Let’s talk about popular food, wildlife, places to see and what is Idaho known for other than potatoes! The Gem State is a beautiful place to visit, has adventures to experience and is ready for your family to visit.
Idaho, located in the western United States, is known for several distinctive features and contributions way beyond just growing taters in the ground. Yes it is known as “The Potato State.” Known for high-quality of russet potatoes but there’s much more as we’ve come to find over the last 6 years.
The state’s climate, volcanic soil, and irrigation methods create ideal conditions for growing taters, it is one of the highest producing states in the U.S. Also known for its other agricultural products, including wheat, barley, sugar beets, and hops. The state’s agricultural industry plays a vital role in the local and national economy.
Gem State
With breathtaking natural landscapes, it is home to stunning national parks, including Yellowstone and Grand Teton, as well as the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. The state offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, white-water rafting, and camping. As well as lots of things to do in Boise Idaho, Coeur d’Alene and Idaho Falls.
It’s nickname is the “Gem State” due to its rich deposits of precious and semi-precious gemstones. It is a significant producer of garnets, star garnets (Idaho’s state gem), opals, and more. The Star Garnet is unique to the state and highly prized.
Fun Facts About Idaho
If you have kiddos they can enjoy our US States Worksheets as seen above. Wildlife enthusiasts and hunters are drawn to this state for its abundant opportunities for viewing and hunting. Rivers also offer thrilling white-water rafting experiences, particularly on the Salmon River, “River of No Return.”
- Hells Canyon, along the Snake River, is the deepest river gorge in North America, surpassing even the Grand Canyon in depth. It offers stunning vistas, hiking trails, and some of the Best Campgrounds in Idaho.
- There are 4 major universities; one in Pocatello, Idaho State University is known for its healthcare and science-related programs.
- Boise State University in Boise is the largest with the only college blue turf football field in the U.S.!
- Brigham Young University Idaho, BYUI, is in Rathdrum and a smaller campus but subset of BYU in Utah.
- University of Idaho in the city of Moscow is also close to a smaller campus known as Lewis and Clark and is 20 minutes from WSU across the Washington border.
- Over the years, Idaho has seen growth in the technology and semiconductor industry. The city of Boise, in particular, has a growing tech sector with the addition of a very large Micron facility.
There is Silverwood Theme Park South of Sandpoint which is a bit smaller than Knott’s Berry Farm in Ca. but with a similar feel. My kids have visited there year after year and as teenagers still enjoy the waterpark and rides during the warmer months.
Food in Idaho Falls
This is just one of the larger cities in this gorgeous state. I would say there are only really 4-5. Boise is the largest by far (with Meridian and Eagle lumped in there together), followed by Idaho Falls, Coeur d’Alene, Rexburg and then Sandpoint is just north of 2,500 people or so. They all have hot spots to eat, best places to eat can be found here.
Popular Foods in Idaho
I included the most popular food in Idaho in the following recipes so you can try them out. Berries are found in plenty around July-August throughout the state and we’ve made many huckleberry recipes. If you find a good patch keep it a secret so you can go year after year and pick them for free yourself. Taters can be made into all the things, and red trout is plentiful.
Similar to What is California Known For there is a lot of fish out here in our lakes. Trout is the most common and known variety caught and served but others are out to be caught too.
Huckleberry Jam
Sweet Rolls
Huckleberry Cobbler
Crockpot Baked Potatoes
