57 Interesting Facts About Idaho by
Editorial Staff
Last updated on February 4th, 2021
Idaho is the 39th most populous and the 14th most extensive of the 50 states of the United States. It lies in the northwestern region of the United States. The state attained statehood on July 3, 1890, becoming the 43rdstate to join the union. Its six bordering states are Utah, Washington, Wyoming, Montana, Nevada, and Oregon. See the complete list of the 50 states and their borders here. Idaho (nicknamed: the Gem State) has 44 counties. The state’s capital is Boise. With these facts about Idaho, let us learn more about its history, geography, people, economy and more.
Interesting facts about Idaho1. The state’s name derived from a Native American word that means “the land of many waters.” The pronunciation is similar to the state’s name.
2. Idaho is sometimes referred to as the Gem State. One can find nearly 72 types of precious stones in the state.
3. The state grows nearly one-third of America’s potatoes. It is likely that the people living outside the state eat more of these starchy vegetables than the people in Idaho.
4. A mayor seemed to have a strange adoration for his small town in Idaho. He declared that Wallace, with a population of 800 people, was the Center of the Universe. A manhole cover was made to mark this declaration and the place he said was the center.
5. Idaho produces other crops besides potatoes. The state is actually known as the Lentil Capital of the World. It is also known for having one of the largest hops farms in the United States.
6. This state is known for having a canyon with an interesting name. The canyon is called Hells Canyon, and it’s 7,900 feet deep. Keep in mind that this is deeper than the Grand Canyon. High above the canyon is Heaven’s Gate Lookout where you can gaze at the entire state of Idaho plus the Bitterroot Mountains in Montana.7. There are only a few places in the world where a bounty of star garnetscan be found. One is in India and the other happens to be in Idaho. The Emerald Creek Garnet Area provides opportunities for harvesting star garnets. A permit is issued for visitors who wish to dig.
8. Many states are working toward being more eco-friendly, but it seems that Idaho is moving quickly. The state’s Capital Building is the only state capital that is kept warm using a renewable source of energy. It is called geothermal water, which means the hot water that sits 3,000 feet underground is used to produce heat.
9. Women should be pretty proud of Idaho as it is the only state seal in the United States that was designed by a woman. The woman was Emma Edwards Green, and her design was chosen in 1891.10. Idaho may be known for its crops or gems, but one thing that horror lovers like about the state are the ghost towns. Silver City and the Burke are some of the most known ghost towns, but there are many others.
Flag of Idaho
11. It might sound a little strange, but it is against the law for a man to give his beloved a box of sweets that weighs more than 50 pounds.
12. People really love to smile in Pocatello, Idaho. This obsession with smiles went so far that it became a law. Yes, it is illegal not to smile in public in this little region of the state.
13. It is illegal for a person to fish while they are riding the back of a camel. Take that camel-riding fisherman.
14. A person cannot sweep dirt from his or her house into the street. This is a law in Eagle, Idaho where cleanliness is definitely valued by the people in the city.
15. Idaho’s State Penitentiary is known as a haunted location. Talk about a double-whammy for those who might commit a crime.
16. Heaven’s Gate Lookout, in Idaho, is a location where you can see Washington, Montana, and even Oregon.
17. This state is home to Atomic City, which was booming when the National Reactor Testing Station was active in the 70s. It is a desolate area with around 29 people now.
18. There is a ski resort in McCall, Idaho that is home to the Brundage Bra Tree. The name is known throughout Idaho because it is where many women throw their bras as they ride a chairlift.
19. One 1800’s tale says there is a strange creature in Bear Lake, Idaho.It is known as the Bear Lake Monster, and this story has scared some kids in the state.
20. This region is home to the highest navigable river in the world. The river is called St. Joe River, and it flows from an elevation of nearly 7,000 feet. Most of its trailheads follow through moderate slopes that are easy to trek. Commonly known as shadowy St. Joe, the river is one of the finest spots for camping, hiking, fishing, and whitewater rafting in the region. The Scenic Byway travels along the river. It is named after the towering cottonwoods that beautify the oceanfront in addition to the idyllic mountainous landscape. Moose, bear, elk, deer, can be spotted on the river’s edge.
