Boise Whitewater Park, Boise

Smithsonian MagazineNov 14, 2025

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

adjustable wave features for surfers and kayakers

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

Boise Whitewater Park