Boise Depot Centennial
The Boise Depot, located on W. Eastover Terrace, is one of the city’s most prominent and recognizable landmarks. It’s a treasured building that holds many memories for residents and visitors to the City of Boise. Originally constructed in 1925 for use as a Union Pacific railroad depot, it opened to the public on April 16, 1925, to great fanfare. While it is no longer operational as a train depot, the beautiful Spanish-style structure is now operated by the Boise Parks and Recreation Department, serving as a historic setting for weddings, receptions, corporate and community events and so much more. With the Boise Depot’s 100th anniversary coming up on April 16, 2025, the city is planning a celebration of the past, present and future for this important Boise landmark.
Boise Depot Centennial Information
Check out the schedule of events below. The official community celebration is April 13 through the 100th anniversary date of April 16, 2025. Departments from across the city have worked together to plan insightful, engaging and informative opportunities for residents and visitors to experience the Boise Depot and learn about its storied history in the City of Trees.
April 13 & April 16 Shuttle Schedule
There will be two shuttle stops available in Ann Morrison Park:
- Near the Ann Morrison Park Playground
- At the Old Timer’s Shelter parking lot located off Royal Blvd.
Shuttle buses will be running about every 20 minutes from each shuttle stop. A drop-off/pick-up zone will be located along W. Eastover Terrace in front of the Boise Depot for return trips to the park.
Sunday, April 13 Shuttle Hours: 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday, April 16 Shuttle Hour: 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 13 | Family Day – 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Join us for a free open house at the Boise Depot with activities for kids and adults, interactive exhibits and local vendor booths, model trains, classic cars, food trucks, guided historical tours (offered in English, Spanish, and ASL services available upon request), projection art unveiling, and more.
Food & Beverage Vendors
- Push & Pour will be selling coffee from inside the Boise Depot throughout the morning
- Idaho Kombucha farmer’s market land cruiser
- Kanak Attack
- Off the Grid Pizza
- Linda's Kitchen
- Sweet treats from Sunset Soft Serve
Guided Historical Tours
Art Projection Experience
- Join us for animated art projection on the Depot building. Projection will begin at approximately 8:30 p.m. and continue until 10 p.m.
Monday, April 14 | Depot Tours – 9 a.m. to noon
Join us for a morning of coffee and history at the Boise Depot. Take a free tour of the historic Boise Depot with one of our knowledgeable guides (offered in English, Spanish, and ASL services available upon request).
Food & Beverage Vendor
- Push & Pour will be selling coffee from inside the Boise Depot throughout the morning
Guided Historical Tours
Art Projection Experience
- Join us for animated art projection on the Depot building. Projection will begin at approximately 8:30 p.m. and continue until 10 p.m.
Tuesday, April 15 | Entertainment, Art and History on Display – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Join us at the Boise Depot to listen and learn as we embark on a journey to explore the past, present and future of transportation in Boise.
Live Podcast Taping
- City Cast Boise will host a discussion with Mayor Lauren McLean and Valley Regional Transit CEO Elaine Clegg about transportation and the future of passenger rail in Boise
- Join the hosted conversation from noon to 1 p.m. in the Boise Depot Great Hall
- This event is first come, first served with no prior registration required
- Opportunity for audience Q&A following the panel discussion
Food & Beverage Vendor
- Meltz Extreme Grilled Cheese (serving lunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
Art Projection Experience
- Join us for animated art projection on the Depot building. Projection will begin at approximately 8:30 p.m. and continue until 10 p.m.
Wednesday, April 16 | Boise Depot 100th Birthday Celebration – 5 to 10 p.m.
Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the opening of the Boise Depot with live music, kids activities, a photo booth and other exhibits. We’ll wrap up this “Roaring 1920s” themed party with cake and a commemoration honoring the beloved Boise Depot. No tickets are required, and all ages are welcome.
Music & Entertainment
- Boise State Jazz will be playing rhythmic classics and big band ensembles throughout the evening
- Capture memories in the Roaring ‘20s themed photo booth
Food & Beverage Vendors
- CRISP globally-inspired food truck
- Lost Grove Brewing will be serving up refreshments throughout the evening
- Idaho Kombucha farmer’s market land cruiser
Art Projection Experience
- Join us for animated art projection on the Depot building. Projection will begin at approximately 8:30 p.m. and continue until 10 p.m.
