Eagle Island State Park (Idaho) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Eagle Island State Park |
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IUCN Category V (Protected Landscape/Seascape)
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 Eagle Island State Park
Location in Idaho
Eagle Island State Park
Location in the United States
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| Location | Eagle, Idaho, United States |
| Area | 545 acres (221 ha) |
| Elevation | 2,524 ft (769 m) |
| Designation | Idaho state park |
| Established | 1983 |
| Administrator | Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation |
| Website | Eagle Island State Park |
Eagle Island State Park is a cool outdoor place located near the city of Eagle, in Idaho. It is a large state park that covers about 545 acres. The park is special because the Boise River flows along its northern and southern edges. It offers many fun things to do, like swimming, having picnics, and riding horses. There is even a big water slide!
Park History
The land where Eagle Island State Park now stands was bought by the state in 1929. For many years, it was used as a farm where prisoners worked. This was known as a "penitentiary farm." In 1977, the land was given to the Idaho Department of Lands.
People in the local area were asked what they thought should happen to the land. After hearing their ideas, the Land Board decided to make it a state park. Eagle Island State Park officially opened to the public in 1983.
In 2006, Idaho's Governor, Dirk Kempthorne, spoke about the park. He imagined it could become a famous park, similar to Central Park in New York City. Later, in 2010, there was some discussion about how the parks department should be managed.
Fun Things to Do
Eagle Island State Park has many exciting activities for everyone to enjoy. You can explore over 5 miles of trails, perfect for horseback riding. People also enjoy non-motorized boating, which means using boats without engines.
Other popular activities include playing horseshoes and having picnics. You can go swimming, or have a blast on the water slide. The park also has volleyball courts and a place for fishing. There is an 18-hole disc golf course, and even a zip line for an adventurous ride. A special area called the Sportsman's Access offers great spots for fishing along the river.