The State Quarter
21. This state offers the longest gondola ride in the world, so strap in and enjoy nature from above. The gondola is in the Silver Mountain Resort in Kellogg.
Ski Mountain Winter Gondola Ride. Interesting facts about Idaho.
22. Idaho actually holds a strange little Guinness World Record for a maze. Yes, the state is known for the longest straw bale maze, which is in Rupert.
23. Someone paid $600,000 for a bull from Idaho. This was the most expensive bull ever sold. The cost was high because the Hereford bull weighed 1,410, and its lineage was impeccable.
24. The Lake Coeur d’Alene boardwalk is 3,300 feet long and is known as the longest boardwalk in the world. This is definitely for all those who love to walk by the beach.
25. Dog lovers should be interested in Idaho because it is home to the only dog-shaped B&B in the world. For those who want to visit the dog lover’s paradise, it is in Cottonwood, ID.
26. There is a small town in Idaho that has the longest main street in the United States. It is located in the City of Island Park.
27. The Coeur d’Alene Resort is home to the only man-made 14th hole island. It definitely gives golfers a new experience.
28. A gargantuan tree can be found at The Elk River. It is called the Idaho Champion Western Red Cedar Tree. It has an 18-feet diameter and it’s over 170 feet tall.
29. Idaho City can thank gold for its success. Yes, the city’s economy boomed because of gold mining back in the 1860s.
30. Idaho definitely stepped up to the plate when it came to structured sand dunes. Bruneau Dunes State Park is home to the country’s tallest structure that stands 470 feet high.
31. Idaho is home to the Niagara of the West. Yes, those who want to experience something like Niagara Falls could check out Shoshone Falls with its 212-foot drop.
Shoshone Falls, Snake River, Twin Falls, Idaho. A park overlooking the waterfall is owned and operated by the City of Twin Falls. Shoshone Falls is best viewed in the spring, as diversion of the Snake River for irrigation and hydroelectricity generation often significantly diminishes water levels in the late summer and fall. Interesting facts about Idaho. Image credit – Daoud Alahmad32. Those interested in birds of prey will be happy to know that Idaho has an awesome wildlife preserve, which is known for its dense population of falcons, eagles, and hawks.
33. If you are interested in old churches, you may want to visit the Rathdrum. This city holds the state’s oldest brick church called the Saint Stanislaus Church.
34. North America has a lot of ski resorts, but it seems that Idaho beat other states to the punch. The first ski destination in the United States is Idaho’s State Valley.
A bunch of fresh picked huckleberries.35. The state’s fruit is the Huckleberry, which makes sense because Huckleberry tea is good for starch digestion. Potatoes, the most popular vegetable in the state, are full of starch.
36. The state’s motto is “Esto Perpetua,” which means “this is forever.”
37. 13 is a very special number for this state. It is special because it is the 13th largest state (in terms of land area) in America.
38. Idaho might not like the idea of private land. This is evident because a whopping 63 percent of the state is considered public land.
Idaho rainbow trout. Image by Bureau of Land Management.39. Idaho may be known for potatoes, but it should be known for its trout, too. It is estimated that 85 percent of all the commercial trout sold in America comes from Hagerman Valley.
40. Evil Knievel tried to jump over the Twin Falls in 1974. He failed, but those interested in seeing the failed jump can check out the Twin Falls.
41. The word “potato” was first used in the state’s license plate back in 1928, and the state has not looked back since.
42. One of the most celebrated winter celebrations called the Winter Carnival in McCall began in 1924. It actually started because the locals were bored.
43. There are about 4,522,506 acres of wild land in Idaho. Yes, this means there are no roads here.
44. This region is home to the Treefort Music Fest, which is held in Boise. It is perhaps one of the most successful modern country music festivals in America.
45. In the Treasure Valley: the Treasure Valley in Boise offers a plethora of fun activities throughout the year. Apart from big treats like Quinn’s Pond, Camel’s Back Park, and Table Rock, there are other hidden gems for family vacations. One of the popular summer activities in Boise is floating the Boise River. There is a floatable stretch between Morrison Park and Barber Park.46. Roaring Springs, Meridian: unleash your inner child at the biggest waterpark in Meridian. Catch some waves, float along a lazy river, or enjoy the water slides. Next door you will find mini golf, bumper cars, and bowling.
