Recreation
Ideas for holiday weekend
Posted on: July 02, 2008
SOUTHWEST IDAHO — What better way to spend the weekend than by exploring one of the area’s scenic and unique recreation destinations? The following list sets out some of Southwest Idaho’s popular weekend adventures:
- Ponderosa State Park near McCall is a popular weekend destination that offers swimming, boating, camping, hiking and many other recreational opportunities. It’s 105 miles north of Eagle on Idaho Highway 55.
- Eagle Island State Park, near Eagle, offers swimming and water slides at a small lake as well as grassy picnic areas and equestrian trails. To get there, take U.S. Highway 20-26 to Linder Road and follow signs to the park.
- Hot weather calls for fishing, swimming and boating. Lucky Peak, east of Boise, offers all three with a marina at Spring Shores, fishing and picnicking at Discovery, and 34 acres of grass, tables, shade trees and charcoal grills at Sandy Point Beach. It’s 8 miles east of Boise on Idaho Highway 21.
- The Sawtooth National Recreation Area offers milder temperatures and plenty of places to camp, fish, take a dip in the water, hike and enjoy many other summertime activities. It’s roughly 130 miles northeast of Boise on Idaho Highway 21, but there are plenty of places to go when you get there.
- Closer to home, Jump Creek Canyon is a popular place for an outing in Owyhee County. It features a scenic waterfall, picknicking, swimming and hiking opportunities. To get there, take Karcher Road (Idaho 55) to Marsing, continue 1.5 miles past the Highway 95 intersection, turn left onto Cemetery Road. Travel another 1.5 miles and turn left (south) on Jump Creek Road and head for the mouth of the canyon, which is visible in the distance.
- The 53-mile Snake River Canyon Scenic Byway stretches along Idaho Highway 45 at Walter’s Ferry, through rural communities, showcasing farmland and diverse agriculture, before intersecting with U.S. Highway 20/26 and heading toward Nyssa and the Oregon bridge. The tour includes a number of wineries as well as Fort Boise and the Map Rock Petroglyph.
God and Country event at Idaho Center today
Upwards of 11,000 flag-waving spectators are expected to attend the Treasure Valley God and Country Festival tonight at the Idaho Center’s amphitheater.
The celebration of patriotism and faith has been an annual Nampa tradition for 40 years.
Contemporary Christian singer/songwriter Mark Schultz headlines the evening’s musical performance, but many other performers will keep the crowd entertained for hours.
The evening culminates with a fireworks spectacle, which begins about 10 p.m.
Music fills the amphitheater and surrounding grounds starting at 6 p.m.
Mayor Tom Dale and his High Street Band open the evening followed by local contemporary Christian recording artist Jesse Shuster. Joining them are the Dodge Kids.
Faithful Men, a God and Country staple in recent years, returns to perform at 8 p.m.
Gates open at 5 p.m. The Idaho Center does not allow coolers, umbrellas, fireworks or drinks to be brought in to the grounds. Low-back beach chairs and blankets are allowed.
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