Situated along the Boise River Greenbelt in Boise, Idaho, Willow Lane Athletic Complex is one of the state’s premier sports complexes and an ideal destination for your team’s next tournament. Willow Lane Athletic Complex provides visitors with several softball fields, a soccer field, BMX jump park, playground, and a concessions area. These amenities coupled with the fact that the complex is located in the heart of Boise, and you have the makings of an awesome trip. Here are some of the best attractions and restaurants near Willow Lane Athletic Complex.
Things to Do
Albertsons Stadium
Few things excite Boise and Idaho residents like Boise State’s college football team. The Boise State Broncos have been a powerhouse in the college football world for some time now. If you and your team find yourselves in Boise during football season, you have to go to a game at Albertsons Stadium. This is one of college football’s most iconic stadiums. To give you a hint why, the field’s nickname is “The Blue”. Can’t figure it out? Albertsons has forgone the traditional green turf for a vibrant, dark blue turf.
The blue turf, unaffectionately referred to as “smurf turf” by visiting teams, is far from the only attraction at Albertsons Field. The Boise State Broncos will keep your team entertained from kickoff to the final seconds of the game. Their talented players give it their all every time, so no matter which game you bring your team to, you can count on a spectacular event. 1400 Bronco Ln, Boise, ID 83706
Zoo Boise
Striving to inspire and involve the Boise community in wildlife conservation, Zoo Boise is passionate about its animal residents and the staff loves to educate visitors about them. Stop by whenever you can get away from Willow Lane Athletic Complex. Explore the habitats of animals from all over the world without having to travel across the globe. Watch ferocious lions, intimidating komodo dragons, feisty Grevy’s zebras, towering giraffes, playful penguins, and many more fascinating creatures. Your team will be mesmerized by each and every animal living at Zoo Boise.
Walking from exhibit to exhibit is just the tip of the iceberg for things to do at the zoo. For nominal fees, your team can experience behind the scenes tours where zookeepers show sights that the average guest doesn’t get to see. You will learn even more about the animals and get to see some of them up close! There are also animal presentations that showcase some of the creatures. These shows allow you to touch some of the animals and gain insight into that individual animal and their species as a whole. Zoo Boise is one of Boise’s best attractions and because of its reasonably priced admission, you won’t have to break the bank to visit. 355 Julia Davis Dr, Boise, ID 83702
Discovery Center of Idaho
A place where curiosity and creativity reign supreme, Discovery Center of Idaho encourages kids of all ages, to experiment and have fun while learning. You’ll discover room after room full of exciting contraptions and artifacts. Find out how robotic arms function and see how robotics has become such an integral component of society. Play with light and prisms as you make rainbows and colorful images. One exhibit that’ll excite the whole team goes by the name of Sue. Sue is a fully assembled T-rex fossil that leaves you nothing short of amazed as you appreciate her size and the detail of her display. Another dino-display to keep your eyes peeled for is the collection of dinosaur eggs that have been donated to the museum.
Anyone who enjoys building things is going to want to check out the craft station. The Discovery Center provides a variety of supplies, so you can go wild and construct machines of your wildest dreams. Who doesn’t like playing with bubbles? A center favorite, you can play with gadgets that produce giant bubbles in all sorts of shapes and sizes. In addition to the Discovery Center’s extensive permanent collection, there are temporary exhibits that are included throughout the year. Visit their website to find out what exciting temporary exhibits are on display during your trip. Because this attraction is so close to the Willow Lane Athletic Complex, it’s perfect for your team. 131 W Myrtle St, Boise, ID 83702
Old Idaho Penitentiary
What was once a prison for some of the West’s most frantic criminals, Old Idaho Penitentiary is now a Boise landmark and a must-see tourist attraction. Venture through this centuries old prison with your team at your own pace in a self-guided tour or take a guided tour and enjoy the entertaining story-telling of your docent.
Regardless of how you decide to see the penitentiary, you’ll encounter many uncommon sights. Walk through a solitary confinement area and get locked in general population cell blocks. See where prisoners were executed at the gallows. Hear about daring escape attempts, prison scandals, and notable executions. One display showcases confiscated weapons and objects found on prisoners and another shows off a collection of guns of all sizes. Old Idaho Penitentiary is a unique activity that your team will enjoy and talk about long after your trip is over. 2445 Old Penitentiary Rd, Boise, ID 83712
Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area
Boise, and to a larger extent Idaho, is known for its lush forests and exceptional nature settings. You can escape to the great outdoors without having to drive far from Willow Lane Athletic Complex. At the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area, your team can appreciate some of Boise’s undisturbed, pristine nature.
