Meridian preserves its unique identity as a place that treasures its past, appreciates the present, and looks to the future with a spirit of harmony and prosperity. Meridian is located in southwest Idaho, approximately 10 miles west of the State Capitol in Boise. The city enjoys many advantages due to its central valley location.
Meridian was once fertile farming country for grains, vegetables, and fruits. Dairy products were produced locally for many years, starting with the first Meridian Creamery in 1897. During the past 20 years, farms have yielded to residences for the expanding population.
The valley has seen explosive growth because of the influx of people who work in government, finance, business, professional, and technical fields. The City of Meridian is home to the corporate headquarters of United Heritage, Western Electronics, and Arnold Machinery. Other regional, national and international companies are headquartered in Boise include Washington Group International, Boise Cascade, Micron Technology and Hewlett-Packard?s printer division.
Public schools in the Meridian School District and Cole Valley Christian a private school provide excellent educational opportunities. In addition, University of Phoenix and neighboring Boise State University, Northwest Nazarene College, and Albertson College of Idaho offer a wide range of courses and advanced degrees. There are also vocational and technical schools that offer numerous educational possibilities.
Meridian is a family oriented community with many youth oriented activities including Boys and Girls Club, PAL Soccer, Meridian Youth Baseball and Optimist Football.
Recreational opportunities abound. In addition to golfing, hiking, fishing, and hunting, many enjoy kayaking or river rafting on the swift streams in the area. Thanks to the difference in elevation between the valley floor (about 2,600 feet above sea level) and the mountains (over 7,000 feet), there is excellent skiing within 1 hour of the city, even when the weather in the is too warm for snow in the valley. Bogus Basin is a popular destination for day trips. The new Tamarack Resort at Donnelly, Brundage at McCall and Sun Valley are less than 3 hour drive.
Meridian Highlights
Meridian is home to the Meridian Speedway, with stock car racing from April through September. For family fun, visit Roaring Springs Water Park and Boondocks Fun Center. The Idaho Peace Officers Memorial is located on the grounds of the Idaho State Law Enforcement Headquarters. For history buffs, visit the Pine Street School, a restored one-room schoolhouse museum; winner of the Governor's Award for Historic Preservation. The Meridian Historical Society also supplies us with copies of their Walking Tour of Oldtown Meridian.
The Chamber Visitor Center is located in our office in Storey Park at the corner of E. First St. and Franklin Rd., just one mile north off the Meridian Exit (#44) of I-84.
Fun Days to Visit Meridian:
The Chamber sponsors a Chili Cook-off the third Saturday of January. Sample chili recipes prepared by area businesses, organizations and individuals; and vote for your favorite.
Meridian Dairy Days celebrates our community's past when it was the dairy center of Idaho. The third week of June each year, events include a dairy cattle show, parade, carnival, and an arts & crafts festival.
The Scarecrow Festival, a Meridian original, is celebrated the first of October each year, with scarecrow displays set up around town. Other events include an arts & crafts festival, a hay maze, and other harvest-oriented events.
