On a hot summer day, there really is nothing better than cooling off in a swimming hole. While there are countless natural lakes and swimming pools all over the Gem State, one of our favorites is a man-made swimming hole near Nampa called Lake Lowell. Swim, boat, splash – you name it. Time at this body of water will make you feel like a kid on summer vacation.
Originally called Deer Flat Reservoir, Lake Lowell is a 14.5-mile reservoir near Nampa. This body of water was the first storage reservoir completed for the Boise Project and is actually located in Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge, one of the oldest wildlife refuges in the country.Lake Lowell is the perfect place to spend a day. The first thing you’ll notice is the beauty surrounding you. This area is a natural escape with wetlands, grasslands, forests, and so much more.
Because this reservoir is located in a wildlife refuge, you can easily spot all types of birds. In fact, Lake Lowell is one destination with more than 200 recorded avian species.
While you can always just sit back and admire the wildlife, on those hot summer days, you’ll want to hop into this man-made swimming hole in Idaho and cool off. Jump off the dock and swim or bring a tube and float in the water.
If you have a boat, kayak, canoe, or paddle board, you can spend the day on top of the water — but you may be tempted to jump right on in.
Because this reservoir is located in a wildlife refuge, motorized and non-motorized boating are only allowed between April 15 and September 30 each year.
You can even bring a fishing pole and spend an evening fishing. Here, you can catch all types of fish including rainbow trout, bass, crappie, yellow perch, and catfish.
Lake Lowell Park is located on the east side of Lake Lowell and is the ideal place to spend the day, especially if you don’t want to spend all of your time in the water. This 20-acre park features picnic tables and grills, perfect for a picnic.
You can challenge friends and family to a game of disc golf and enjoy a little friendly competition.
And if you bring your entire family along, check out the Story Trail, which is a short nature trail that takes you around the park. It features reading platforms with a different storybook…
