Attractions and Places To See around Meridian - Top 20

Meridian offers several natural attractions. The Marjorie Perry Nature Preserve features soft-surface trails through diverse habitats like grasslands and wetlands, perfect for birdwatching and wildlife viewing. Just a short drive away, Eagle Island State Park provides opportunities for swimming, hiking, fishing, and disc golf in a scenic setting. You can also easily access the Boise River Greenbelt for walking, cycling, and other river activities.

Yes, Meridian is home to extensive trail networks. The Cherry Creek Trail is a paved, smooth path extending for nearly 40 miles, popular for walking, running, and biking. Additionally, the East/West Regional Trail is a 27-mile multi-use trail suitable for various activities, connecting to several other paths for longer adventures.

Meridian is excellent for families. You can visit Roaring Springs Waterpark for thrilling slides and a wave pool, or Wahooz Family Fun Zone for go-karts, mini-golf, and arcade games. For educational fun, the Children's Museum of Idaho offers interactive exhibits. Outdoor parks like Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park, Settlers Park, and Discovery Park provide playgrounds, splash pads, and open spaces for all ages.

To delve into Meridian's past, visit the Meridian Historical Museum, housed in a 1925 creamery building. This volunteer-run museum chronicles the city's agricultural roots and early settlers. For performing arts, the Meridian Symphony Orchestra offers captivating performances. You can also explore Downtown Meridian for quaint shops and diverse dining.

The Cherry Creek Trail is paved and smooth for its entire nearly 40-mile length, making it a great option for wheelchair users. Many sections of the Boise River Greenbelt are also paved and accessible.

Meridian offers various trails for hiking and running. The Marjorie Perry Nature Preserve has soft-surface trails for a more natural experience. For longer, paved routes, consider the Cherry Creek Trail or the East/West Regional Trail. You can find more detailed running routes and guides around Meridian, including options like the 'Running loop from Meridian' (4.8 km, easy), by visiting the Running Trails around Meridian guide.

Meridian and its surroundings provide excellent opportunities for both gravel and road cycling. The East/West Regional Trail is a multi-use trail suitable for gravel bikes. For road cycling, you can explore routes like the 'Cherry Creek Trail – Railbender Park loop from Meridian' (27.5 km, easy). More options for gravel biking are available in the Gravel biking around Meridian guide, and for road cycling, check the Road Cycling Routes around Meridian guide.

Meridian boasts several well-maintained parks. Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park offers walking trails, picnic areas, ponds, and an amphitheater. Settlers Park is a community favorite with playgrounds, a splash pad, and sports facilities. Discovery Park provides playgrounds, ziplines, and bike zones, blending natural beauty with recreational activities.

The Meridian Idaho Temple is a stunning modern landmark, particularly striking when lit up. While the interior is not open to the public, its exterior and manicured grounds are worth admiring. For natural viewpoints, the Marjorie Perry Nature Preserve offers views of the Rocky Mountains.

Visitors appreciate the diversity of experiences in Meridian, from the serene natural settings of places like the Marjorie Perry Nature Preserve, where they can observe wildlife and enjoy mountain views, to the extensive and smooth paths of the Cherry Creek Trail, which is popular for walking, running, and biking. The family-friendly entertainment options and well-maintained parks are also highly valued.

Yes, The Village at Meridian is a stylish outdoor shopping center offering high-end retail, diverse restaurants, and entertainment. It features a beautiful fountain, often hosts live music and events, and is especially festive during the holidays.

For high-speed action, the Meridian Speedway is a local race track that has been hosting exciting car races, including sprint cars and street stocks, since 1951. It's a great spot for motorsports enthusiasts.