Introducing Idaho

Visit Idaho

Many people don’t know much about Idaho except "famous potatoes." But, since you Visit Idaho, you would probably like to know more.

Adjacent to Washington and Oregon in the Pacific Northwest, Idaho is a big state. It’s been said if you flatten all the mountains in Idaho, the state would be the size of Texas. Idaho covers two time zones, runs from Canada to Nevada, and encompasses the western side of the continental divide of the Rocky Mountains. Rivers, mountains and farmland dominate the state’s landscape. The panhandle has emerald green hillsides, timbered mountains and pristine lakes. Central Idaho is covered with jagged peaks. The Snake River Plain, with its wide open vistas, irrigated farm lands and vibrant cities forms the character of Southern Idaho.

The mountain state of Idaho (a name that probably comes from an Indian word meaning "mountain precious stone") lies in the northwestern United States. The northern two-thirds of the state, the most mountainous part, are on the western slope of the northern Rockies, whose highest peaks here rise above 10,000 ft and offer excellent conditions for winter sports. Central Idaho, which includes the plateau of the Clearwater Mountains and Salmon River Mountains, merges in the south and southwest into the arid, steppe-like Snake River plain, along the edge of which flows the Snake River, in a valley which at some points is deeply indented.

The climate is dry in summer. More than 40per cent of Idaho, particularly in the north and center, is covered with coniferous forests. History In 1805 Meriwether Lewis and William Clark traveled through the territory that is now Idaho and opened it up to white settlement. Originally part of the neutral territory of Oregon, it passed in 1846 into the possession of the United States. Large numbers of settlers heading for the northwest coast passed through the area, in which regular settlement began only in 1860. An independent territory from 1863, it was the scene in 1877 and 1879 of fierce fighting between whites and Indians, culminating in the flight of the Nez Perce Indians led by Chief Joseph. On July 3rd 1890 Idaho joined the Union as the 43rd state.

The main element in the economy of Idaho is agriculture. In the mountainous parts of the state sheep and cattle are reared and on the irrigated Snake River Plains fodder plants, grain, vegetables, fruit and potatoes - Idaho is the largest potato producer in the United States, a fact proudly proclaimed on every numberplate ("Land of Famous Potatoes"). Agriculture and the huge areas of forest provide the raw materials for the foodstuffs and woodworking industries. The mining district of Coeur d'Alene in northern Idaho has the United States' richest reserves of silver, zinc and lead ores. Tourism also makes a major contribution to Idaho's economy, thanks to its beautiful forests and lakes and the winter sports centers of which Sun Valley and Schweitzer are the largest.

The little town of Blackfoot in the south east, one of the main centers in the potato-growing area, hosts the World Potato Exhibition.

In the center of the state's capital Boise, originally a French foundation, is the State Capitol. Other features of interest are the Ann Morrison Memorial Park, the romantic Platt Gardens and above all the Julia Davis Park, in which are the Zoo, the State Historical Museum and the Boise Art Museum. Of particular interest is the Basque Museum and Cultural Center - Boise has the largest Basque community in the United States. Outside the town to the south is the World Center for Birds of Prey.

Boise City is a city located in the Northwestern United States in the state of Idaho. Boise is the capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of Idaho as well as the county seat of Ada County. Located on the Boise River, this is the principal city of the Boise City-Nampa metropolitan area and the largest city between Salt Lake City, Utah and Portland, Oregon. As of the 2008 Census Bureau estimates, Boise s city population was 205,314  and Boise metropolitan area is estimated to have 599,753  inhabitants, by far the most populous metropolitan area in Idaho. It is also the 100th largest US city by population.

 Our Vision: To Make Boise the Most Livable City in the Country.

David H. Bieter, Mayor Welcome to the City of Trees. Whether you re a resident, a business owner, a visitor or thinking of making Boise your home, we are here to provide you with outstanding municipal services - a vital part of any great community s quality of life.

Boise possesses an independence and creative spirit not found in many other places. With our stunning scenery, abundant natural resources and year-round outdoor activities, it s no surprise Boise consistently lands on national "best places" lists for families, businesses and recreation year after year.

We place the highest priority on integrity in government, economic development and delivering services at the neighborhood level. It s all part of our vision of making Boise the most livable city in the country. Please let us know how we re doing.

