Idaho has Boise as its capital and is also known as Potato State. All the more so because a large part of the potato harvest in the United States comes from Idaho. The Idaho Territory was inhabited by several Native American tribes in the early years. Now it is a favorite holiday destination among nature lovers and people who want to be enchanted by the varied landscapes. Because, Idaho has that like no other. You can visit attractions such as Shoshone Falls Park. These falls are even higher than those of Niagara Falls. Imagine yourself on a lunar landscape in Craters of the Moon Park while you go to Bruneau Dunes to surf on real sand dunes. In addition, you can follow various beautiful routes in Idaho that take you along the most beautiful places in the area. All in all, a visit to Idaho is more than worth it if you are a lover of untouched nature, a fascinating history and beautiful landscapes. Check necessaryhome for a list of U.S. cities starting with M.
Top 10 Things to Do in Idaho
Craters of the Moon National Park
At Craters of the Moon National Park in Idaho, you can experience what life is like on the moon. The landscape is characterized by many caves, craters and lava flows which were caused by an eruption. NASA has even provided proper training for its astronauts here for a long time. If you follow Loop Road, you will pass a number of special places and sights. You can visit the visitor center, the landscapes around Devils Orchard and North Crater Flow and Inferno Cone which consists of a gigantic black mountain. Smaller volcanoes can be found at Spatter Cones. Of course you can also choose to take a nice walk in this landscape.
Shoshone Falls Park
The Shoshone Falls can be found just outside the town of Twin Falls. The falls flow into the Snake River and are also known as the Niagara Falls of the West. Here you have the opportunity to do various water sports such as canoeing, but you can also take a refreshing dip here. The falls have a height of 65 meters. This is best viewed from the vantage point that you reach when you follow the Centennial Trail. A nice side effect is that close to this place Evel Knievel tried to make the jump over the Canyon. Also recommended is the nearby Dierkes Lake Park. This is a piece of demarcated lake where you can swim.
Hells Canyon
During a visit to Hells Canyon you immediately know what the deepest canyon in America looks like. The gorge is no less than 16 kilometers wide and almost 2500 meters deep. The area is characterized by rugged rocks and various rapids. The area is best explored by using the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway. If you want to enjoy a nice view, you can do this at Hells Canyon Overlook. you can not only see the Hells Canyon itself, but also the Seven Devils Mountains that belong to Idaho can be viewed here at an altitude of more than 1600 meters. You can also indulge yourself in the Canyon for sporting purposes. At Wallowa Lake you can enjoy horseback riding, hiking and water sports such as rowing or water skiing.
Bruneau Dunes
The Bruneau Dunes are among the tallest sand dunes in America and are located in Bruneau Dunes State Park near Twin Falls and Boise. The highest sand dune here is over 140 meters high. You can enjoy the beautiful view that the dunes give, but you can also choose to climb the Bruneau Dunes. You can also take beautiful walks via the landscaped paths. The Bruneau Dunes are also a favorite place for sandsurfing enthusiasts. Near the Bruneau Dunes you will also find a lake. Here you can make use of a picnic or throw out a fishing rod. There is also activity at the Bruneau Dunes at night.
Old Idaho Penitentiary
The Old Idaho Penitentiary is over 150 years old and used to serve as a prison for dangerous criminals. More than 13,000 prisoners have been sentenced and served their time here. The prison has served for over 100 years but is now a museum. The entire site includes several historic buildings that you can visit. In addition, there are regular exhibitions where you can learn more about the history of the Old Idaho Penitentiary. You can view both the cells, including the isolation cells and the gallows that were used to carry out the death penalty.
Perrine Bridge
On the north side of the Twin Falls is the Perrine Bridge over the Snake River. The bridge is dizzyingly high and offers a good view of the canyon. From here you can see how the Canyon has been worn out by the years of water flow. If you like adventure you should definitely visit the bridge. You can legally base jump from the Perrine Bridge. Viewing the bridge from the bottom is also highly recommended. It is best to rent a canoe or kayak for this. You can also take beautiful walks around the bridge and visit the Shoshone waterfalls.
Idaho State Capitol Building
The Idaho Capitol is very similar to Washington’s. the Idaho State Capitol Building is an impressive building constructed with sandstone. The building has been restored several times to maintain its authentic appearance. Laws are still passed here and civil rights are protected. You can also tour the inside of the State Capitol. You get a good impression of the politically oriented history and can also admire the interior. In addition to various exhibits about the political past and photos of former senators, the Idaho State Capitol Building also pays a lot of attention to the special nature of the area.
Salmon River Scenic Byway
The Salmon River Scenic Byway is a beautiful route that you can take by car. You travel back in time following the same path as pioneers Lewis and Clark. The route takes you through the Salmon Challis National Forest, along the Salmon River. Along the way you can visit the small towns of Salmon, Clayton and Stanley where you will also find many places of interest. Some examples include Bayhorse Historic District and Sacajawea Interpretive Center. In Stanley you have a good view of Sawtooth Mountain in Idaho. The Salmon River Scenic Byway also gives you the opportunity to go fly fishing in the river, or rent a kayak and paddle down the river. The river is also known as the River of No Return,
Lake Coeur d’Alene
The Lake Coeur d’ Alene is located in the small town of Coeur d’ Alene. This place is surrounded by several lakes of which Lake Coeur d’ Alene is the most special. The lake has a length of 40 kilometers and is no less than 5 kilometers wide. The lake is also known for its large population of sockeye salmon. It is therefore recommended to go and see the hunting sea eagles at Wolf Lodge Bay. You can take a nice walk via the North Idaho Centennial Trail, but also if you are looking for a little more excitement, Lake Coeur d’Alene offers enough challenge. The lake is very suitable for various water sports such as rowing, jet skiing and water skiing.
Idaho Falls
Idaho Falls is a lively city where you can find a variety of cozy bars, restaurants and cafes. Not only downtown, but also along the banks of the Snake River, which flows through Idaho Falls. Here you will also find the Museum of Idaho where you can learn all about the history of the area and the pioneers Lewis and Clark who made Northwest America thanks to its discovery. Highly recommended is a visit to the Idaho Temple. This is a huge temple which covers an area of no less than 8,500 m2. This temple is seen as the central point of the Mormon faith and is more than worth a visit.
