State Abbreviation: ID

Capital: Boise

Name Origin: When officials first suggested Idaho’s name, some people thought it came from a Native American word meaning “gem of the mountains.” But it turns out the word “Idaho” was actually made up!

Nickname: Gem State

Statehood: July 3, 1890 (43rd State)

State Motto: Esto perpetua (It is forever)

In 1805-1806, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark embarked on an exploration of the region, uncovering the vast expanse that would later become Idaho. At that time, Idaho was part of the Oregon country, jointly held by the United States and Great Britain. However, boundary disputes were resolved with the signing of the Oregon Treaty in 1846. The first permanent U.S. settlement in Idaho was established by the Mormons at Franklin in 1860, following the discovery of gold at Orofino Creek.

The gold rush of 1860 attracted a surge of prospectors to the territory, resulting in a frenzy of activity and the emergence of several ghost towns once the gold deposits dwindled.

In the 1870s, conflicts between white settlers and Native American tribes, including the Nez Percé, Bannock, and Sheepeater, erupted as Native lands were encroached upon by increasing white occupation. This led to a series of battles between U.S. forces and the tribes.

Mining and lumbering have long been vital industries in Idaho. The state ranks highly in the production of silver, antimony, lead, cobalt, garnet, phosphate rock, vanadium, zinc, and mercury.

Agriculture also plays a significant role in Idaho's economy. The state contributes about a quarter of the nation's potato crop, and it cultivates wheat, apples, corn, barley, sugar beets, and hops.

In the 1990s, Idaho experienced substantial growth in the high-tech sector, primarily concentrated around the metropolitan area of Boise.

With the rise of winter sports, tourism has become a leading revenue generator in Idaho. The state's abundant streams and lakes offer opportunities for fishing, camping, and boating. Idaho's vast elk herds attract hunters from around the globe, while the renowned Sun Valley resort entices visitors with its swimming, golfing, and skiing facilities.

Notable points of interest in Idaho include the Craters of the Moon National Monument, the Nez Percé National Historic Park (which encompasses many sites visited by Lewis and Clark), and the State Historical Museum in Boise. Other attractions include the Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area south of Boise, Hells Canyon on the Idaho-Oregon border, and the Sawtooth National Recreation Area in south-central Idaho.

• At the Idaho Potato Museum in Blackfoot, visitors can get a tuber-themed tour about one of the state’s best known crops. The museum is easy to spot—there’s a giant baked potato statue in front of it!
  
• Idaho’s famous potatoes have inspired some weird treats. Made with vanilla ice cream that’s coated in cocoa and topped with whipped cream, “ice cream potatoes” look like baked potatoes with sour cream. And one candy company makes a treat called the “Idaho Spud.” It’s a marshmallow covered in chocolate and coconut!
  
• Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve in central Idaho feels like a lunar walk, but it’s actually a massive, dried lava flow that formed over thousands of years. The eight eruptions that created the lava field took place about every 2,000 years … and it’s about time for another one since this volcano is dormant, not dead.
  
• Sacagawea, the Native American guide for explorers Lewis and Clark, was born in what is now Idaho.
  
• Bitterroot National Forest straddles Idaho and Montana.
  
• The old mining town of Silver City looks almost exactly the way it did more than a hundred years ago. Today it’s a tourist stop, but in the 1860s its mines produced at least $60 million worth of precious metals. Visitors can stay in the same hotel where old-time miners slept.

1. Explore the Natural Wonders of Yellowstone National Park: Idaho shares a small portion of Yellowstone National Park, home to breathtaking landscapes, geothermal features, and diverse wildlife. Take a scenic drive, hike along the trails, observe geysers and hot springs, and keep an eye out for bears, wolves, and elk.
2. Enjoy Outdoor Adventures in Sun Valley: Visit the resort town of Sun Valley, known for its world-class skiing, hiking, and biking trails. In winter, hit the slopes for skiing or snowboarding, and in summer, explore the picturesque mountains, go fishing in the nearby rivers, or embark on a thrilling whitewater rafting trip.
3. Discover the Beauty of Shoshone Falls: Often referred to as the "Niagara of the West," Shoshone Falls is a stunning natural wonder located near Twin Falls. Marvel at the cascading waters that plunge down a 212-foot drop, and enjoy picnicking, hiking, and wildlife viewing in the surrounding park.
4. Visit Craters of the Moon National Monument: Immerse yourself in a unique lunar-like landscape at Craters of the Moon National Monument. Explore lava flows, cinder cones, and caves created by ancient volcanic activity. Take a guided tour, hike the trails, and learn about the geology and history of the area.
5. Experience Boise's Cultural Scene: Explore the vibrant capital city of Boise, known for its cultural attractions and lively downtown. Visit the Boise Art Museum, catch a performance at the Egyptian Theatre, and stroll along the Boise River Greenbelt. Enjoy the city's diverse dining scene, browse local shops, and attend one of the many festivals and events held throughout the year.