David H. Bieter
Mayor

where to go

Idaho is famous for its inspiring mountain settings and commanding rivers. Bounded on all sides by land, it shares its western borders with Washington and Oregon and its northern tip with the lush, fertile farmlands of eastern British Columbia. Montana and Wyoming define its eastern mountainous border, while Nevada and Utah make up the southern edges of the state.

With more than 60 percent of the state covered by forest and hundreds of miles of lakes and rivers to its name, Idaho is a recreational paradise. More than eight national forests blanket the state. Some 30 state parks are sprinkled throughout, offering the visitor a wide range of activities and attractions. Hiking, mountain biking, fishing, snowmobiling, skiing and snowboarding are among the most popular activities here, as well as scenic touring and wildlife viewing. Destinations such as Hells Canyon and Craters of the Moon National Monument attract thousands of visitors every year.

Idaho’s major cities include Boise in the southwest, Idaho Falls in the southeast and Coeur d’Alene, Idaho’s largest northern city. All are reachable by interstate highway. As is true in most of the Northwest, summer and early fall are the best times to experience Idaho’s sunny weather and many seasonal festivals.

 Get PDF Catalog about Idaho

Idaho electronic travel guide

Visit the only authentic 1880 s underground gold mine museum in the Northwest! This mine was worked from 1879 to 1881 and was only rediscovered in 1991. A guided underground tour explains how miners drilled, traced veins and tested for gold. Underground mine tours, museum and gift shop are open all year with seasonal gold panning. This is a AAA-approved attraction with an RV Park on site. Tour buses are welcome.
Season: All Year
Hours: Oct.- Apr., 10am-4pm; May-Sept., 9am-6pm (Winter: October 1 - March 15, Open on Saturday & Sunday only.)

Fees: $12/Adults, $11/Seniors, $8.50/Children under 17, Family Rates, Children under 4 Free

In the heart of Southeastern Idaho

In the heart of Southeastern Idaho, on the banks of the Snake River and the shores of the American Falls Reservoir, the City of American Falls and its 4100 inhabitants enjoy the rich heritage and history of westward expansion of the United States. Originally settled as a supply stop along the Oregon Trail, American Falls is now a commercial center with access to the Union Pacific railroad and Interstate 86. The city is located just 23 miles west of Pocatello, a growing city of 50,000 featuring Idaho State University, major retail centers and a growing high tech sector. The economy is dominated by agriculture, particularly the growing of sugar beets and famous Idaho potatoes. In addition. a variety of light manufacturing facilities are located throughout Power County.

      Outdoor recreational activities abound. The Snake River and the Reservoir offer many opportunities for boating and fishing. The Willow Bay Marina complex offers camping, boat launch facilities and a cafe. Massacre Rocks State Park, just 10 miles west on I-86, provides camping, river access, hiking and fishing. Bird watchers find the area to be a prime site for the year-round observing of a variety of birds at all times of the year, particularly during the Spring migration. The city operates a challenging 9 hole golf course.

In the heart of Southeastern Idaho

 Until 1925, the city was located adjacent to a series of cascading falls. In 1927, the new American Falls Dam was completed by the Bureau of Reclamation, creating the largest of what would be six major water storage facilities along the Snake River. The city had to be moved up the hill to escape the rising waters of the new reservoir. Late in the summer, following significant water withdrawal for irrigation, the foundations of the "old town" are clearly visible.

      The American Falls School District Idaho consists of two elementary schools, a middle school, and a fabulous high school complex built in 2002. The high school features a state-of-the-art auditorium which is used throughout the year for a variety of musical and theatrical events in Idaho.

      American Falls Idaho is home to Power County s offices and courthouse, County EMS, Harms Memorial Hospital, Power County Nursing Home and the Public library. The Power County Press is published each Wednesday.

      Residents of the city enjoy the mild high-desert climate, with warm summer days and cool nights. Annual rainfall averages about 9 inches. For winter sports enthusiasts, excellent skiing and snowmobiling is found in nearby towns of Rockland Idaho and Arbon, with Jackson Hole, Sun Valley Idaho, Pebble Creek and visit Pomerelle within a 3 hour drive. In addition, Visit Yellowstone National Park Idaho, Visit Teton National Park Idaho and Visit Craters of the Moon National Monument Idaho are also just a few short hours away.