activities and Attractions in Nampa, Idaho

In the center of the Treasure Valley, located roughly 20 miles west of Boise, Nampa is a city that harmonizes small-town appeal with the features and conveniences of a major urban environment.

One prominent venue is the Ford Idaho Center, which hosts significant events throughout the year, including concerts by renowned artists and one of the nation’s top 12 rodeos.

For wine enthusiasts, Nampa occupies the eastern side of the Snake River Valley, which is the hub of Idaho’s expanding wine sector, with over 50 wineries in the vicinity. This article will highlight several establishments located just minutes from downtown.

Additionally, Boise and Meridian are just a short drive away, providing access to family attractions, historical landmarks, and museums.

1. Warhawk Air Museum

Warhawk Air Museum

Located in a spacious hangar at Nampa Municipal Airport on the eastern side of the city, this museum vividly narrates the history of air combat.

The Warhawk Air Museum covers significant conflicts, including WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, as well as the aviation advancements of the Cold War.

A remarkable collection of aircraft is on display, including a Fokker DR-1, a MiG-17, a MiG-21, a P-40E Kittyhawk, a P-51C Mustang, an F-84G Thunderjet, and an F-104 Starfighter.

One noteworthy exhibit is the Curtiss P-40N Warhawk, restored to operational status in the 1980s and featured in the film Pearl Harbor (2001).

Display cases are filled with compelling memorabilia, along with binders containing intriguing personal narratives and preserved documents. Guided tours are often led by veterans.

2. Canyon County Historical Nampa Train Depot Museum

Canyon County Historical Nampa Train Depot Museum

The impressive Nampa Depot is a preserved former passenger station, constructed in 1903 on the Oregon Short Line Railroad.

This eclectic structure combines Romanesque and Renaissance elements, predominantly showcasing neo-Baroque design.

The depot served as a station until 1927 and later became offices for railroad staff. In 1973, it was renovated to serve as headquarters for the Canyon County Historical Society after a successful campaign against its demolition.

Completely staffed by volunteers, the museum, primarily open on weekends, is a treasure trove filled with railroad artifacts and fascinating insights into various aspects of Nampa’s history, from local commerce to Native American culture.

Highlights include the first television set in Nampa, 19th-century mustache cups, and vintage typewriters, while children will enjoy the miniature train setup.

3. Lake Lowell

Lake Lowell

Bordering the western edge of Nampa is an expansive water reservoir, constructed in 1908 to supply irrigation to local agriculture.

Lake Lowell is among the largest off-stream reservoirs in the Northwest and serves as a vital breeding ground for various mammals and birds, encircled by the Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge.

Access is available to shorelines at multiple locations, the most accessible being the 20-acre Lake Lowell Park.

Recreational activities include swimming, boating, birdwatching, hiking, fishing, and hunting, with facilities for picnics, barbecues, and disc golf available.

While much of the lake is designated for wildlife migration, boating is permitted in specific areas between mid-April and the end of September.

The Deer Flat Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center is nearby, featuring interpretive displays, wildlife observation areas, and engaging activities for children.

4. Ford Idaho Center

Ford Idaho Center

A prominent feature contributing to Nampa’s appeal is this extensive complex of sports and entertainment venues situated in the northeast section of the city.

Since its opening in the mid-1990s, the Ford Idaho Center has emerged as the largest facility of its kind in the Pacific Northwest, featuring the Ford Arena, which accommodates 12,279 attendees for numerous major concerts and sporting events, along with the Ford Amphitheater, seating 10,500 and hosting performances by prominent artists such as Bob Dylan, Shania Twain, and James Taylor.

Additional facilities include the Ford Theater and the 110-acre Horse Park, recognized as the foremost equestrian venue in the Northwest.

The signature event of the center is the Snake River Stampede rodeo, held during the third week of July, ranking among the top 12 rodeos recognized by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.

A range of activities fills these five days, from parades to competitions such as rope & run, mutton busting, and the Miss Rodeo Idaho Competition.

5. Nampa Farmers’ Market

Farmers Market

Operating on Saturday mornings from April to October, the Nampa Farmers’ Market has been a staple for over thirty years, rain or shine.

This beloved local event invigorates the Historic Downtown area and has grown to host an average of 60 to 70 vendors weekly.

A delightful assortment of seasonal produce and specialty items is available, including organic herbs, local honey, jams, chocolate truffles, and freshly roasted coffee.

Additionally, the market features craft vendors, live entertainment every week, and a variety of ready-to-eat foods, including Hawaiian-style shave ice, Tex-Mex offerings, and gourmet hot dogs.

6. Lakeview Park

Rose Garden

The oldest park in Nampa spans 44 acres on a site that was once a homestead dating back to 1888, hence its name which references a man-made reservoir that existed on the property.

Though the lake is no longer present, the name endures alongside the creek that once nourished it. Alongside its mature trees, a rose garden, and luxuriant lawns, Lakeview Park offers numerous amenities.

Facilities include areas for baseball/softball, soccer, basketball, as well as a swimming pool, bike trails, horseshoe pits, picnic shelters, a duck pond, volleyball court, and an amphitheater.

The pool features beach entry, making it accessible and enjoyable for young swimmers, complemented by splash pad water features.

7. Vizcaya Winery

Vineyards And Wineries

The nearest winery to Nampa is just a ten-minute drive from downtown, located on Greenhurst Road.

Vizcaya Winery commenced its operations in 2004, initially cultivating grapes for other wineries at their Windy Ridge and Vizcaya vineyards before beginning to produce their own wines.