Parking Information & Shuttle Schedule
General parking will be extremely limited during the Boise Depot Centennial community celebration. The safety and security of the community is our top priority. Please plan ahead to make your visit a smooth one. Attendees are encouraged to walk and bike to the Boise Depot or utilize the free shuttle service operating from nearby Ann Morrison Park at various peak times throughout the event.
Thank you in advance for being courteous to surrounding neighbors and parking only in designated areas on surrounding streets during the Centennial celebration.
General Parking
Parking in Ann Morrison Park (1000 S. Americana Blvd.) is free and available on a first come, first served basis throughout the event. Please note, the road in front of the Boise Depot (W. Eastover Terrace) will be closed to through traffic on Sunday, April 13 and Wednesday, April 16. There will be no general parking on site these two days.
Accessible Parking
Limited ADA accessible parking adjacent to the Boise Depot is accessed from Ruby Street off Crescent Rim Drive. Please be prepared to show event security your placard to enter the parking lot. Please note, the parking lot is a mixed gravel/dirt material and has some small inclines. A ramp will be placed in the parking lot near the Big Mike locomotive. ADA parking is available on a first come, first served basis.
April 13 & April 16 Shuttle Schedule
There will be two shuttle stops available in Ann Morrison Park:
- Near the baseball fields located off Ann Morrison Park Dr.
- At the Old Timer’s Shelter parking lot located off Royal Blvd.
The shuttles will be operating from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 13 and from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 16, with shuttle busses running about every 20 minutes from each shuttle stop. A drop-off/pick-up zone will be located along W. Eastover Terrace in front of the Boise Depot for return trips to the park.
Bike & Pedestrian Access
We encourage attendees to walk or ride to the events. Bike parking is available on site at the Boise Depot.
Boise Depot History
Did you know – the City of Boise’s first depot was built on the Bench just a short distance from the present building? New York architects prepared the plans for the station at the present site and thousands turned out to see the first transcontinental engine steam into the new station on April 16, 1925. Click here to learn more about the Boise Depot’s history, the Platt Gardens, current usage of the site and more.
The Boise City Department of Arts & History has compiled a variety of source materials and historical photos from the city’s archives, complete with credit information, for members of the media interested in covering the Boise Depot’s 100th anniversary. Please view the press kit for a list of resources, as well as contact information for members of the city’s communications team.
Call for Archives
Help us search for and uncover the rich history and untold stories of one of Boise’s most iconic landmarks! As we prepare to celebrate the Boise Depot’s centennial, we’re looking for photographs, artifacts, and ephemera that capture the early story of the depot. The Boise Depot didn’t just bring trains to town, it brought culture, business, jobs, commerce, immigration, and adventure. Let’s work together to capture the full story!
Do you have anything related to the Boise Depot that highlights:
- Construction of the depot or laying of the tracks
- The neighborhood prior to the depot construction, including businesses such as the Baxter Foundry
- Development and dedication of the Platt Gardens
- The growth of the neighborhood from 1925 to 1970s
- Employees of the depot such as a red cap or porter, engineers, tickets or shop sales, etc.
- The Red Cross Canteen during World War II
- Commerce
- Travel
Check out these images for examples of what we are looking for:
Opening Day, Boise City Archives
Travelers in the Boise Depot, Boise City Archives
Opening Day, Apple Blossom Girls, Boise City Archives
Interested in contributing?
Please complete the Donation Submission Form below or call (208) 608-7052 and a member of our team will reach out to you.
Elements of community contributions may be incorporated into digital collections and exhibits.
Take a Tour
The Boise Depot is open to the public each week on Sundays and Mondays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Come explore the Great Hall, wander the Depot and Platt Gardens, and take a ride up into the bell tower. Free guided tours are offered each Sunday at noon and 1:30 p.m. All ages are welcome and no ticket is required. The Boise Depot is closed all legal holidays.
Get Involved
One of the goals of the Boise Depot Centennial is to involve the community as much as possible in the celebration of this Boise landmark. Additional details about partnership opportunities, artist calls and more will be announced in the coming months. Want to get in touch with us? Click here to send us an email and connect with city staff.
Bring Back Rail Effort
Interested in the City of Boise’s work to bring back rail service? Click here to learn more about current efforts and sign-up to receive updates via email.
Send a Message to Parks and Rec
For other after hours park related emergencies (i.e. irrigation issues, restrooms), please call (208) 489-6640.