Interesting Facts About Idaho

Idaho is known as the Gem State because nearly every known type of gemstone has been found there.

Idaho is home to the deepest river gorge in North America, Hells Canyon, which is deeper than the Grand Canyon.

With over 3,100 miles of rivers, Idaho has more whitewater than any other state in the lower 48.

The state fruit of Idaho is the huckleberry, a small wild berry similar to a blueberry.

Idaho is famous for its potato production, producing about a third of all potatoes grown in the United States.

The Idaho Potato Museum in Blackfoot showcases the world’s largest potato chip, measuring 25 inches long and 14 inches wide.

Idaho’s state capital, Boise, is one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States.

Shoshone Falls, also known as the Niagara of the West, is higher than Niagara Falls.

Idaho has the largest population of Basques outside of Europe.

The world’s largest elk herd, with over 100,000 animals, can be found in Idaho.

Idaho is home to the Sun Valley Resort, one of the most popular ski destinations in the United States.

The famous author Ernest Hemingway lived in Idaho and is buried in Ketchum.

Idaho has 7 national parks, including Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, which resembles a lunar landscape.

The state insect of Idaho is the monarch butterfly.

Idaho is the only state in the country with a seal designed by a woman.

Interesting Facts About Idaho part 2

The Idaho State University campus in Pocatello is the largest provider of higher education in the state.

The original penny-farthing bicycle, also known as a high wheeler, was invented in Idaho.

The Idaho State Capitol building is the only one in the United States heated by hot springs.

Idaho has the largest wild chinook salmon population in the lower 48 states.

The state dance of Idaho is the square dance.

Moscow, Idaho, is home to the University of Idaho, which was the state’s first university.

The state bird of Idaho is the mountain bluebird.

Idaho has the deepest gorge in the United States, the Snake River Canyon, which stretches for 500 miles.

The Soda Springs in Idaho are home to the largest man-made geyser in the world.

The Idaho State Museum in Boise showcases the cultural and natural history of the state.

The world’s first nuclear power plant to generate electricity for a power grid was built in Idaho.

Idaho has over 250 golf courses, offering scenic views of mountains, lakes, and forests.

The state fish of Idaho is the cutthroat trout.

Famous actress Lana Turner was born in Wallace, Idaho.

The University of Idaho Vandals football team plays in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision.

Idaho has over 3,000 farms, covering more than 11 million acres of land.

The state reptile of Idaho is the gopher snake.

Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve in Idaho is a volcanic wonderland with over 25 ancient lava flows.

Idaho’s state motto is Esto perpetua, meaning Let it be perpetual.

The Boise Greenbelt is a 25-mile-long paved pathway that follows the Boise River and offers scenic views.

Idaho has the largest contiguous wilderness area in the lower 48 states, the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness.

The state flower of Idaho is the syringa, or mock orange.

The Idaho State Penitentiary in Boise is now a museum that offers insight into the state’s criminal justice history.

The state gem of Idaho is the star garnet, which can only be found in Idaho and India.

Idaho is home to the International Selkirk Loop, one of the most scenic drives in North America.

The state mammal of Idaho is the appaloosa horse.

The Idaho Shakespeare Festival in Boise is one of the largest outdoor theater events in the country.

The state tree of Idaho is the western white pine.

The Idaho State Historical Society operates multiple museums and historic sites across the state.

Idaho is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, offering activities such as fishing, hiking, skiing, rafting, and hunting.