There’s something to do for everyone at the conservation area. Watch for birds of prey like falcons, hawks, and eagles, as well as other animals that call the area home. The trail system runs throughout the park and has paths ranging from a quarter mile to multiple miles. Each trail has its own breathtaking views of canyons and rivers. There’s no wrong choice when you’re deciding which one to do. The conservation area also has a spot to have a picnic and allows camping if you happen to have brought camping gear. Murphy, ID 83650
Idaho State Museum
Founded in 1907, the Idaho State Museum boasts a collection of over 250,000 artifacts on display. The main attraction is the comprehensive exhibit focusing on the story of Idaho. Take a virtual tour of the Oregon Trail; find out how fur traders, missionaries, and Idaho residents shaped the state into what it is today. The Lewis and Clark exhibit honors this dynamic duo of frontiersman who mapped out the West. Live like a pioneer in a pioneer village and learn about the extraordinary influence Lewis and Clark had on the region. Expect many more captivating displays during your visit to the Idaho State Museum. 214 Broadway Ave, Boise, ID 83702
Escape This Live Boise
Find out if your team has what it takes to outsmart and break out of one of Escape This Live Boise’s escape rooms. This is a fun, different activity that your team will absolutely love. Each of the four rooms provides a stimulating and puzzling hour that motivates the escapees to collaborate and think outside the box. Try one or more and get ready for one of the most intense, action-packed hours of your life. 410 S Orchard St #108, Boise, ID 83705
To find hotel rooms closest to where your team is playing in Boise or any city, visit https://www.hotels4teams.com/. Hotels4Teams – The Best Hotels at the Best Prices, Closest to the Action!
Places to Eat
Taqueria El Torito
Starting out as a fleet of food trucks, Taqueria El Tortio has converted its success into a permanent location in Boise, right by Willow Lane Athletic Complex. Something you don’t normally see, Taqueria prices their individual tacos at $2.50 or less! You can get your fill of tacos and only have to shell out a little bit of money. The most well-known dish at this place is its tacos, but the other meals are worth trying. The deals on the beef, steak, or enchilada platters are very tempting. You can even stop by for breakfast and dig into a breakfast burrito, taco, or a Hispanic classic – Huevos Rancheros. 4628 W State St, Boise, ID 83703
Dutch Goose
For over 50 years, Dutch Goose has been a local establishment that prides itself with serving delicious meals. Starting things off on the healthier side, their salad menu is quite plentiful. They make a burger bowl and brisket caesar that would tempt even a non-salad eater. The sandwich and burger menu rounds are your other big options. Dutch Goose also offers sides like French fries and chili. A kid’s menu is available as well. 3515 W State St, Boise, ID 83703
Lulu’s Pizza
Everyone can agree that pizza is one of the most universally loved foods among kids and adults. It’s cheap, you don’t have to wait long for it to be cooked, and you can always find pizza places wherever you are. While in Boise, the pizzeria you want to take your team to is Lulu’s Pizza. They divide their pies into three categories: traditional, specialty, and customized.
The traditional pizzas have toppings you are used to seeing like sausage, mushroom, pepperoni, etc. The specialty ones reinvent the common pizza. With recipes like a Thai peanut sauce chicken pizza and caramelized onions, blue cheese, and mushrooms, Lulu’s Pizza cooks up pizzas you’d struggle to find anywhere else. You can also build your own from a large list of toppings, cheeses, and sauces. Trying to eat healthier? Lulu’s also offers some specialty salads. 2594 N Bogus Basin Rd, Boise, ID 83702
Highlands Hollow Brewhouse
Highlands Hollow Brewhouse has a mix of standard pub fare and some surprising dishes you wouldn’t expect to find at a place like this. Two of Highland’s notable appetizers are its crab and artichoke dip and hot wings. They have cheap street tacos, fish and chips, and a very popular pork chop entrée. You can also order pasta, sandwiches, and hamburgers. 2455 N Highlands Hollow, Boise, ID 83702
Boise has a long list of attractions and restaurants near Willow Lane Athletic Complex. You and your team can experience many different activities whenever you have some down time. You can bet on an exciting trip that your team will remember for years to come.