Here Are 20 Fun Facts About Idaho That Only Locals Know

Get ready to peel back the layers of Idaho with 20 fun facts that go way beyond its famous potatoes! From hidden ghost towns to the world’s only blue football turf, Idaho is packed with surprises that are sure to intrigue and delight. So, buckle up and let’s explore the quirky and captivating wonders of the Gem State!

Potato Capital

Idaho is famous for its potatoes, producing nearly one-third of the nation’s supply.

Shoshone Falls

Known as the “Niagara of the West,” Shoshone Falls is actually higher than Niagara Falls at 212 feet.

Largest Rocky Mountain Wilderness

The Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness is the largest contiguous wilderness area in the lower 48 states.

Hell’s Canyon

Hell’s Canyon, located along the border with Oregon, is the deepest river gorge in North America, deeper than the Grand Canyon.

Blue Turf

Boise State University’s football field, known as “The Blue,” is the only blue artificial turf in the world.

First Ski Chairlift

The world’s first ski chairlift was installed in Sun Valley, Idaho, in 1936.

City of Trees

Boise, the capital of Idaho, is nicknamed the “City of Trees” for its abundant tree-lined streets.

Lake Pend Oreille

This northern Idaho lake is one of the largest and deepest in the U.S., with depths exceeding 1,150 feet.

Ghost Towns

Idaho has numerous ghost towns, remnants of its gold rush history, with Silver City being one of the best-preserved.

Idaho’s Star Garnet

The star garnet, found primarily in Idaho and India, is the state’s official gemstone.

Largest Basaltic Lava Field

Craters of the Moon National Monument contains one of the most extensive basaltic lava fields in the continental United States.

Appaloosa Horses

The Appaloosa horse breed was developed by the Nez Perce tribe in the region that is now Idaho.

Idaho National Laboratory

The Idaho National Laboratory is where the world’s first usable amount of electricity from nuclear power was generated in 1951.

Name Origin

The name “Idaho” was originally a made-up word, suggested to sound like a Native American term, before becoming the state’s official name.

Mountain Home Air Force Base

This base in southwestern Idaho is home to the 366th Fighter Wing, also known as the “Gunfighters.”

Famous Film Site

The iconic baseball film “Field of Dreams” features Idaho-grown sod for its famous baseball diamond.

Home of Sacagawea

Sacagawea, the Shoshone woman who guided Lewis and Clark, was born in what is now Idaho.

Wildlife Diversity

Idaho is home to diverse wildlife, including one of the largest populations of nesting bald eagles in the continental U.S.

Univ. of Idaho

The University of Idaho in Moscow, founded in 1889, is the state’s oldest public university.

Sun Valley Resort

Sun Valley is America’s first destination ski resort and continues to be a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts.