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About Boise Depot
1925 Spanish Mission Revival Union Pacific depot operated by Boise Parks & Recreation as historic site / public ceremonial space. Self-guided tours on first/third Sundays April-October. Static historic depot with no excursion service.
At a Glance
Verified daily- Type
- Heritage railroad & tourist attraction
- Location
- ID
- Rating
- 4.7 ★ 1,428 Google reviews
Upcoming Events
No ticketed events are currently listed for Boise Depot. Many heritage operators publish schedules seasonally or run on regular open hours instead of dated events.
Check the operator’s website for current hours and special runs, or subscribe to event alerts and we’ll email you when something is scheduled.
Plan Your Visit
- Parking
- Free lot
- Accessibility
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance · accessible restroom · accessible parking
- Hours
- Monday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PMTuesday: ClosedWednesday: ClosedThursday: ClosedFriday: ClosedSaturday: ClosedSunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Find the Depot
History
See full history
Union Pacific built the Boise Depot in 1925, and thousands turned out for its mid-April mainline debut, where UP president Carl Gray received a key to the city from Mayor Eugene Sherman. The Spanish Mission Revival station hosted the Portland Rose on its Chicago–Portland run, and for decades the City of Portland streamliner also called at Boise, until Union Pacific dropped all passenger service on May 1, 1971 — the day Amtrak began operating. Amtrak brought trains back in 1977 with the Pioneer, which ultimately ran daily between Chicago and Seattle. The depot joined the National Register of Historic Places on August 7, 1974, listed as the Union Pacific Mainline Depot, and saw its final passenger train when the Pioneer was discontinued in 1997. Boise-based Morrison–Knudsen Corporation bought the building in 1990 and restored it, and the City of Boise assumed ownership in 1996, opening it for tours and special events. Today Boise Parks & Recreation operates the depot as a historic site and public ceremonial space.
Around the Depot
Boise, Idaho's capital and most populous city, spreads along the Boise River in the Treasure Valley, with foothills rising to the northeast. Established as a military outpost in 1863 and located on the Oregon Trail, it grew into a regional hub. Visitors find the Idaho State Capitol, the Boise Art Museum, Zoo Boise in Julia Davis Park, and the downtown Basque Block, while the Boise River Greenbelt trail system follows the river and the Bogus Basin ski area lies sixteen miles from the city limits.
Getting There & Staying Nearby
Optional trip extras from our travel partners.
Rent a Car
Most heritage railroads sit well off the interstate. Picking up a rental at the nearest airport is usually the easiest way in.
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Tours & Activities Nearby
Tours
Guided tours, day trips, and things to do around the area, bookable in advance through Viator.
Browse nearby tours →Bookings made through this link support usatrainrides at no extra cost to you.