Our Epic Northwestern Journey – Part 6 – The Historic Boise Train Depot

Scott and Traci both had to work while we were up visiting, so we took off by ourselves to tour around the Boise area. Dennis, Lee, Larry and I are all VERY seasoned and VERY experienced travelers, so no problem. We can always find entertaining things to do. We got back together later for dinner with Scott and Traci.

Our first stop was the historic Boise Train Depot. Last time I went up to visit, Traci took us there too, but we never got to tour around inside. This time, we got to see the station from both the inside as well as the beautiful garden area outside.

Built in 1925 for use as a Union Pacific railroad depot, the building was designed by New York architects and was heralded as “the most beautiful structure of its kind in the west.” In 1997, the Boise Depot shut down its operations. It was refurbished, renovated and preserved as a historic landmark. All Aboard!

Big Larry standing next to Big Mike. Big Mike, a Mikado-type steam locomotive, was built in 1920 by the American Locomotive Co. The powerful 2-8-2 Mikado was designed to include a large firebox supported by a two-wheel trailing truck located behind the rear driving wheels. The locomotive acquired the name Mikado because the first 2-8-2 engines were built for export to Japan. Nicknamed Mike by railroad men, it was a very successful type of locomotive. More than 14,000 were manufactured between 1920 and 1944. Boise’s Big Mike was used as an all-purpose freight engine along Union Pacific’s main line from North Platte, NE to Fruitland, Idaho.

Inside the bell tower there are four bells, all different sizes. They stopped ringing them because they were causing the structures of the bell tower to crack.

A view of Downtown Boise. Today, nets are up all around the bell towers to prevent birds from flying in.

The surrounding Platt Garden was created in 1927 by Union Pacific. Today, the Depot and its surrounding garden is used for all kinds of events, including weddings. There were so many beautiful flowers in the garden that made the garden even more beautiful.

These Buckeye trees are absolutely gorgeous. I was fascinated by them and had never seen them before, at least not in full bloom.

Because I LOVE history, I also love being able to step back in time to glimpse how things once were. I think, and maybe I am just romanticizing the past, life was a lot more glamorous in the previous times than it is today.

Go back in time, and be transformed to a different time. See how things were as opposed to how they are. If you are anything like me, you will be absolutely amazed. Have a great day and make everyday great. Stay safe and stay well. ‘Til next time.