Kathryn Albertson Park
The 41-acre park that bears the name of Kathryn Albertson was donated to the city by Joe Albertson, founder of the supermarket chain that carries his wife’s family name. The park was dedicated on October 17, 1989.
Located near the park is Bittercreek Alehouse where you can enjoy a variety of craft beers and pub fare or Chandlers Steakhouse for a more upscale meal. Explore more!
Park History
The park is named for Kathryn Albertson, who along with her husband Joe financed many charitable efforts and donated to many causes, including Boise State University. The couple is interred together at Morris Hill Cemetery in Boise.
Designed as a nature sanctuary, the park provides residents and visitors with a space for peaceful, traditional activities like picnics, barbecue outings, or contemplative walking on paved pathways. The wetlands, ponds, and wildflower meadows provide habitat for resident and migratory wildlife.
A gazebo called “The Rookery” is home to the bird of prey nests and features a red tile roof that formerly topped Albertson’s first supermarket, which opened in Boise in 1939. The broad wooden beams supporting the roof came from a hangar on the site where Boise State now stands, which was once visited by Charles Lindbergh during his cross-country airmail flight.
When first established, the 41-acre park was a wildlife haven filled with waterfowl, herons, owls and salamanders, along with rabbits, bullfrogs, and raccoons. A park refresh completed in 2021 brought in the grass, wildlife-friendly meadows, and pollinator gardens to reinforce the park’s identity as a curated naturalized park.
Park Amenities
Dedicated in 1989, Kathryn Albertson Park is a 41-acre special-use park that offers a quiet refuge within the city. It’s a place for waterfowl, migratory birds, wildlife-watching and quiet contemplation on wide-paved footpaths in a natural setting.
The park is home to various animals, including waterfowl, owls, herons, salamanders, and painted and box turtles. Raccoons, beavers, and rabbits also roam the area.
The park is one of the city’s “ribbon of jewels,” a group of parks named after Boise women. It’s also a popular bike-friendly destination, with bike corrals throughout the park and sidewalks for strolling from coffee shop to boutique. A great place to also visit is Camel’s Back Park.
Park Activities
Originally a horse pasture, this 41-acre special-use park is designed to be an attractive home for residents and migratory wildlife. Wide paved footpaths carry visitors around outdoor gazebos and scenic ponds. A walk through the park is also a stroll through Idaho history. Yellowed wooden uprights from an old power bridge pierce the ponds, and The Rookery’s rustic lean-to roof is supported by broad wood beams from the first commercial air-mail service at what became Boise State University.
A recent visitor praised the park, saying it was “Boise’s best.” Other visitors have recommended visiting in the fall when the park is ablaze with colorful foliage.
Enjoy a nice walk on the 3/4 mile loop trail at Kathryn Albertson Park. The path is rated easy, and the many different features found throughout the park educate visitors on the nature that can be seen in the park. You can also visit the park on your bike, or bring a dog on a leash.
Park Events
Throughout the park are opportunities for recreation and relaxation. Wide paved footpaths and reservable outdoor gazebos offer scenic views in a natural setting.
Among the highlights of this 41-acre special-use park named for Kathryn Albertson, wife of grocery chain founder Joe Albertson, are an array of fountains and ponds. Mature trees and native vegetation selected for wildlife compatibility, feeding, nesting, and protection are found throughout the park. Visitors can expect to see waterfowl, herons, and songbirds along with deer, raccoons, beavers, and rabbits.
While some Instagram users have complained that the park is overrun by “weeds”, Boise Parks Department officials maintain that plants that may look like weeds are actually pollinators for the park. The Rookery gazebo, which is adorned with red tile and massive rounded beams from an Idaho Power Company bridge that once crossed the Snake River near Twin Falls, offers a view of the ponds and is a favorite spot for people to gather for picnics and to watch the birds. Continue reading about Roaring Springs Water Park.
Driving directions from SIR Auto Glass to Kathryn Albertson Park
Driving directions from Kathryn Albertson Park to Roaring Springs Water Park
