morrison-knudsen nature center

3elizabethb

Right in downtown Boise, free, kids hand-on stations, windows on pond to view the pond wildlife (trout, ducks and at times salmon) and oh yes the pond with huge trout that made me want to grab a fishing pole and sturgeon that look like slow swimming logs all make this an excellent place to spend some time. There is ample free parking, indoor exhibits, too. Great birding and you might see some deer there. Native plantings, good signage and art. Have fun! Nice gift shop inside. Save time for that.

Boisenb

This place is a gem in Boise. And the price is right - free. Although donations are readily accepted. It is great for kids and is beautiful any time of the year. It is small enough to be manageable but not overwhelming. The visitor's center is full of great material and hands-on activities. Go often because each time you will be something different.

149gigik

This small jewel right near downtown is a wonderful respite from the city. The nature center has an impressive array of mounts and some interactive displays for children. Out the back door is the treasure. An excellently engineered stream meanders through a petite garden. Perfectly laid out with thoughtful peeks from both above and below water level. The day we were there, this amazing habitat had attracted two male wood ducks which are known for their shyness. Clearly, they felt secure enough in this environment to stick around. NICE!

carolmK577FR

Seeing fish in their habitat, underwater, is thrilling for nature lovers from two to ninety two. The paths between interpreted viewpoints is accessible for most. The quiet walk beside the Boise River allows one to hear the water, so seeing below the surface of a stream submerges the passerby with peace as well as education of this biosphere. What an excellent idea, and inside the center are mammals to contemplate.

DeniseD1

What a cool place! So neat to be there - you know you're just minutes from downtown Boise but feel miles away. It was a very hot day when we were there so we probably didn't enjoy it as much as we would have if it was a bit cooler, but all in all was a great place. Great exhibits, and we loved the trails all over - we even saw a fawn! We'll definitely return.

ahavakamm

Boise seems to have excellent get-aways right in the middle of town and this is one of them. Our children really enjoyed the trickling creek, huge fish and elements of discovery incorporated into the trails. The information center had some water exhibits, including huge crayfish and plenty of taxidermy animals. there is also a great dirt-moving hands-on space for kids to build dirt dams and create lakes and ponds. Highly recommended

HattieSI

This is a great place to stop on a summer day. A small trail system wanders through the back of the nature center and leads to the Boise Greenbelt. Huge mature trees offer shade during the walk. Make sure to stop in the nature center to check out the interpretive exhibits as well as their resident wild animals. Including a pair of Burrowing Owls. It's nice to get an up close look at wildlife.

reinah2013

The MK nature center is adjacent to Municipal Park in downtown Boise. There are some planted areas, Viewing areas for fish, and nice paths for walking. It's a great place for families, especially with small children who love nature! The park also has a great playground.

SueH131

We love visiting the nature center..seeing the wildlife in the middle of a city is great..check out the large ponds with the large fish..they also have a underwater area to also view.

302charlym

We came here on a field trip for a class about worms. I went in with low expectations but left having had an amazing time! Our group was pre schoolers and the instructor (I believe Ms. Sarah was her name) was perfect. The kids and I learned so much about worms and composting, did cute experiments and crafts, walked to trail exploring each new turn, and ended with a gummy worm. What a cute little tucked away gem the MK center is.

Ducks630

This was a little tricky for us to find, but my husband loved seeing the fish in the pond. Especially the large Sturgeon. We also saw a small Mule Deer resting in some shade. The visitor center was closed when we were there. They have some viewing windows on the pathway to see into the pond. It seems like it could use a bit of refreshing, but we enjoyed our evening stroll there. There was no fee, and its next to a park, you can walk in from there too. Good spot to take kids for sure.

caseyt93

Great place. Quiet. Kids loved to see the animals. We had a great family day. Nice to be in a place that showcases local wildlife.

AF_Hiker

The Nature center is a nice size, and is educational for all ages. They have many taxidermy animal on display, and a few live animals as well. Outside there is a nice park with a walking tour. You can get a trail guide from the center so you know what you are looking at. There is a nice fish pond, with glass windows at a lower level so you can see the trout swimming around at eye level. There is also a duck pond, with a beaver hut. There is supposed to be live beaver here, but I did not see any during my visit. Overall, a very nice spot to visit and walk around.

757NigelB

Really great day out. Indoor exibits, taxidermy. Lovely park adjacent to center. First live Sturgeon seen in the USA. gREAT FOR BOTH KIDS AND ADULTS. Very peacefull place.

shockster

Kids love the outdoor walkways, exhibits, and nature. We really enjoy the up close aquariums, and hands on exhibits. The gardens are beautiful, along the Boise River, with fun trails, any age is appropriate, donations are accepted. Opens up to green belt and park for your enjoyment.