Kuna, Idaho: Attractions
Celebration Park
Celebration Park is Idaho's first archeological park. Ancient peoples along with recent Native and Euro-Americans created petroglyphs that date between 100 and 10,000 years old. The park's trails weave among large boulders deposited by the Bonneville flood, the second largest flood in geologic history. The historic Guffey Railroad Bridge, built in 1897, has been revamped into a walking bridge providing access to the south side of the Snake River. The park has a visitor center, campground, and boat launch.
Swan Falls Dam
Swan Falls Dam was built in 1901 to supply electricity to nearby mining towns. The dam is the oldest hydroelectric project on the Snake River. Swan Falls is one of the first hydroelectric plants to generate three phase power, the same electricity standard used today. During the mid 1990's a new power plant was built. The old plant was decommissioned, and now serves as a museum. Idaho Power maintains the museum at the dam. The great park is for day-only recreation activities. However, camping is permitted downstream from Swan Falls Dam. Fishermen catch and release the mighty White Sturgeon. Channel Cat, Trout, and Small Mouth Bass are plentiful.
Snake River Canyon Overlook
The Snake River begins its thousand mile journey to the Columbia River in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. Volcanic activity dating back about 17 million years ago created the canyon. About 15,000 years ago a natural dam on Lake Bonneville, a glacial lake larger in size than today's Lake Michigan, failed releasing a torrent of water that reshaped the entire canyon. The Canyon River Trail, a 12-mile hiking trail between Swan Falls Dam and Celebration Park follows the Snake River.
Dedication Point Overlook
Dedication Point Overlook provides an outstanding view of the Snake River Canyon. Spring is an ideal time to spot birds of prey in flight. A quarter mile trail leads to the canyon rim. Interpretative panels provide information about the unique plant life, geology, and habitat of the Snake River Canyon. At this spot, you can enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the area and valley. The vista from the canyon rim is breathtaking and well worth the quarter mile trek from the parking lot. Binoculars are a good idea.
Falcon Valley Golf Course
This golf course features twenty seven holes of championship golf and a nine hole executive course. They have Idaho's premier practice facility and three different courses to test your skills and expand your game. Enjoy the stunning views and inspiring landscapes. Well worth the short drive, this massive 36 hole golf complex is sure to make it to the top of your list.
Kuna Caves
Did you know that there used to be volcanic action around this area, long ago? It's true, and Kuna Caves are still here to prove it. Some say that in the past, this cave, along with other caves along a lava tube, used to run underground from a little South of Kuna Cave Road, all the way to the Snake River. Some even believe that old nomadic Indian tribes may have used these lava tubes to get to the Snake River underground, but no one has been able to verify this claim. Though no longer available to public access, the Kuna Caves are still a large part of Kuna's heritage.
Kuna Performing Arts Center
The Performing Arts Center is an 823 capacity, fully-equipped facility located on the Kuna High School campus. It provides an outstanding venue for the production and performance of a wide variety of events. We invite you to attend one of the many concerts, theatre productions, and lectures that are held throughout the year. Serving the Kuna School District, the Performing Arts Center is dedicated to the promotion of the performing arts for both students and our community.
The Silver Trail
When silver was discovered in the Owyhee Mountains during 1863, a stage and freight wagon trail was constructed linking Idaho City and Silver City with the newly established town of Boise. The Silver Trail crossed Kuna’s Indian Creek at the south end of Orchard Street. Fifteen-mile Station located near Indian Creek was built to provide travelers with fresh horses and a meal. Over time, the trail came to be known as the Silver Trail.
The City of Kuna is working on a project that extends the greenbelt along the Silver Trail to the Fifteen Mile Station. With the assistance of Kuna’s 5th graders, native plants that the travelers of long ago encountered and kiosks full of history will be strategically placed along the route.
Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area
The Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area (NCA) was established by Congress in 1993 to protect a unique desert environment that supports North America’s highest density of nesting raptors.
More than 700 pairs of raptors nest each spring along 81 miles of the Snake River Canyon, including 150-200 pairs of Prairie Falcons (highest breeding density in the world). Year-round species include Great Blue Heron, Black-crowned Night-Heron, Chukar, California Quail, Northern Bobwhite, Common Nighthawk, gulls, and terns.
Over 20 species of raptors can be seen, including nesting Golden Eagle on Guffey Butte. In March watch for eagle flight displays; in May for chick feeding; and the first week of June for fledging of the young. The birds of prey migrate in and are most active from March to late June.
Pioneer Cemetery (Found Along Silver Trail)
Early during Kuna's history, a diphtheria epidemic swept through the community. Pioneer Cemetery has approximately 12 graves. The cemetery is located near the original route of the Silver Trail along Stage Coach Road. Pioneer Cemetery honors the early pioneers who settled the region.