Introduction to Nampa, Idaho
Nampa, Idaho, in Canyon county, is 331 miles SE of Portland, Oregon. Nampa is situated in the Treasure Valley in the southwest portion of Idaho and is the second largest city in the state. It's located in a high desert landscape, bordered on the north by the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains and bordered on the south by the Owyhee Mountains. The city is approximately 20 miles away from Boise and is included in the Boise metropolitan area. It features mild winters with sparse snowfall and warm summers. Amalgamated Sugar, MPC Computers, J.R. Simplot and the healthcare industry are some of the major employers in the county. Agriculture is an important factor for the economy.
Nampa History
Nampa was established in the early 1880's as a railroad town. In 1890 irrigation water was transported to Nampa by the Phyllis Canal. With the addition of the Ridenbuagh canal a vast amount of thriving agricultural land was created. Nampa experienced a damaging fire in 1909 which destroyed several blocks in the downtown area. In 1942 the prominent Amalgamated Sugar factory was established and was a significant factor for the economy.
Nampa Attractions
- Snake River Dayz occurs during the summer and features the famous Snake River Stampede, the Griddles & Fiddles Festival, Stampede Through Town Family Fun Run/Walk and the Summer Sounds Concert
- Deer Flat National Game Refuge
- The Sunny Slope area features a beautiful orchard landscape
- St. Chapelle Winery offers Jazz concerts during the summer
- Nampa Civic Center
- Treasure Valley Market Place is a well known shopping location
- The Idaho Center Complex features well known musicians
- The Brandt Center is a popular performance auditorium
- The nearby Silver City is a picturesque mining town and includes over 70 historic structures
- Nearby Bruneau features one of the highest sand dunes located in North America
- The downtown historic district
- Farmers Market
- Canyon County Historical Museum
- The museum located at the Nampa Municipal Airport features several World War II fighter planes
- Hispanic Cultural Center
- The Berry Ranch
- The Karcher Mall is popular for shopping
- Givens Hot Springs
Nampa Activities
The nearby mountains offer plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities. Fishing for bass and trout is popular. Golf is enjoyed almost year-round. Locations for mountain biking and water skiing are available. Nampa features twenty city parks and numerous walking trails. Lake Howell is popular for fishing and water skiing. The town's recreation center includes climbing walls, an indoor running track, five swimming pools and other facilities.
Residents and visitors can enjoy rafting down the Snake River. The Wilson Ponds Fish Hatchery provides fishing and bird watching opportunities. The scenic Oregon Trail Centennial Greenway is situated along the Boise River. Boondocks Amusement Park is a popular location.
Nampa Higher Education
Nampa is home to Northwest Nazarene University and the Canyon County Campus of Boise State.