Top 15 Most Interesting Facts About Idaho

1. State Motto: "Esto Perpetua" (Let it be perpetual).
2. State Bird: Mountain Bluebird.
3. State Flower: Syringa.
4. Idaho is known as the "Gem State" because it produces 72 types of precious and semi-precious stones.
5. Shoshone Falls, located in Twin Falls, is higher than Niagara Falls at 212 feet tall.
6. Idaho grows one-third of the nation’s potatoes.
7. Hell’s Canyon, along the Snake River, is the deepest river gorge in North America.
8. The Sawtooth Mountains offer some of the most scenic wilderness areas in the U.S.
9. Sun Valley was America’s first destination ski resort, opening in 1936.
10. Craters of the Moon National Monument preserves a volcanic landscape formed over 15,000 years ago.
11. Idaho's official state dance is the square dance.
12. Over 60% of Idaho’s land is public land, ideal for outdoor recreation.
13. Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho’s largest lake, is deeper than the Empire State Building is tall.
14. The state is home to the Nez Perce Tribe, who have lived in the region for thousands of years.
15. Idaho has more miles of whitewater river than any other U.S. state.

Geography of Idaho

Idaho’s landscape varies from rugged mountains to fertile plains. Key features include:

• Highest Point: Borah Peak (12,668 feet).
• Lowest Point: Snake River at Lewiston (710 feet).
• Major Rivers: Snake River, Salmon River, and Clearwater River.

A Brief History of Idaho

Idaho’s history is rich with Native American heritage, mining, and agriculture:

• Originally inhabited by tribes like the Nez Perce and Shoshone.
• Explored by Lewis and Clark in 1805.
• Became the 43rd state of the U.S. on July 3, 1890.

Top 10 Things to Do in Idaho

1. Hike in the Sawtooth Mountains.
2. Visit Shoshone Falls.
3. Explore Craters of the Moon National Monument.
4. Relax in the hot springs of Lava Hot Springs.
5. Enjoy skiing or hiking in Sun Valley.
6. Take a scenic drive through the Salmon River Canyon.
7. Discover the beauty of Coeur d'Alene Lake.
8. Fish or kayak in the Snake River.
9. Visit the Basque Museum in Boise.
10. Experience the Hell’s Canyon Scenic Byway.

Top 10 Destinations in Idaho

1. Boise
2. Sun Valley
3. Coeur d'Alene
4. Shoshone Falls
5. Craters of the Moon National Monument

Plan Your Visit

For more information about Idaho, visit the state’s official tourism site: Visit Idaho