Basque Block, Boise,  Idaho.

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Basque Block

Top choice in Boise


Boise is home to one of the largest Basque populations outside Spain, with up to 15,000 residing here. The original émigrés arrived in the 1910s to work as shepherds when sheep outnumbered people seven to one. Few continue that work today, but many extended families have remained, and the rich elements of their distinct culture are still very much alive – glimpses of which can be seen along Grove St between 6th St and Capitol Blvd.

Sandwiched between ethnic taverns, restaurants and bars is Basque Museum & Cultural Center, a commendable effort to unveil the intricacies of Basque culture and history, and how it was transported 6000 miles west to Idaho. Next door in the Anduiza Fronton Building there's a Basque handball court where aficionados play the traditional sport of pelota.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Boise attractions

1. Anduiza Fronton Building

0.02 MILES

Originally a boarding house from 1912, this building is home to Boise's popular indoor pala (Basque racquetball) court – check at the Basque Museum for a…

2. Basque Museum & Cultural Center

0.02 MILES

Sandwiched between the ethnic taverns, restaurants and bars is the Basque Museum & Cultural Center, a commendable effort to unveil the intricacies of…

3. Idaho State Museum

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After a multi-year renovation, which brought this museum back to life, traditional exhibits now share space with multimedia installations for a…

4. Idaho State Capitol

0.3 MILES

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5. Boise Art Museum

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6. Boise River Greenbelt

0.38 MILES

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7. World Center for Birds of Prey

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