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your reu-auv adventure destination - beyond lab
your reu-auv adventure destination - beyond lab
Experience Vibrant Downtown Boise: Downtown Boise offers the perfect blend of urban energy and small-town charm. As an REU-AUV participant, you'll find yourself at the heart of one of America's most livable cities. For details, please Visit Boise
Historic & cultural attractions
Historic & cultural attractions
Freak Alley Gallery – Idaho's largest outdoor gallery featuring vibrant street art and murals
Idaho State Capitol Building – Tour the stunning marble-clad capitol with free guided tours
Basque Block – Explore Boise's unique Basque heritage with authentic restaurants and the Basque Museum & Cultural Center
Old Idaho Penitentiary – Step into Idaho history at this fascinating former prison (1872-1973)
Boise Art Museum – Contemporary and regional art exhibitions.
entertainment & nightlife
entertainment & nightlife
Egyptian Theatre – Historic venue featuring movies, concerts, and live performances
First Thursday – Monthly downtown art walks featuring galleries, live music, and street performers
Alive After Five – Free summer concert series at The Grove Plaza on Wednesday evenings
Local Breweries & Restaurants – Sample Idaho's craft beer scene and farm-to-table dining
shopping & dinning
shopping & dinning
8th Street Marketplace – Boutique shopping and local eateries
Boise Town Square - All you need to buy
Boise Co-op – Local and organic foods
Food Truck scene – Diverse culinary options throughout downtown
The Boise River Greenbelt: Your Urban Oasis: The iconic Boise River Greenbelt is a tree-lined, 25-mile pathway that follows the north and south banks of the Boise River through the heart of the city. Perfect for morning runs, bike rides, or evening strolls between research sessions
Activities Along the Greenbelt:
Walking & Running – Flat, paved trails ideal for all fitness levels
Biking – Rent bikes and explore the entire trail system
Wildlife Watching – Spot songbirds, ducks, Canada geese, great blue herons, and winter bald eagles
Picnicking – Over 850 acres of connected parks with picnic areas
Photography – Stunning river views and natural landscapes
Float the Boise River: Summer Must-Do Activity
One of Boise's most beloved summer traditions! Over 125,000 people annually enjoy floating down the Boise River
Float Details:
Put-In: Barber Park
Take-Out: Ann Morrison Park
Distance: Approximately 6 miles
Duration: 2-3 hours
Season: Typically late June through early September
Cost: Rentals and shuttle service available at Barber Park
Lucky Peak Recreation Area
Just 10 minutes from downtown Boise (or a scenic 30-minute bike ride on the Greenbelt), Lucky Peak offers the perfect escape into Idaho's natural beauty
Activities:
Swimming – Sandy beaches at Sandy Point and Discovery Park
Boating & Water Sports – Kayaking, paddleboarding, jet skiing
Fishing – Rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, kokanee salmon
Mountain Biking – Extensive trail system
Hiking – Lucky Peak Dam Trail (7.8 miles, moderate difficulty)
Picnicking – Multiple day-use areas with facilities
Outdoor Adventure: Hiking, Biking & Fishing
Idaho is famous for outdoor recreation, and Boise serves as the gateway to countless adventures
Table Rock Hiking – 3.7 miles, iconic Boise landmark with panoramic city views
Camel's Back Reserve Hiking – Easy trails with great sunset views
Bogus Basin Summer hiking – winter skiing (just 16 miles from downtown)
Mountain Biking: Ridge to Rivers Trail System – 190+ miles of trails
Boise River Fishing – Trout fishing through the city
Idaho World-class fly fishing – nearby Southwest
Black Cliffs Rock Climbing
Industry Innovation: Idaho's Tech Scene and Natural Wonder: Boise is home to Micron Technology, one of the world's leading semiconductor companies, headquartered right here in Idaho's capital. Sun Valley is Idaho's legendary mountain resort town, famous for world-class recreation and the annual Allen & Company Conference. While Yellowstone requires a full weekend trip, it's an iconic destination within reach of Boise.
yellowstone national park
yellowstone national park
America's Frist National Park: While Yellowstone requires a full weekend trip, it's an iconic destination within reach of Boise
Highlights:
Old Faithful and geothermal wonders
Grand Prismatic Spring
Wildlife viewing (bison, elk, bears, wolves)
Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone
Hayden and Lamar Valleys
Route: Boise → Mountain Home → Arco → Idaho Falls → West Yellowstone entrance
Tip: Plan a 3-4 day weekend trip with fellow REU participants. Camping and lodging available (book early!)
Sun valley
Sun valley
Sun Valley is Idaho's legendary mountain resort town, famous for world-class recreation and the annual Allen & Company Conference
Summer Activities:
Hiking & Mountain Biking – Extensive trail systems
Bald Mountain Gondola – Scenic rides to 9,150 feet
Kayaking & Fishing – Big Wood River and nearby lakes
Golf – Championship courses
Arts & Culture – Sun Valley Center for the Arts, Sun Valley Film Festival (spring)
About Allen & Company Conference: Every July, Sun Valley hosts the exclusive Allen & Company Sun Valley Conference, known as "summer camp for billionaires." Tech CEOs, media moguls, and business leaders like Mark Zuckerberg, Tim Cook, Jeff Bezos, and Sam Altman gather at Sun Valley Lodge for this invitation-only event. The conference has been held annually since 1983 and has been the site of major business deals including Disney's acquisition of ABC.
micron technology
micron technology
Boise is home to Micron Technology, one of the world's leading semiconductor companies, headquartered right here in Idaho's capital
Micron in Boise:
World-Class Semiconductor Manufacturing – DRAM, NAND, and NOR memory production
$15 Billion Expansion – Ongoing construction of cutting-edge fabrication facilities
17,000+ Jobs Expected – Major economic driver for Idaho
Innovation Center – Leading-edge memory research and development
Tour Opportunities: While public tours are limited due to cleanroom requirements, Micron occasionally offers educational tours for university groups and STEM programs. The Idaho Water Center and REU program coordinators may be able to arrange special access or presentations from Micron engineers.
Fun Fact: Micron was founded in Boise in 1978 and shipped its first 64K DRAM chip in 1981.
your summer in boise awaits!
your summer in boise awaits!
The NSF REU-AUV program offers more than just world-class research experience – it's your gateway to exploring one of America's most dynamic and livable cities. From floating the Boise River with your research cohort to weekend adventures in Yellowstone, from cheering on the Broncos to exploring Idaho's tech innovation scene, your summer in Boise will be filled with unforgettable experiences.
Boise combines:
✅ Urban amenities with small-town friendliness
✅ Outdoor recreation at your doorstep
✅ Innovation and technology leadership
✅ Cultural diversity and artistic vibrancy
✅ Affordability compared to coastal cities
✅ Safety and quality of life consistently ranked among nation's best
Whether you're building autonomous vehicles during the week or exploring Idaho's wilderness on weekends, Boise provides the perfect backdrop for your REU research adventure.
Welcome to Boise – where innovation meets adventure!
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