Last updated on June 23rd, 2024
45. The word “potato” was first used in the state’s license plate back in 1928, and the state has not looked back since.
46. A mayor seemed to have a strange adoration for his small town in Idaho. He declared that Wallace, with a population of 800 people, was the Center of the Universe. A manhole cover was made to mark this declaration and the place he said was the center.
47. Idaho is home to the Niagara of the West. Yes, those who want to experience something like Niagara Falls could check out Shoshone Falls with its 212-foot drop.
48. Twin Falls was discovered by Rafters: Twin Falls city may have been founded by the irrigation wizardly godfather- I.B. Perrine when he built the Milner Dam. But the city was actually discovered in 1811 by a group of rafters led by Wilson price Hunt. After a year’s expedition from Saint Louis to Oregon, his trip with the group stopped when they hit the rapids on Snake River.
49. The Perrine Bridge, spanning the Snake River Canyon near Twin Falls, is a popular spot for BASE jumping. It is one of the few bridges in the United States where BASE jumping is allowed year-round without a permit.
50. Evil Knievel tried to jump over the Twin Falls in 1974. He failed, but those interested in seeing the failed jump can check out the Twin Falls.
51. Idaho offers free cross-country skiing in select state parks, allowing visitors to enjoy winter sports without the usual fees.
52. Sun Valley, Idaho, offers summer skiing on Bald Mountain, making it one of the few places in the world where you can ski in shorts and a t-shirt during the warmer months.
53. Post Falls-An Authentic Mill Town: named after Frederick Post, Post Falls welcomes visitors with ponderosa pine, beautiful cliffs, and forested areas. Frederick, a German immigrant created a lumber mill beside Spokane River in 1871. Post Falls is also a gateway to North Idaho. Prime golfing, lodging and dining are activities for all seasons.
54. A City with Speculations about Its Name’s Origin: the origin of the name Nampa is hypothetical. Some early residents used to call it New Jerusalem due to the presence of a big religious community. In other speculations, the name Nampa means ‘foot’ in Native Americans. Yet, historians claim the place was named after Nampus- a Shoshone chief. Local legends have it that Nampa means “Namb” (footprint) or moccasin.
55. Those interested in birds of prey will be happy to know that Idaho has an awesome wildlife preserve, which is known for its dense population of falcons, eagles, and hawks.
56. The Coeur d’Alene Resort is home to the only man-made 14th hole island. It definitely gives golfers a new experience.
57. If you’re looking for a truly Idahoan experience, be sure to check out the Trailing of the Sheep Festival. This annual event celebrates Idaho’s sheepherding heritage with a week-long festival that includes sheepdog trials, live music, and of course, plenty of Idaho potatoes. The festival culminates in a grand parade through the streets of Boise, Idaho’s capital city.
58. The Trailing of the Sheep Festival was once ranked as “One of the Top Ten Fall Festivals in the World” by msn.com.
59. One of the most celebrated winter celebrations called the Winter Carnival in McCall began in 1924. It actually started because the locals were bored.
60. This region is home to the Treefort Music Fest, which is held in Boise. It is perhaps one of the most successful modern country music festivals in America.
61. Idaho has a vibrant Basque community with strong cultural influences and traditions. Boise, in particular, has one of the largest Basque populations in the United States, celebrated every five years during the Jaialdi festival. The next one should be in 2025!
62. The town of Shelley hosts the “Idaho Annual Spud Day” every September, a cherished event celebrating Idaho’s rich potato heritage. The festival includes the exciting World Potato Picking Championship, where participants showcase their potato harvesting skills.
63. Boise, Idaho, hosts a distinctive New Year’s Eve celebration called the “Idaho Potato Drop.” This quirky tradition, initiated on December 31, 2013, involves lowering a massive, glowing potato from a crane as the clock strikes midnight.
64. Idaho is home to the “Big Idaho Potato Hotel,” a giant, 28-foot-long potato-shaped hotel room on wheels, which travels around the country.
65. Sunnyslope Caldwell, Heart of Idaho Wine Country: it is said that love is grown and crafted in Sunnyslope Wine Trail. The area produces most of the State’s vineyards and 50% of the wineries are found here. It is an ultimate destination for wine tasting, panoramic views, and dining.
