Prudential Idaho Realty

Nampa Area Guide

History

Welcome to the best little city in Idaho! Nampa is second only to the capital of Boise with a population of over 79,000 people and things don’t look to be slowing down. Located a mere 20 miles from Boise, Nampa has become a booming town, filled with things to do.

Nampa was a village when, in the 1880’s, the Oregon Short Line Railroad built a line from Granger, Wyoming to Huntington, Oregon and passed through Nampa. More railroads were quickly built and Nampa became an important juncture, bringing commerce to town. After just a year, the town grew to 50 homes, amenities were added and the town incorporated in 1890.

An unusual feature of Nampa to check out is the way the streets are laid out. One of the founders, Alexander Duffes, did this so travelers could just move perpendicularly to the many tracks and it has become a feature in Nampa even the residents comment on.

By the beginning of the 20th century, two companies established themselves in Nampa, utilizing local farmers and creating jobs at their processing plants. . World War II brought more prosperity and the Nampa Industrial Corporation was formed to help develop and economy that depended on many things, not just farming.

Today, Nampa has grown to rival even the capital of Idaho with a thriving economy and an excellent quality of life for its residents. For a more detailed look at Nampa, Idaho, please see this link: http://www.nampa.com/

Attractions

Snake River Stampede

Originally the Nampa Harvest Festival, the first Snake River Stampede came to Nampa in September, 1911 and featured crop and stock exhibits, prizes and sports and free amusements as well as refreshments. Two successful years later, the committee added a bucking contest in a large roped off area that’s now the Nampa Post Office. By 1923, the bucking show had become so popular it was the backbone of the Harvest Festival. The festival continued to grow and by 1937, big changes were coming when the rodeo separated from the Harvest Festival and moved its dates to July. Shortly after, they joined the Rodeo Cowboys Association, becoming a professional rodeo and renamed he Snake River Stampede. Gene Autry was the first star of Nampa’s Snake River Stampede and he filled the stand every night, and many couldn’t get it, having to stand outside in the park to listen to him sing.

Now an annual ten day event, fun is had by children of all ages. For more information about the Snake River Stampede, view the link: http://www.snakeriverstampede.com/

The Warhawk Air Museum

Established to teach and preserve America’s history during times of war, whether at home or abroad, The Warhawk Air Museum encourages an educational experience about the technology and social changes that always occur when our country must fight. For more information on the Warhawk Air Museum, please visit: http://www.warhawkairmuseum.org/

Nampa’s Farmers’ Market

Founded in 1989, The Farmer’s Market had three vendors, it was held in a parking lot across from the police department and customers were scarce that first year.

The market grew though, both in customers and vendors and in 1998, it moved to historic Downtown Nampa and put down roots in front of the Historical Museum of the train depot. Now, where were three vendors, there are between 40 and 50 per week, offering a great variety of produce, foods, crafts, plants and flowers. For more information on the Nampa’s Farmer’s Market please visit: http://www.nampafarmersmarket.com/

Nampa Recreation Center

In the early 1990’s, a problem had cropped up. The Senior Center was crowded and had accessibility problems, teenagers had no place to gather and many recreational venues were limited to the summer months, while people of all ages needed a healthy, family oriented place to exercise.

Residents wanted a large facility that could meet everyone’s requirements and city leaders wanted a place that would inspire pride and become a focal point of Nampa. Obstacles had to be overcome and one of them was size. Mercy Medical Center fixed that by donating a 13 acre site for the building.

In April, 1994, the Recreation Center opened, with features that included a six pool aquatic center, three gyms, racquetball courts, a track, weight room and climbing wall, dance and ballet rooms, art and craft rooms, a snack area and play center. Six months later, the Senior Citizen Center wing opened.

With one project, Nampa took care of two things. They provided their city with something everyone could enjoy and improved the economic development as businesses wanted to be close by. For more information on the facility, please check the website: http://www.nampaparksandrecreation.org/reccenter/index.aspx

The Berry Ranch

The Berry Ranch offers tours and pick your own as well as all kinds of berries and veggies. Greeted like family, you’ll meet Fred and the gang before checking out all the great fruits and veggies and then the fun begins. To learn more about The Berry Ranch, visit their website at:
http://www.theberryranch.com/

Parks

With over twenty five parks to choose from, no matter what you like to do, whether it’s roller blading or hiking, tennis or picnics, there’s a park in Nampa for you. It doesn’t matter what kind of park, small and cozy or 44 acres, there’s a park in Nampa with your name on it. Swimming, tennis, basketball and baseball are just a few things to do with full event schedules

The Parks and Recreation Department is offering a full schedule of things to do, so check out their website: http://www.nampaparksandrecreation.org/recdepartment/index.aspx

Newspapers

The Idaho Press-Tribune roots go all the way back to before Nampa was established, in 1883. For more on their history and all the news, please visit: http://www.idahopress.com/