Idaho – The Gem State

Idaho Flag Map

In the northwestern United States, on the border with Canada, lies the great state of Idaho. Idaho is perhaps best known for its potato farms, but the state has many interesting sights to offer. For example, there are a lot of mountains and wonderful landscapes in Idaho, and also a lot of historical places to visit.

Idaho’s largest city and capital is Boise. See cities in Idaho by population.

Facts about Idaho

  • Inhabitants: 1.6 million
  • Density: 7.4 per km²
  • Capital: Boise
  • Largest city: Boise
  • Area: 216,632 km²
  • Highest mountain: Borah Peak
  • Time Zone: UTC-8/-7 (Summer Time UTC-7/-6)

Neighboring states

  • Nevada– in the south
  • Utah– in the south
  • Wyoming– in the east
  • Montana– in the Northeast
  • Oregon– in the east
  • Washington– in the Northwest

Things to do in Idaho

Idaho has many incredibly exciting landscapes, which are great for both driving through and hiking in. But there is also big city life and shopping in the state.

Boise
Boise is both the largest city and capital of Idaho. There is a lot to see and do here, with both shopping, good food and historical sights. Boise is also known for its rich music life, and has several music festivals focused on, among other things, jazz.

Some of the most popular sights in the city are the State Capitol, Boise River and Julia Davis Park. There is also a great ski resort near the town called Bogus Basin.

The Old Idaho State Penitentiary is another very famous attraction in Boise. The building is an old prison, and was built at the end of the 19th century. Today it is a museum with many military historical facts in the exhibits.

Craters of the Moon Arguably
one of the most unique views in Idaho can be found at Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve in the southern parts of the state. The area is full of volcanoes that have not been active for many hundreds of years, and the landscape created after the many eruptions resembles the surface of the moon.

There are both craters and volcanic formations here, and it is a very unique and amazing place to visit. There are also possibilities for camping in the area. Read more at www.nps.gov.

Seven Devils Mountains
If you are looking for incomparable views and fantastic nature, a visit to the Seven Devils Mountains is clearly a must. The mountain massif is located in western Idaho, and consists of seven mountain peaks. Seven Devils is located in the Hells Canyon area, and the area is full of incredible scenery with many different types of wildlife.

There are several hiking trails in the area and also opportunities for mountain climbing. If you wish, you can also camp in the Seven Devils Mountains, and there are many nice waterfalls and rivers in the mountain area.

Rent a car in Idaho

To get the most out of your vacation in Idaho, it is recommended to rent a car. Due to the wild nature and vast landscapes, renting a car is the absolute best way to easily get between different destinations in the state. There are also several scenic routes made to provide fantastic views of the beautiful landscape.

In Idaho, there are rental car companies in all the major cities, and also at the state’s airports. A good idea is to add a GPS when the car is booked, as it facilitates driving.

Idaho Flag Map