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Boise State Bucket List | Fall Activities!

As changing leaves transform campus with their vibrant hues and Broncos start bundling up with warm drinks in-hand, it’s hard not to get excited for some of our favorite fall festivities in Boise. Even with sweater weather settling in, there’s no shortage of outdoor recreation, sightseeing, and entertainment to enjoy in the Treasure Valley and beyond.

That’s why we’re back with our list of free and cheap things you can’t miss during this season.
Ready for our top picks for Fall Activities? Check ‘em out in the bucket list!

Play Boise State Bucket List

In this video, Thomas and Gator take you through the Boise State Bucket List. Closed captions and a video transcript are available.

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Play Boise State Bucket List | Fall Activities!

✔ Sightseeing

Spirit of Boise Balloon ClassicSpirit of Boise hot air balloons fly over campus

Cost: FREE
Directions to Anne Morrison Park

At the start of each school year, you can witness the breathtaking sight of colorful hot air balloons soaring above campus and the city skyline. The Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic brings together locals and tourists alike for a five-day festival held at Ann Morrison Park– just minutes away from campus! As a tradition, students from the Honors College help prepare balloons for take off and numerous clubs and organizations make it a point to attend the Night Glow Spectacular.

Fun fact! This year the College of Engineering coordinated an incredible drone display among the glowing balloons at this event.

Learn more about the Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic!

Boise Train Depot

Cost: FREE
Directions to Boise Train Depot

The historic Boise Train Depot overlooks downtown Boise on a natural hill dubbed “the Bench” by locals, and is just a 5-minute walk from campus. In addition to being one of Boise’s most iconic landmarks with its beautiful Spanish-style architecture, it’s also one of our favorite viewpoints to see the foothills, changing fall colors of the trees, and the breathtaking city skyline! Be sure to bring your camera, as this is a top spot for local photographers.

✔ Outdoor Rec

Local Family FarmsStudents pose with a display of pumpkins

Cost: Prices vary. See details in description!

Is there any better way to get in the spirit of the fall season than by visiting a pumpkin patch or apple-picking orchard? A popular spot is the Lowe Family Farmstead. Located in Kuna, just a short drive from campus, many Broncos enjoy the tradition of picking pumpkins, going for a hayride, and getting lost in Idaho’s Original Corn Maze.

Camping & Outdoor Day Trips

Cost: $40+

Whether you’ve got the itch to go camping or fancy a little day trip, fall is the perfect time to get outdoors! From Hot Springs and Bruneau Sand Dunes, to the City of Rocks and Box Canyon, there are incredible destinations to visit with the Boise State Outdoor Program. Trips are designed for all skill levels and backgrounds and Boise State students can partake at an affordable price. In addition to getting to explore the great Idaho Outdoors, all Outdoor Program trips also include a Service Project so that we can take part in protecting the wild places we all love.
Learn more about the Boise State Rec!

✔ Entertainment

Boise State Football GamesNight game on the Blue Turf at Albertsons Stadium

Cost: FREE (as a full-time student)
Directions to Albertsons Stadium

In a city like Boise, Bronco Football Game Days are one of a kind! The party starts with the parking lot tailgate, where community members and student groups come together before heading to the Blue to cheer on our Broncos! Incredible traditions, community festivities, and school spirit make each home game one to remember.

Check out upcoming home games!

Live Performances & Concerts

Cost: Prices vary. See details in description!

From the major commercial concerts hosted at the ExtraMile Arena with past headliners like Katy Perry and Elton John, to local theaters – like our own Morrison Center where you can see touring broadway shows like Cats and Hamilton, to this year’s inaugural Flipside Fest in Garden City – there are plenty of ways to enjoy an incredible time with friends, regardless of the weather.

Halloween-Themed Experiences

Cost: Prices vary. See details in description!

Finally, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention all the fun ways to get into the Halloween spirit at this time of year. Boise loves to get spooked with strolls along famously festive streets in the North End like Harrison Boulevard and other Halloween-themed experiences like local escape rooms, special ghost tours of the Old Idaho Penitentiary, and seasonal attractions like The Haunted World.

So much more!

Bronco student life is filled with all kinds of adventure. If you’re beginning your journey to become an #OfficialBronco and want to learn more about Student Life at Boise State, explore our website, visit us on campus, and contact us!

Explore Student Life
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Follow #BoiseStateBucketList and stay tuned on @BoiseStateAdmissions and @BoiseStateStudentLife on social media for seasonal episodes to come. PLUS! Share your #BoiseStateBucketList activities with us for the chance to be featured in future episodes!!

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