There’s No Attraction In The World Quite Like This One In Idaho

In a world full of cheesy tourist attractions and giant balls of twine, Idaho is blessedly free of tacky clutter. However, when it comes to "must-see" destinations that make it on national travel lists, there are still certain spots in our big-little state that always make it to the top...but have you ever actually visited all of them?

This "hidden gem" in Idaho is actually right in plain sight for just about anyone who lives in our state's capital city, and it's literally the only one of its kind in the world. Odds are, you don't know just how incredible it is yet!

On a hilltop just outside Boise, the World Center for Birds of Prey introduces visitors to some of the planet’s wildest raptors.

Established in 1984 by the Peregrine Fund, the center not only contains a wealth of information about hawks, owls, falcons and more, but also breeds them in captivity.

The Velma Morrison Interpretive Center is the Peregrine Fund's one-of-a-kind indoor/outdoor education center where you'll meet eagles, owls, vultures, hawks, and falcons from around the world. If a species is in decline somewhere, humble Idaho is where conservationists and animal-lovers everywhere can come to partner with an organization designed to keep birds of prey species flourishing.

The first thing you’ll see when pulling up to the center is Condor Cliffs, home to a few magnificent California Condors.

The largest birds in North America, Condors were almost driven to extinction a while back: down to just 22 in 1987. Fortunately, they’ve made a resurgence thanks to the work of organizations the this. Today, there are over 200 in the wild, many of them bred here in Boise. And the number is growing!

But before you tune out because you're not a fan of little birds, big birds, carnivorous birds, or anything with feathers, here's where it gets interesting:

Unlike a zoo, the Birds of Prey center is specifically meant for raising these magnificent creatures to go back to the wild.

There are a few notable exceptions, of course; the birds that are too tame or injured to survive in the wild are kept here as "avian ambassadors."

That means daily flight demonstrations...

Learning (and witnessing) the ancient and noble art of falconry...

All of those knightly and kingly tales of medieval yore? You'll see this art in action.

Hands-on and educational exhibits....

With a little bit of dress-up thrown in, if you're feeling the feathered look.

And the opportunity to see these majestic birds grow from infancy to maturity, ready to make new homes in the wild.

Recent successes include the repopulation of Condors in California, Aplomado Falcons in Utah, and more. Once these species achieve self-sustaining populations, they, like the Peregrine Falcon, will be removed from the U.S. Endangered Species List.

You'll also find beautiful grounds and sunny courtyards with several benches and natural landscaping. perfect for bird-watching.

Depending on the day, live raptor presentations are held here as well.

You'll also find a short walking trail to see raptors in their natural, un-humanized habitat.

The path itself is beautiful, to say the least!

Ready to visit?

You can find the World Center for Birds of Prey just outside Boise at 5668 W. Flying Hawk Lane. Check out their Facebook page to stay up to date on unique activities!

If you're like me and can't get enough of Idaho's wildlife in their natural habitat, check out this gorgeous wildlife canyon.