Eagle Island State Park

Eagle Island State Park was first purchased by the State in 1929. Prior to that, it was used for agricultural purposes, primarily as grazing land for cattle and hogs. Other agricultural crops have included grain, hay and various vegetable crops. The site was operated as a penitentiary farm until 1977. In 1983, the State developed the site as a park to include a water slide, picnic areas, equestrian center, restrooms, concessions, swimming areas and trails.

Today, the 545-acre park is still predominantly rural in character. Located in the southwest corner of Idaho, it is bordered on the north and south by the Boise River with agricultural land to the east and west. Urban and suburban uses have also developed around the park in recent years with a golf course to the east and residential neighborhoods north and south across the two channels of the Boise River. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game operates a fish hatchery to the west of Eagle Island State Park.

The park is heavily used in the summers by visitors swimming in the lake and using the water slide, picnicking, playing disc golf, walking on the many trails, and engaging in other types of passive, informal recreation. There are also a number of scheduled events at the park, drawing large numbers of visitors to the site. Many groups use the east shelter for weddings, receptions, birthdays and other family events. The rest of the year, the park is currently used for fishing, hiking, and horseback riding.

History Timeline

1929 – State Board of Prisons purchases Eagle Island property for use as a prison honor farm.

1930 – Eagle Island Prison Farm begins operations with 40 trustees.  Dairy barns and milking parlor built.  Original bunkhouse and dining hall/kitchen is completed.

1949- Dormitory built by prison labor.

1965 – Idaho State Legislature enacted enabling legislation creating the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR).  Slaughter house is built at Eagle Island Prison Farm.

1977 – Idaho Department of Corrections discontinues operation of Eagle Island Honor Farm and turns over the property to the Idaho Department of Lands.  Idaho Department of Lands Board votes to set aside Eagle Island property for development as a State Park.

1980 – IDPR Board approves Eagle Island State Park General Development Plan and hires first manager.

June 25, 1983 – Eagle Island State Park is dedicated.  Approximately 26 acres developed with waterslide, picnic areas, restrooms, concession building and swimming area.

The farm made all the food for the Old Idaho State Penitentiary. It closed it's doors after an inmate working the farm killed a prison guard and hung his body on the meat hooks in the slaughter house for processing. The old fram house, inmate living quarters, slaughter house, and wardens house all still stand. This park is extremely hunted and visitors to this park have calmed to have seen ghost's and experienced paranormal activity. This is one of Idaho's most hunted places and is a major hot spot for Investigatos in the paranormal.