Their tasting room, located near Nampa and open on Fridays and Saturdays, features their award-winning Tempranillo, recognized on both regional and national levels (Idaho Wine Competition, Wine Business Monthly) in the past decade.

Other noteworthy wines include Malbec, Rosé, Albariño, Pinot Gris, and the red blend, Windy Ridge Red.

8. Roaring Springs Water Park

Roaring Springs

This waterpark, located just ten miles (15 minutes) east of downtown Nampa in Meridian, stands as the largest in the Northwest.

Roaring Springs features over 20 attractions catering to families, thrill-seekers, and younger children.

For adrenaline enthusiasts, highlights include the two-person bowl ride, Viper’s Vortex, the steep Cliffhanger, and Corkscrew Cavern, the first 360° looping waterslide in the region.

For younger guests, gentler options are available such as the Kiddie Kowabunga tube slide, various smaller slides, and Leisure Lagoon’s shallow waters.

For those seeking additional convenience, cabana rentals offer comfortable pool furniture, food and drink service, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

9. Wahooz Family Fun Zone

Mini Golf

For an enjoyable combination of activities, visit this family entertainment center adjacent to Roaring Springs, accessible via a walkway.

Wahooz Family Fun Zone is perfect for hot summer days, featuring indoor attractions such as high-tech amusement rides, laser tag, a laser maze, an extensive arcade with 80 games, a clip ‘n climb, a ropes course, a multi-level indoor playground, and 24 lanes of bowling with bumper cars.

Outdoor activities include two 18-hole mini golf courses, go-karts, batting cages, and bumper boats, operational year-round.

10. Sawtooth Winery

Snake River Valley Wine Region

Situated on 70 acres of picturesque landscape, ten miles west of Nampa and beyond Lake Lowell, lies one of the premier wineries in the Snake River Valley.

Established in 1987, Sawtooth Winery was founded following the Pintler family’s discovery of the region’s viable grape-growing potential.

The ideal climate, characterized by high elevation at 2,700 feet, long daylight hours, and cool summer evenings, contributes to the production of sophisticated, aromatic wines.

Varietals such as Merlot, Pinot Gris, and Tempranillo have elevated Sawtooth’s reputation, while its Riesling and Merlot have garnered several awards.

Visitors can savor these wines at the boutique tasting room, which offers breathtaking views of the Owyhee Mountains.

11. Wilson Springs Ponds

Fishing Rainbow Trout

A beautiful natural area spans 55 acres in the southern part of Nampa, consisting of a series of ponds situated on what was once marshland for livestock.

This property was acquired by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game in 1989 and was gradually restored, now serving as a tranquil setting for walks and a popular urban fishing destination.

The area includes four ponds covering 25 acres, which are nourished by springs and provide a crucial stopover for migratory ducks and geese.

Fishing enthusiasts may seek out largemouth bass, bluegill, and trout, which reside in the deeper, shaded areas and come to shallower waters to feed. Fishing is permitted at the South Pond, which includes a small dock for easier access.

12. Indian Creek Winery

Indian Creek Winery

Expand your Idaho winery experience at Indian Creek Winery, located approximately between Nampa and Kuna, boasting 40 years of winemaking expertise.

Currently in its second generation, Indian Creek has earned recognition for both the high quality of its wines and the inviting atmosphere for tastings.

The winery is situated on five acres of gardens, where hundreds of dahlias blossom in the summer. Their signature wines include a Pinot Noir, White Pinto, Viognier, Star Garnet, Mountain Syringa, and Dry Rosé.

Additionally, there are small-lot variations available, including Chardonnay, Merlot, Moscato, Cabernet, and Port. Guests are encouraged to enjoy tours, tastings, and various events held throughout the year.

13. Nampa Dog Park

Dog Park

Opened in 2009, this fully fenced dog park attracts pet owners from across the region and is an essential location for off-leash exercise.

For visitors with canine companions, the amenities at Nampa Dog Park are sure to impress.

The park features a swimming pond, shade facilities, walking trails named after dog breeds, numerous trees, drinking fountains for both pets and people, ample seating, and designated areas for large and small/senior dogs.

14. RedHawk Public Golf Course

Golf

Nampa’s local public golf course boasts an idyllic setting on the banks of Lake Lowell, with picturesque views of the Owyhee Mountains in the distance.

The 18-hole course received a recent landscape renovation in 2014 and presents an engaging challenge with its rolling fairways and fast, smooth greens.

State-of-the-art practice facilities include a driving range, putting green, and practice bunkers.

Green fees are reasonably priced, with no variances between weekend and weekday rates, as well as twilight discounts for rounds commencing after 3 PM.

For avid golfers, the highly-rated Ridgecrest Golf Club (27 holes) and Centennial Golf Course (18 holes) are also located within Nampa.

15. Bogus Basin

Bogus Basin

During winter months, a ski resort is available within one hour from Nampa at Bogus Basin, situated just over 30 miles to the northeast.

Access is provided via a winding mountain road leading into the Boise Range from the state capital.

Bogus Basin is noteworthy for its non-profit management, ensuring that all profits are reinvested into the facilities and the community.

Despite being highly accessible from the Treasure Valley, the resort encompasses a substantial skiable area of 2,600 acres, featuring 91 designated runs serviced by 11 lifts, making it the second-largest ski area in the state.

The skiing season typically operates from Thanksgiving to mid-April, while summer offers activities such as hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and river tubing.

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