66 Interesting Facts about Idaho

Idaho is a state located in the northwestern region of the United States. It is the 14th largest state in the country with an area of 83,569 square miles and has a population of over 1.7 million people making it the 39th most populous state in the United States. The capital and largest city of Idaho is Boise which has a population of over 200,000 people. Idaho is known for its rugged terrain, including vast mountain ranges, rivers, and lakes, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

The economy of Idaho is largely based on agriculture, mining, and tourism. The state is a major producer of potatoes, wheat, and sugar beets, and also has a growing wine industry. Idaho is rich in natural resources, including gold, silver, and other minerals. The state is also home to several national parks, including Yellowstone and Grand Teton, which attract millions of visitors each year

Idaho has a diverse culture, with a significant Native American population, as well as a large Hispanic community. The state is also home to several universities and colleges, including Boise State University, the University of Idaho, and Idaho State University. Idaho has a strong tradition of outdoor recreation, with opportunities for hiking, fishing, skiing, and rafting. Despite its relatively small population, Idaho has a significant impact on national politics. The state is known for its conservative leanings, and its two senators are both Republicans. Idaho also has four congressional districts, which are currently represented by three Republicans and one Democrat.

Perrine Bridge in Twin Falls, Idaho

What about Idaho interesting facts? Let’s take a look at 60 interesting facts about Idaho.

1. Idaho was admitted as the 43rd state of the United States on July 3, 1890.
2. Idaho is nicknamed the “Gem State” due to its abundance of natural resources, including gems and minerals.
3. The state is bordered by Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Utah, Montana, Wyoming, and Canada.
4. Idaho’s official state bird is the mountain bluebird, and its state flower is the syringa.
5. Idaho is home to several national forests, including the Clearwater, Payette, and Boise National Forests.
6. The state is known for its vast wilderness areas, including the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness, which is the largest wilderness area in the lower 48 states.
7. Idaho is one of the states that has the highest average elevation in the United States.
8. The state is home to several famous ski resorts, including Sun Valley and Bogus Basin.
9. Idaho has a significant Basque population, with the largest concentration of Basques outside of Spain.
10. The state is also home to several Native American tribes, including the Shoshone-Bannock and Nez Perce tribes.
11. Idaho is the only state in the United States where star garnets can be found.
12. The Snake River, which flows through Idaho, is one of the longest rivers in the United States, stretching over 1,000 miles.
13. Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, located in Idaho, is a unique geological area with a volcanic landscape.
14. Idaho has a continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters.
15. The state is known for its agriculture, including potatoes, wheat, and sugar beets.
16. Idaho is the largest producer of potatoes in the United States.
17. The state is also known for its dairy industry, producing cheese, milk, and yogurt.
18. The Idaho State Capitol building in Boise is the only state capitol building in the United States heated by geothermal power.
19. The Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course, located in Idaho, features the world’s only floating green.
20. Hells Canyon, located on the border of Idaho and Oregon, is the deepest river gorge in North America.
21. The state’s highest peak is Borah Peak, which stands at 12,662 feet tall.
22. The state’s lowest point is Lewiston, located at 710 feet above sea level.
23. Idaho’s official state song is “Here We Have Idaho.”
24. The Snake River Plain, located in Idaho, is a volcanic plateau that covers over 25,000 square miles.
25. The state is home to several hot springs, including Lava Hot Springs and Burgdorf Hot Springs.
26. The Snake River Canyon, located in southern Idaho, is a popular spot for base jumping and other extreme sports.
27. The Idaho National Laboratory, located in southeastern Idaho, is one of the country’s leading nuclear research facilities.
28. The state is home to several ghost towns, including Silver City and Bayhorse.
29. The Sawtooth Mountains, located in central Idaho, are a popular destination for hiking, camping, and skiing.
30. The state is home to several museums, including the Idaho State Museum, which showcases the state’s history and culture.
31. Idaho is home to the world’s largest potato chip, which was made by the Pringle’s company in 1991 and weighed over 5 pounds.
32. The state is also home to the largest captive geyser in the world, which can be found at Soda Springs.
33. The first atomic-powered city in the world, called “Atomic City,” was built in Idaho in the 1950s.
34. Idaho is home to the largest elk population in the United States.
35. The state has over 200 hot springs, making it a popular destination for hot springs enthusiasts.
36. Idaho has a rich mining history, with gold, silver, and other minerals being found in the state.
37. The state is home to several notable colleges and universities, including Boise State University, the University of Idaho, and Idaho State University.
38. The Idaho State Fair, held annually in Boise, is one of the largest state fairs in the country.
39. Idaho’s state tree is the western white pine, and its state animal is the Appaloosa horse.
40. The state is known for its high-quality trout fishing, with several rivers and streams offering excellent fishing opportunities.
41. Idaho is home to several famous authors, including Ernest Hemingway, who lived in Ketchum.
42. The state is also known for its wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, and mountain lions.
43. The first ski resort in the United States, Sun Valley, was built in Idaho in the 1930s.
44. Idaho is one of the few states that still has a law allowing citizens to ride on the open range.
45. The state is home to several unique geological features, including the Craters of the Moon and the City of Rocks.
46. Idaho’s state fish is the cutthroat trout, and its state insect is the monarch butterfly.
47. The state has a rich history of Native American culture, with several tribes still residing in the state today.
48. The Perrine Bridge in Twin Falls, Idaho is one of the world’s largest steel arch bridge,
49. The state is home to several ghost towns, including Silver City and Bayhorse.
50. The Idaho Botanical Garden, located in Boise, features several themed gardens, including a meditation garden and a children’s garden.
51. Idaho is one of the few states that still uses the death penalty.
52. The state is home to several notable musicians, including Josh Ritter and Built to Spill.
53. Idaho has several natural hot springs that are open to the public, including Gold Fork Hot Springs and Kirkham Hot Springs.
54. The state is known for its abundance of outdoor recreational activities, including skiing, hiking, fishing, and camping.
55. The state has several historic sites, including the Old Idaho State Penitentiary and the Idaho State Capitol Building.
56. Idaho’s state reptile is the gopher snake, and its state fruit is the huckleberry.
57. The state is home to several unique rock formations, including the Balanced Rock and the Devil’s Henchmen.
58. Idaho has a significant Hispanic population, with over 12% of the state’s population identifying as Hispanic or Latino.
59. The state is home to several notable artists, including James Castle and Karen Bubb.
60. Idaho’s state vegetable is the potato, and its state fossil is the Hagerman horse.
61. The state has several famous hot springs resorts, including the Springs in Idaho City and the Jug Mountain Ranch.
62. Idaho is home to several notable landmarks, including the Idaho Falls LDS Temple and the Shoshone Falls.
63. The state is home to several notable inventions, including the television (which was invented by Philo Farnsworth in Rigby), and the ski lift (which was invented by James Curran at Sun Valley).
64. The Snake River, which flows through Idaho, is one of the largest tributaries of the Columbia River.
65. The state’s nickname is the “Gem State” because of its abundance of precious gems and minerals, including star garnets, topaz, and opals.
66. The state is home to several notable national parks and monuments, including Yellowstone National Park, Craters of the Moon National Monument, and Hells Canyon National Recreation Area.

Idaho is a state that is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. With its stunning mountain ranges, abundant outdoor recreational opportunities, and diverse wildlife, Idaho offers something for everyone. From the world-renowned national parks and monuments to the unique geological formations and hot springs, Idaho is truly a gem of a state. Its rich mining history, famous inventors and authors, and vibrant Native American culture add to the state’s unique character. Idahoans are proud of their state, and with good reason – there is truly no place quite like it.