Boise Depot

08/16/2026

The City of Boise recently partnered with engineering students from Boise State University to complete a hands-on vibration study at the historic Boise Depot. Students gained real-world experience exploring monitoring system design, developing prototypes, working at a historic site, and supporting vibration data collection—all while contributing to an active public project. A professional engineering firm specializing in vibration will now analyze the collected data to help the city better understand how vibrations from the Depot’s bells, passing trains, and other activity may affect the historic structure. Partnerships like this create meaningful learning opportunities for students while helping the city gather valuable information to support the thoughtful preservation and long-term stewardship of one of Boise’s most iconic landmarks.

The Boise Depot is closed until August 2027 for a series of restoration projects. Learn more about this work online: https://www.cityofboise.org/departments/parks-and-recreation/facilities/boise-depot/

08/09/2026

🚧Boise Depot Closure Reminder🚧
The Boise Depot is temporarily closed to the public until August of 2027 for a series of restoration projects. This work includes stucco repair on the outside of the building and Bell Tower, as well as ADA and security improvements to the facility. During this closure, public open houses and tours will not be offered. Please stay out of closed areas for everyone's safety. Thank you for your patience and understanding while these improvements are made.

08/02/2026

Starting today, August 2, 2026, the Boise Depot is temporarily closed to the public until August 14, 2027 for a series of restoration projects. The scope of the work includes the installation of scaffolding so stucco repair on the outside of the building and tower can occur. The fire line on the east side of the building will be replaced, along with replacement of the building’s roof with careful maintenance of the clay tiles. Additional ADA and security infrastructure upgrades are also planned inside the building during the temporary closure, along with cleaning and repair of Depot windows and entry doors.

Historic artifacts and displays inside the Depot will be carefully moved, stored and preserved during construction. All planned restoration work is being done with historic preservation standards in mind to honor the legacy of this Boise landmark. Thank you for your understanding as improvements are made with thoughtful planning and care!

07/31/2026

REMINDER: There are no open house hours scheduled this Sunday, August 2 or Monday, August 3 as we prepare to close the Boise Depot for upcoming restoration work. Thank you for your support of this historic building, owned and operated by the City of Boise's Parks and Recreation Department. It has been our pleasure to host you for guided tours and events in recent months! To learn more about the projects and careful updates planned over the course of the next year, please visit the city's website: https://www.cityofboise.org/departments/parks-and-recreation/facilities/boise-depot/

We look forward to seeing you again in August 2027!

07/19/2026

Come see us today, Sunday, July 19 for open house hours from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Guided tours will be offered at noon and 1:30 p.m.

The Boise Depot is open this Sunday, July 19 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 🚂 Come explore the historic building and grounds. Plus, you can take a free guided tour at noon or 1:30 p.m. All ages are welcome and no tickets are required!

As a reminder, the Depot will close for renovations on Sunday, August 2 and remain closed to the public until August 2027. A variety of areas will be carefully restored and repaired. Visit the City of Boise's website to learn more: https://www.cityofboise.org/departments/parks-and-recreation/facilities/boise-depot/

07/15/2026

The second phase of restoration work at the historic Boise Depot is scheduled to start in August. The Great Hall and bell tower are anticipated to be closed from August 2, 2026, until August 14, 2027.

The scope of the work includes the installation of scaffolding so stucco repair on the outside of the building and tower can occur. The fire line on the east side of the building will be replaced, along with replacement of the building’s roof with careful maintenance of the clay tiles. Additional ADA and security infrastructure upgrades are also planned inside the building during the temporary closure, along with cleaning and repair of Depot windows and entry doors.

Historic artifacts and displays inside the Depot will be carefully moved, stored and preserved during construction. All planned restoration work is being done with historic preservation standards in mind to honor the legacy of this Boise landmark.

Thank you for your understanding as improvements are made with thoughtful planning and care.

04/12/2026

Spring is in full bloom at the Boise Depot 🌸 Come explore from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. during open house hours, and be sure to plan some time to stroll through the Platt Gardens during your visit. We also offer free guided tours at noon and 1:30 p.m. that are open to all ages. No tickets required!

03/15/2026

Start your Spring Break off right with a trip to the historic Boise Depot! The building is open today, Sunday, March 15 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Learn about the history of rail in Boise and take a free guided tour at noon or 1:30 p.m. No tickets are required. The bell tower will also be open throughout the day. See you at the Depot!

03/01/2026

Free tours are back today (Sunday, March 1) at the Boise Depot! All ages are welcome to join a guided tour at noon or 1:30 p.m. Learn about the Depot's storied past, explore the Great Hall, take a trip up into the bell tower and more. Tours last about an hour and our guides are happy to answer your questions. Just wanting to look around? The Depot is open today and tomorrow, Monday, March 2, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. See you at the Depot!

02/21/2026

Heads up! While open house hours will be held as usual this Sunday, February 22 at the Boise Depot, there will be no guided tours. We appreciate your understanding! Visitor are still welcome to stop by between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. to check out the Great Hall, ride the elevator up into the bell tower and more. See you at the Depot!

Photo: Spring buds bloom at the Boise Depot (April 2025)