Skowhegan River Park, Boise

Smithsonian MagazineNov 14, 2025

Boise's wave park is attracting outdoor adventurers—and the innovative public works project is inspiring other cities

will feature three wave-generating features

12 things in this story

Boise Whitewater ParkSightadjustable wave features for surfers and kayakers
Payette RiverTrailClass V rapids less than an hour from Boise
Tulsa Wave ParkSightopened in the summer of 2024
Boise River GreenbeltTrailincludes two separate adjustable-wave features
Eisbach CanalTrailsite of the first city surfing in Munich
SkowheganPlaceFounded in 2005 by a group of citizens, Main Street Skowhegan is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on the ongoing…
Garden CityNeighborhoodbenefited from the whitewater park's evolution
Skowhegan River ParkSightwill feature three wave-generating features
Kennebec RiverTrailconnected by a riverfront promenade
St. AnthonyNeighborhoodplans to turn a local watering hole into a destination
YellowstoneSightIt was established by the 42nd U.S.
Grand TetonSight

Skowhegan River Park