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Things to do in Meridian
Meridian is a city that is perfect for a short vacation. You will be able to find a lot of things to do while you are in the city. Its name comes from the fact that it lies upon the Boise Meridian, one of the important of the thirty five meridians of the country. Quite nearby is the city of Boise, which is the capital of Idaho. It makes for a great day trip for art and history buffs.
Meridian is known as one of the fastest growing cities in the country, and tourism here has been growing over the years. This article will try and bring to you some of the best things you can do here as a tourist. We will try to give you all the relevant information to plan your visit here. With no further ado, let us begin reading about the best things to do in Meridian, Idaho.
Roaring Springs Waterpark
This is one of the largest water parks in the entire Northwest United States. People of all ages can have a lot of fun here, with a number of themed rides and slides into water. It is a really great place to visit during the summer. There are many ways to enjoy the Roaring Springs like the Snake River Run and the Corkscrew Cavern and more.
Along with the themed rides and slides, the Roaring Springs Waterpark also has some great restaurants in order to make your day there a really great one.
If you are looking for a more luxurious experience, consider renting a private cabana. These cabanas offer shade, comfortable seating, and even personal waitstaff, allowing you to relax in style while watching the excitement unfold.
It’s a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the area, providing an unforgettable aquatic experience. So, don’t forget to pack your swimsuit and sunscreen when you plan your trip to Meridian! And remember the water park operates seasonally from May to September.
The address for Roaring Springs waterpark is 400 W Overland Rd, Meridian, ID 83642.
Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park
Meridian is well known for its parks and recreation areas. One of them is the Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park that has been operating since 2012. The park gets its name from Julius M. Kleiner, a local industrialist and philanthropist.
While you are here at the Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park, you will be able to enjoy a lot of recreational activities such as riding a bike and taking a walk around the park. Picturesque and lovely to behold, the park has a number of landmark attractions such as Kleiner Park Loop and the Grand Promenade.
The Park has been built around quite a large area, and therefore has been divided into different sections. The center of the park is home to two beautiful ponds and also features an amphitheater. If you are here during the summer, you might be treated to a delightful evening at a concert in the Park.
The west side of the park is full of fun things to do such as playing a lot of games, enjoying picnics and a splash zone.
Do check out the statue of Julius M. Kleiner located by the Grand Plaza near the North Pond.
You will be able to find the Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park at 1900 N Records Avenue in Meridian, Idaho.
Settlers Park
The Settlers Park is another one of the many parks in the Meridian area. This park is certain to be a fun filled day trip for all visitors. It has a lot of different areas filled with things to do such as playgrounds, shelters, sports facilities as well as a winter golf course.
There is the Adventure Island Playground Area where kids can enjoy and have a great time. There is also a splash pad and more such areas. The Settlers Park is also known to host movie screenings during the summers so you can check them out if you are here during that time.
Settlers Park is located at 3245 North Meridian Road in the city.
Idaho Botanical Garden
Visiting the Idaho Botanical Garden can be a really great way of unwinding after a big day of sightseeing. The Botanical Garden is right next to the Idaho State Penitentiary ruins and goes well with a combined trip. The gardens here were laid out in what used to be the farm and nursery of the prison. There are over 13 gardens within with a number of flowers from various parts of the world.
While you are here, you absolutely must visit the English Garden located at the Summer House. It has over a thousand varieties of flowers. There is also the Rose Garden that blooms in the deepest shade of red during the summer. Also, it features a gorgeously crafted exterior in the form of sandstone terraces and more.
There is the Children’s Adventure Garden that, as the name suggests, is particularly great for kids. Other places to note at the Idaho Botanical Garden are the Herb Garden, Idaho Native Plant Garden and more.
Another great thing about the Idaho Botanical Garden is that it hosts various events during certain festivals of the year. Come here during Christmas or Thanksgiving and enjoy scenes of a lifetime.
Find the Idaho Botanical Garden at 2355 North Old Penitentiary Road in Boise.
Old Idaho State Penitentiary
A great day trip from Meridian is nearby Boise, home to the Old Idaho State Penitentiary and the Idaho Botanical Garden. Just twenty minutes away from Meridian, this landmark is one of the most important pieces of history in Idaho. The Idaho State Historical Society maintains the penitentiary landmark.
This is a place that will be particularly great for people who visit places for their history and architectures. The style of the Old Idaho State Penitentiary is the Romanesque Revival Style. You should keep your camera ready for the many locations in this place. Some of them are the cells, the gallows and the places used for solitary confinement.
There are a number of historic buildings at the Old Idaho State Penitentiary, thirty in total. One of the most important ones is the J. Curtis Earl Memorial Exhibit. It displays historic weaponry.
There are a lot of other exhibits here at the Old Idaho State Penitentiary exploring its history and the lives of the inmates here.
Visiting this place is one of the best things to do in Meridian. A day trip to Boise is incomplete without a visit to the Old Idaho State Penitentiary.
Find it at the 2455 Old Penitentiary Road in Boise, Idaho.
Warhawk Air Museum
No place can be called a great tourist location if there aren’t good museums about. Meridian will not disappoint you in this respect. Come to the Warhawk Air Museum. This can be a really great day trip from Meridian and might even be a great exit trip if you are flying out of Nampa Municipal Airport. You will be able to learn a lot about the past wars where aviation was one of the decisive factors. Check out exhibits on WWI, WWII and other wars like the Korean War and the Vietnam War.
