Seniors Visit Nampa

I knew that Boise, Meridian, Idaho Falls, Pocatello, Coeur D’Alene and Twin Falls were in Idaho, but I had never heard of Nampa. So senior friends, let’s go exploring and check out Nampa.

In the south west corner of Idaho, Nampa is 20 miles west of Boise along Interstate 84, and six miles west of Meridian. Boise, the state capital, has over 200,000 inhabitants and Nampa follows with 80,000+. The name Nampa may have come from a Shoshoni Indian word Namb meaning either moccasin or footprint.

For three years, the America’s Promise Alliance has named Nampa one of its “100 Best Communities for Young People” and that says a lot about the city. Surrounded on three sides by mountains, Nampa is literally in the heart of an area called “Treasure Valley.”

Nampa is primarily an agricultural community, however, its convenient proximity to the state’s capital, Boise, a scenic 10- to 20-minute drive away, allows Nampa Idaho all the benefits of being a much larger city.

Home to the famous Snake River Stampede, Professional Cowboys make the stampede an annual stop on the pro circuit.  The rodeo is held each year July 15-19th. It is loads of fun for grownups and children and an event senior visitors won’t want to miss.

Another “must” is the Idaho Center that includes a huge 10,500 seat amphitheater. The Warhawk Air Museum, another major draw in town, has an emphasis on WWII.

 Seniors Enjoy Wildlife Refuge And Wine Trail

The nearby Snake River, a major river in the Northwest, is located 15 minutes south of Nampa and makes for some great sightseeing, fishing and jet boating. Lake Lowell, also close-by, offers water skiing and fishing for crappie and bass.

Family picnic areas surround the lake in an area known as the Deerflat Wildlife Refuge. The refuge is a haven for hundreds of wildlife species. The watery oasis at Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge provides an important breeding area for birds and other wildlife. For you birders, the refuge is a significant resting and wintering area for birds migrating all along the Pacific Flyway. The area also offers golfing, biking and hiking.

Wouldn’t you know it, there is a wine trail nearby. I did not know that Idaho had vineyards. The Sunnyslope Wine Trail nestled along the Snake River, in a picturesque setting, is only a short drive from Nampa and features some of the Northwest’s finest wineries and wines.

Historic downtown Nampa is in the heart of the city where you can savor Idaho wines, some great Idaho food, view an historic Train Depot, a Farmers Market, and perhaps, if your timing is right, the Downtown Nampa Criterium race held each year in June.

Whatever you traveler interests or needs, Nampa is out to fill each and every one.   jeb