66. In the Treasure Valley: the Treasure Valley in Boise offers a plethora of fun activities throughout the year. Apart from big treats like Quinn’s Pond, Camel’s Back Park, and Table Rock, there are other hidden gems for family vacations. One of the popular summer activities in Boise is floating the Boise River. There is a floatable stretch between Morrison Park and Barber Park.
67. There is a ski resort in McCall, Idaho that is home to the Brundage Bra Tree. The name is known throughout Idaho because it is where many women throw their bras as they ride a chairlift.
68. A gargantuan tree can be found at The Elk River. It is called the Idaho Champion Western Red Cedar Tree. It has an 18-feet diameter and it’s over 170 feet tall.
69. Idaho may be known for its crops or gems, but one thing that horror lovers like about the state are the ghost towns. Silver City and the Burke are some of the most known ghost towns, but there are many others.
70. Pocatello, Idaho, is home to the Museum of Clean, a fascinating institution dedicated to the history and evolution of cleaning tools and methods. Founded by Don Aslett, a renowned cleaning expert, the museum opened its doors on June 2, 2011.
71. The town of Ketchum has the historic Pioneer Saloon, where Ernest Hemingway enjoyed spending time. The barstool he used is preserved and remains unoccupied in his memory.
72. Boise State University’s football field, known as the “Smurf Turf,” is distinctive for its bright blue color. It’s been a symbol of pride and recognition for the university since 1986, enhancing its athletic identity and making it one of the most iconic fields globally.
73. Idaho State University in Pocatello boasts an intricate network of underground tunnels spanning approximately 7 miles in total length. These tunnels connect various campus buildings, providing convenient pathways to navigate the university grounds, especially during inclement weather.
74. The Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve is one of the most unique landscapes in Idaho. Spanning over 1,100 square miles, the region’s volcanic activity is dated approximately 15,000 to 2,000 years ago. The monument is home to more than 60 volcanoes, lava flows, cinder cones, and hidden underground caves, making it a must-see for any geology enthusiast.
75. Rexburg Sits on a Volcano: sitting atop a shield volcano is the city of Rexburg. Centuries ago, hot magma cascaded from the active shield volcano and caused a massive accumulation of edifice on the ground. This edifice is the present city of Rexburg.
76. This state is known for having a canyon with an interesting name. The canyon is called Hells Canyon, and is 7,900 feet deep. Keep in mind that this is deeper than the Grand Canyon. High above the canyon is Heaven’s Gate Lookout where you can gaze at the entire state of Idaho plus the Bitterroot Mountains in Montana. This is a location from where you can see Washington, as well as Oregon.
77. The Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument in Idaho is home to the Hagerman Horse, an ancient species that lived around 3.5 million years ago. These fossils provide valuable insights into the evolution of horses in North America.
78. The natural ice caves near Shoshone, Idaho, maintain a constant freezing temperature, even in summer. While the exact temperature can vary, these caves typically remain at or around the freezing point (32°F or 0°C).
79. During World War II, the U.S. government established the Minidoka War Relocation Center in Jerome County, Idaho, detaining over 13,000 Japanese Americans. Today, the site serves as the Minidoka National Historic Site, commemorating this chapter in American history.
80. In the 1860s, tensions arose between settlers and Native American tribes in the Salmon River region, leading to conflicts known as the Salmon River War. The Nez Perce and Shoshone tribes were involved in these clashes, which had a lasting impact on the region’s history.
81. The Nez Perce War of 1877, led by Chief Joseph, was a series of conflicts between the Nez Perce tribe and the U.S. government. The Nez Perce engaged in a strategic retreat, covering over 1,100 miles through Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and Oregon, in an attempt to reach Canada.
82. Farragut State Park in North Idaho was a naval training station during World War II and was once the second-largest city in Idaho.
83. The town of Atomic City was once home to a real live nuclear reactor. The city was booming when the National Reactor Testing Station was active in the 70s. It is a desolate area with around 29 people now.
. . . continue reading on the next page