There are also collections of aircrafts that used to fly once. There is the P-51C Mustang, the P-40E Kittyhawk, the F-104 Star Fighter, the Fokker DR-1 and the F846 Thunderjet.
If you have seen the 2001 movie Pearl Harbor, then you might be able to recognize the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk that has been preserved here. There is much to do and see here at the Warhawk Air Museum, and you should definitely make some time and visit it.
You will be able to find it at 201 Municipal Road at Nampa.
Linder Farms
This is one of the exclusive attractions available for you to enjoy at Meridian. You can enjoy a trip to Linder Farms in the months of September and October for some great fun for the entire family. Enjoy delicious food as well as family themed activities when you make your way to Linder Farms.
A number of attractions await you at the Linder Farms, and we are going to go over some of them under this heading. There is the petting zoo, the corn maze as well as the pumpkin patch. There are also other great things to do here such as taking a ride in the Haystack, and having fun at the Blow-up slides.
Great foods await you here with sweet and savory delights. Enjoy Caramel Apples, apple cider, corn dogs and more.
Be sure to visit Linder Farms if you find yourself in Meridian in September or October. You can find it at 7165 South Linder Road, Meridian, Idaho.
Note: Closed Permanently
Idaho State Capitol Building
Any Capitol buildings makes for a great visit when you are touring a place. The Idaho State Capitol Building can be found just about 15 minutes away from the city of Meridian. It is one of the most important landmarks in all of Idaho and certainly one of the most beautiful attractions too. Visit this place to enjoy Classic Revival made out of Sandstone, and features that have drawn inspiration from St Peter’s Basilica and St Paul’s Cathedral.
The Idaho State Capitol Building is not only a part of the history of Idaho but is also a testament to its labor. The quarry at Table Rock at the foothills of Boise Mountain supplied the stone for building this cultural landmark.
You should explore the Idaho State Capitol Building in two stages. First the interiors and then the grounds. The inside of the building features some great views, from all kinds of decorations to some carefully preserved arts and artifacts. There is a statue of George Washington on a horse along with some more preserved attractions.
Visit the grounds for some statues, particularly the ones of Lewis and Clark.
Find the Idaho State Capitol Building at 700 West Jefferson Street in Boise.
Meridian Speedway
The Meridian Speedway is a track made for high speed racing. NASCAR is the owner of this track and hosts regular races in the spring and the summer. If you are here to witness a race, or just to check out this great attraction you will not be disappointed.
The Meridian Speedway also hosts special events during special days such as the fourth of July and more. Enjoy great food as well as drink while you are here. You absolutely must check out the Meridian Speedway at least once when you are at Meridian.
The Meridian Speedway is located at 335 South Main #2971 in Meridian.
Downtown Meridian
Enjoy a fun and vibrant evening at Downtown Meridian. This place is the place to be after a long day of sightseeing in and around Meridian. This is a quaint little area in Downtown Meridian is full of bars and restaurants that serve some of the best food and drink in the city. You will be able to enjoy local as well as cuisine from all over the world here.
Downtown Meridian is located around the North Main Street. Follow this link to know more about all the stuff happening in Downtown Meridian.
The Village at Meridian
This is yet another part of the city of Meridian that you must explore. This mall, located along the Kleiner Park, is one of the best places to visit in the city. The Village at Meridian is not only a prime location for shopping and food, it is also a rather scenic and beautiful location. It has been built to resemble a small village, hence the name. Come here during the holidays to see a vibrant and delightful side of the city of Meridian.
You may find the Village at Meridian at 3597 East Monarch Sky Lane #225. Visit their official site for more information.
Epi’s A Basque Restaurant
If you are looking for a delicious and authentic Basque cuisine experience, look no further than Epi’s A Basque Restaurant in Meridian, Idaho. Epi’s is a family-owned and operated restaurant that has been serving the best of Basque food since 1999. Epi’s offers a variety of dishes, from hearty soups and salads, to mouthwatering meats and seafood, to decadent desserts. You can also enjoy a selection of wines and beers from the Basque region, as well as sangria and cider. They also have a menu for children under the age of 12.
Epi’s A Basque Restaurant is the perfect place to celebrate any occasion, or just to treat yourself to a memorable meal. It is a cozy and welcoming place where you can feel the warmth and hospitality of the Basque culture. Whether you are a regular customer or a first-time visitor, you will be treated like family at Epi’s. Don’t miss this gem of a restaurant that will make you fall in love with Basque food and culture!
Try their lamb stew, croquetas, calamari and flan. Epi’s A Basque Restaurant is located at 1115 N Main St, Meridian, ID 83642.
In Conclusion
We really hope that you enjoyed reading our article on the best things to do in Meridian Idaho. This can be a really great trip with a lots of things to do and attractions to see while you are here. Use our article to create an itinerary and begin packing your bags right away.
Tell us in the comments if you liked reading this article. We have tried to make it as informative and relevant as we can. Share it with your friends and fellow travelers. If you are someone who has visited Meridian before, we really encourage you to tell us about your trip there.
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