Are you curious about the state of Idaho?
Take a look at these fun facts about Idaho!
Did you know that Idaho is called the Gem State?
If you’re wondering why it is the Gem State, it’s because there have been over 240 different types of minerals and gems found in the great state!
And, in fact, more than 72 kinds of gems are mined in the Gem State on a regular basis.
It’s even said that the largest diamond in America was discovered in Idaho!
Cool, right?
Idaho became the 43rd state in 1890.
Today, just under 2 million people live in the Gem State.
This amazing state is known for its protected wilderness areas, its plethora of precious minerals, and of course, its potatoes!
There is so much more to learn about Idaho!
Let’s check out some incredible Idaho facts!
Interesting Idaho Facts
Idaho Grows A Lot of Potatoes
Although potatoes aren’t native to Idaho, the state has become known for its delicious spuds.
About 1/3 of all the potatoes grown in the United States come from Idaho.
That’s roughly 27 billion potatoes every year!
Idaho loves its spuds so much that the state has a Potato Museum with the world’s largest potato chip and the world’s largest Styrofoam potato.
Wow!
Pioneer Trails are Visible in Idaho
Paving the way to the western US, pioneers took to their wagons and set out for freedom and opportunity.
Five pioneer trails from back in the day crossed Idaho, including the Oregon Trail and the California Trail.
If you look closely at the terrain through Southern Idaho, wagon ruts from the pioneers are still visible.
How cool is that?
Idaho has the Deepest River Gorge
Deeper than the Grand Canyon is Hells Canyon in Idaho.
It is a whopping 7,900 feet deep!
Craters of the Moon National Monument is in Idaho
A park like no other is the Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve in Idaho.
This extraordinary place has miles of rugged lava flows and sagebrush.
About 15,000 years ago, the park began being formed by small volcanic eruptions in the earth’s crust.
Now, the dormant volcanoes allow visitors to explore caverns and trails throughout the park made by flowing lava.
Neat!
Idaho is Home to a Beagle Shaped Inn
The Dog Bark Park Inn is a very unique bed and breakfast located in Cottonwood, Idaho.
Featuring a building shaped like a giant beagle, this unusual hotel is one of the world’s most fun and exciting places to stay.
Not only is this incredible beagle building a special place to lodge, but it is also an art gallery for chainsaw carvings of dogs!
Idaho Fun Facts for Kids (and Adults!)
The Gem State is pretty incredible.
With its beautiful minerals just waiting to be mined, its unusual landscape to be discovered, and its unique love for all things potatoes, these Idaho facts are just a few of the interesting things about this great state!
What did you think about the state of Idaho?
Did you learn some new and interesting facts?