Join the City of Boise as we honor the past, celebrate the present, and envision the future of the iconic Boise Depot. Located off W. Eastover Terrace, the Boise Depot opened on April 16, 1925, and over the course of a century has become one of the most recognizable landmarks in the City of Trees.
Generations of Idahoans have memories of entering the Depot’s doors. Even though the last passenger train rolled out of Boise in 1997, the building continues to be an important community gathering space thanks to its public ownership and ongoing restoration. To celebrate this storied history, Boise is planning four days of free community events – the Boise Depot Centennial – to honor the people of the Boise Depot and the building’s legacy.
“The importance of the Boise Depot to our city’s past, present and future is immeasurable,” said Mayor Lauren McLean. “From its early days as a gateway to the West to its current use as a wedding and event center, I know our residents join me in holding deep and fond memories of time spent inside its walls. I hope you’ll join us as we create even more memories through this joyful community celebration.”
BOISE DEPOT CENTENNIAL SCHEDULE SNAPSHOT
Sunday, April 13 – Family Day Open House from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Join us for model trains, classic cars, guided history tours in English and Spanish (ASL interpretation available upon request), face painting and activities for kids, a new permanent history exhibit, food trucks and more. All ages are welcome! Click here to view the full schedule.
Depot Projection Art – 8 p.m.
Enjoy animated projection art displayed each night of the Boise Depot Centennial on the front of the Depot. Following short remarks at 8 p.m., Mayor McLean, local artists Annika Kalac and Will Miller, and city leaders will “flip the switch” at 8:30 p.m. to unveil this unique public art experience on Sunday, April 13.
Kalac and Miller’s hand-processed collage and digital animation imagines a future in which the Boise Depot is a central hub for travel in and out of Boise, and is surrounded by high-speed railways, buses, streetcars, bicycles, and airships. Projection will begin at approximately 8:30 p.m. (dusk) nightly and continue until 10 p.m. (weather permitting). Each night features unique artwork exploring different themes developed with community input. This public art experience is supported by the Boise City Department of Arts & History.
“While Amtrak discontinued rail service to the Depot in 1997, this historical landmark transformed Boise and shaped the lives of countless residents and visitors alike for over 70 years, welcoming as many as six trains daily during the Depot’s peak use in the 1940s,” said Boise Arts & History Director Jennifer Stevens. “Thanks to local artists Annika Kalac and Will Miller, we can imagine or reimagine a future where our transportation options are limitless.”
Monday, April 14 – Boise Depot Tours from 9 a.m. to Noon
Head to the Boise Depot for a morning of coffee and history. Take a free tour of the historic Boise Depot with one of our knowledgeable guides (offered in English and Spanish, with ASL services available upon request). Plus, local coffee shop Push & Pour will be serving coffee and treats for purchase. Tours are free and offered each hour on the hour starting at 9 a.m., with the final tours starting at 11 a.m. on a first come, first served basis.
Tuesday, April 15 – Entertainment, Art and History on Display from 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. Grab lunch from a local food truck and enjoy a live podcast taping!
City Cast Boise will host an engaging discussion with Mayor McLean and Valley Regional Transit CEO Elaine Clegg about Boise’s transportation outlook and efforts to restore passenger rail service. Guests are welcome to watch the hosted conversation in-person, happening from noon to 1 p.m. in the Boise Depot’s Great Hall. The podcast recording will then be made available for listeners later in the month. Seats are available on a first come, first served basis with no prior registration required.
Wednesday, April 16 – Boise Depot 100th Birthday Celebration from 5 to 10 p.m.
Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the opening of the Boise Depot with live music from Boise State Jazz, food and beverage vendors, art activities for kids, a custom photo booth and more. This “Roaring 1920s” themed party will include cake and a commemoration honoring the beloved Boise Depot. No tickets are required, and all ages are welcome!
“Our goal with this multi-day celebration is to provide a variety of opportunities for Boise and Treasure Valley residents to experience all the Boise Depot has to offer, learn about its history, and understand the importance of this landmark to our city,” added Boise Parks and Recreation Director Doug Holloway. “Making these events free and accessible to visitors is our top priority and no matter if you’ve visited the Depot before or this will be your first time, we look forward to creating new memories with the community in this special place.”
In addition to interactive exhibits, public art and performances, limited edition Boise Depot Centennial merchandise will be available during the four-day celebration with proceeds supporting future restoration projects at the Depot. This merch includes three unique 100th anniversary poster designs created by local artists Jacob Diaz, Julia Green and Jay Rasgorshek. Each is hand-signed and numbered by the artist.
Parking and Shuttle Information
General parking will be extremely limited during the Boise Depot Centennial community celebration, April 13-16, 2025. 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 (Sunday, April 13 and Wednesday evening, April 16). Accessible ADA parking with a placard will be available in the dirt lot located adjacent to the Boise Depot. Visit our event webpage for additional parking information, maps and shuttle schedules.
Thank you in advance for being courteous to surrounding neighbors and parking only in designated areas on surrounding streets during the Centennial celebration.
Media Coverage
Reporters and photographers are encouraged to use the Boise Depot Centennial press kit available on the city’s website. Here are additional contacts for interview setup and information throughout the festivities:
- Bonnie Shelton, Boise Parks and Recreation Communications and Marketing Superintendent — bshelton@cityofboise.org
- Jennifer Yribar, Boise City Department of Arts & History Communications Manager — jyribar@cityofboise.org
- Emilee Ayers, Press Secretary for Mayor McLean — eayers@cityofboise.org
For additional information about the Boise Depot Centennial, visit our event webpage.
