It is the unique goal of many travel adventurers to visit all 50 states in America. To boost this objective, each week, we shall explore one state. Alphabetically, the 12th state to visit is none other than Idaho, abbreviated ID. Regardless of the order in which you visit them, Idaho, the Gem State, lives up to its name.
Visit state # 12- IDAHO
| State Motto | Esto Perpetua (May she endure forever) |
| State Flower | The Syringa |
| State Bird | The Mountain Bluebird |
| State Gemstone | The Star Garnet |
| State Capital | Boise |
| Famous Foods | Finger steak, Morel Mushrooms, Key Lime Pie, The Idahoan, Huckleberry Ice Cream, Trout, Croquetas, Ice cream potato, Bison Burger, Butter Cake, Idaho spuds |
Idaho is a landlocked mountainous state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. Its neighbor to the east and northeast is Montana, and it also borders Wyoming to the east. Nevada and Utah are to the south, and Washington and Oregon are to the west. To the north, the state shares a small border with British Columbia, a province of Canada. Idaho is the 14th largest of the 50 U.S. States, and its capital and largest city is Boise. Idaho was admitted to the Union on July 3, 1890, becoming the 43rd state.
The state of Idaho is best known for its rich heritage, American West culture, and for its unparalleled natural beauty. The peaks and foothills make it a wonderful place for outdoor adventurers and viewing wildlife. There are abundant hiking trails for folks who seek time in nature. Birders will enjoy exploring the region to spot Idaho’s state bird, the Mountain Bluebird, which enjoys flying high in the mountains or low in the valleys. The mountains of Idaho also feature large mammals, including grizzly bears, bighorn sheep, wildcats, and caribou. The Sawtooth National Recreation Area is in central Idaho and includes a massive 756,000 acres of stunning mountain scenery. Area amenities include an interpretive site, boat ramp, tent and trailer camping, picnic, day-use areas, and more. The Sawtooth NRA features over 700-miles of trails, forty peaks rising over 10,000 feet, and 300-plus high-elevation alpine lakes for boating, canoeing, fishing, swimming, and more. A section of the famed Yellowstone National Park is also in Idaho. There is an abundance of beautiful land, which offers excellent opportunities to commune with nature.
Idaho’s cities are also spectacular. Boise boasts a plethora of fun things to do, including visiting the city’s greenbelt park, which stretches twenty-five miles along the banks of the Boise River. The Boise River Greenbelt features a tree-lined path that passes through the heart of the city. Not only are there walking and jogging trails, but the park also offers biking and birding opportunities for all to enjoy. Scavenger hunts are a popular activity where players work together as teams or compete against one another. Other visitable sites in the city include the World Center for Birds of Prey, Old Idaho Penitentiary, Freak Alley Gallery, Idaho State Capitol Building, Camel’s Back Park, Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area, Idaho Botanical Garden, Boise Train Depot, Julia Davis Park, and the Boise Art Museum. And this is only a partial list of the remarkable things to do there. The city also features amazing restaurants, 5-star and family-friendly accommodations, romantic getaways, and more. Whether you go for a winter ski vacation when the weather is cold and snowy or choose to visit from mid-June to mid-September during the “hot” season, there is always something fun to do in this tourist-friendly state.
Next up: Illinois