Nampa, Idaho.

Nampa, Idaho

The city of Nampa is situated in the southwestern portion of the US State of Idaho. A strategic location to the state capital Boise and the western states, the chronological town in Idaho is surrounded by scenic landscapes full of culture and history, creating a fantastic work-life balance.

Geography And Climate Of Nampa

Aerial view of the Boise suburb of Nampa, Idaho
Aerial view of the Boise suburb of Nampa, Idaho. 

Nampa is the biggest city in Canyon County and is just twenty minutes from Boise Airport. The center rises above 760 meters above sea level and operates in the Snake River plains. Significant imports enter the metropolis from the harbor of Portland, Oregon, which is 665 kilometers northwest. Enclosed by mountainous areas, locals and visitors can enjoy many hot springs in the surrounding area. Southwest of Nampa, the Tri-State Monument of Idaho, Nevada, and Oregon hugs the edge of the Great Basin Desert. Nampa is truly the gateway to experiencing different types of ecosystems.

Thanks to the proximity of the Great Basin Desert, Nampa experiences arid and hot summers. The best time to visit the area is between June and August. With the Rockies in the vicinity, winters are long, cold, and wet. The wettest month of the year is December, which receives the most rainfall and snowfall in a single month. August is the driest month where rainfall will not exceed 20 millimeters. Temperatures can range from -13˚C to 38˚C; with all four seasons in attendance, it is a great place to be outdoors 365 days a year. The number of sunny days in Nampa matches the US average with 210 days each year. The risk of natural disasters is rare, with no records of tornado activity in the history of Nampa.

History Of Nampa

Nampa was formerly known as New Jerusalem, and its name changed to commemorate a Shoshone Indigenous Chief, Nampuh, meaning big foot. What was once home to the Shoshone tribe, the nomadic hunters, gatherers, and fishers lived in the snake river valley. Horses had been introduced to the area in the 1700s, making it easier for tribes to cover large distances for hunting purposes. By 1883, the Oregon Short Rail Line reached the city limits, where inhabitants installed a water tank and a sign on the rail station's building. Colonel William Dewey purchased 2,000 plots of land and constructed a beautiful hotel named the Dewey Palace. The four-story, 81-room luxury hotel was in operation until 1956. Agricultural production has been the driving force of Nampa's economy for hundreds of years. The Nampa Harvest Festival, now known as the Snake River Stampede, first began in 1911. The festival consisted of livestock and farming exhibits, gardens, best product prizes, and amusement rides. Concerts, rodeo competitions, and carnival rides are the main attractions.

Population And Economy Of Nampa

Front entrance to a Walmart superstore in Nampa on a slow winter day
Front entrance to a Walmart superstore in Nampa on a slow winter day. Editorial credit: txking / Shutterstock.com

The third-largest city in Idaho, Nampa, has a population of 108,469 residents with a growth rate of 2.91% over the past two years. The rate has consistently increased since the 1900s. Over 25,000 people have moved to Nampa since 2010. The city has an average age of 32.4 years, 31 for males and 33.7 for females. With a poverty rate of 13.7%, the average household salary is $57,099. 66.3% of people own houses, while the average cost is around $191,800. Many renters have driven the rental payment to $972 monthly. An unemployment rate of 5.1% and industries around the town employ 60.3% of the population. Canyon County produces 90% of the globe's sweet corn seed and leads to the production of alfalfa, dairy, and livestock.

Attractions In Nampa

Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge

Lake Lowell at Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge in Nampa, Idaho
Lake Lowell at Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge in Nampa, Idaho. 

The conservation area offers a sanctuary to all wildlife that come and go from the Deer Flat Wildlife Refuge. Southwest of the city limits, the Refuge protects the area surrounding Lake Lowell and the group of Snake River Islands. An excellent place to observe Canadian Geese and Mallard Ducks, it is a peaceful place for people to relax and enjoy nature.

Warhawk Air Museum

The museum originated in a hangar at Caldwell Airport from kind donations and John's collection. The owner, John Paul, had been fascinated with WWII planes ever since he caught a glimpse of two fighter jets flying over his classroom. He purchased his first WWII plane at the age of 20 and continued accumulating planes over his life. By 2000, the hangar got too full, and he moved the exhibits to Nampa. Over a dozen airplane exhibits honor veterans from significant wars since WWI.

Canyon County Historical Society's Nampa Train Depot Museum

The original train station is now over 120 years old and is a historical museum today. The museum educates the visitors on the railroad history of Nampa. Permanent exhibits consist of antique toys, past rodeos, and mustache accessories. This iconic historic site is a must-see when visiting Nampa.

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