47. Rexburg Sits on a Volcano: sitting atop a shield volcano is the city of Rexburg. Centuries ago, hot magma cascaded from the active shield volcano and caused a massive accumulation of edifice on the ground. This edifice is the present city of Rexburg.
Interesting facts about Idaho. Idaho Falls, Idaho. Image via Nicolas Henderson.48. A City That Owes Its name to Snake River and Railroad: Idaho Falls attributes its name to a waterfall along the Snake River, a key feature of agriculture in the state of Idaho. The surrounding communities have re-created waterfalls that had been destroyed in the process of developing the area.
49. The Portneuf Greenway Trails: the Portneuf Greenway links Pocatello parks and other parts of the city. It is an ideal avenue for exercising, exploring nature and evading traffic. It runs through Old Town Pocatello, a river corridor, riverfront parks, as well as the Idaho State University.
50. A City With Speculations About Its Name’s Origin: the origin of the name Nampa is hypothetical. Some early residents used to call it New Jerusalem due to the presence of a big religious community. In other speculations, the name Nampa means ‘foot’ in Native Americans. Yet, historians claim the place was named after Nampus- a Shoshone chief. Local legends has it that Nampa means “Namb” (footprint) or moccasin.
51. Sunnyslope Caldwell, Heart Of Idaho Wine Country: it is said that love is grown and crafted in Sunnyslope Wine Trail. The area produces most of the State’s vineyards and 50% of the wineries are found here. It is an ultimate destination for wine tasting, panoramic views, and dining.
Bayhorse is an old lead and silver mining camp located about 4 miles off ID Hwy 75 in a narrow mountain canyon. It is now a ghost town and part of the Land of the Yankee Fork State Park. This was taken from the Bayhorse Ore Mill. Image via Jimmy Emerson, DVM.52. Bayhorse – The Longest Running Silver City in Idaho: in the late 1800s, Bayhorse was an established goldmine camp. Ten years later, it started to attract attention when a silver vein was discovered in Beardsley and Ramshorn mines. Gradually, it turned out to be the greatest producer of silver in Idaho State until 1915.
Interesting facts about Idaho. Naming of Bayhorse Sign, Idaho. Image via Jimmy Emerson, DVM.53. Twin Falls was Discovered by Rafters: Twin Falls city may have been founded by the irrigation wizardly godfather- I.B. Perrine when he built the Milner Dam. But the city was actually discovered in 1811 by a group of rafters led by Wilson price Hunt. After a year’s expedition from Saint Louis to Oregon, his trip with the group stopped when they hit the rapids on Snake River.
54. Most Inland Seaport on West Coast: the port of Lewiston is situated 465 miles off the ocean. It exposes the Inland Northwest to worldwide trade markets by linking to Columbia Snake River System. It is an intermodal transportation hub that offers instant access to a rail route, airport, road, and river.
55. Post Falls- An Authentic Mill Town: named after Frederick Post, Post Falls welcomes visitors with ponderosa pine, beautiful cliffs, and forested areas. Frederick, a German immigrant created a lumber mill beside Spokane River in 1871. Post Falls is also a gateway to North Idaho. Prime golfing, lodging and dining are activities for all seasons.
56. Moscow the Green City: with more than 27 sq. meters of parks per individual, Moscow can be compared to other green cities of the world like Paris and New York. There are 18 gardens, 96 parks, 4 botanical centers, and a zoo with over 6,500 specimens.
57. World’s Silver Capital: for a long time, Wallace has been regarded as the silver capital. Most of the silver mining comes from Shoshone County. The activity is conducted in the most environmentally-friendly way to conserve the pristine mountains where recreational enthusiasts flock.
State AbbreviationID
State CapitalBoiseLargest CityBoiseState SizeTotal (Land + Water): 83,570 sq miles; Land Only: 82,747 sq milesPopulation
1,754,208
(Estimate July 1, 2018 from United States Census Bureau)StatehoodJuly 3, 1890
State rank by population39thState rank by date of formation43rdState rank by area14thNumber of Counties44
Complete list of 50 states and number of counties in eachDemonymIdahoan
Bordering StatesMontana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, WyomingOfficial LanguageEnglishHighest PointBorah Peak
12,662 ft (3,859 m)Lowest pointConfluence of Snake and Clearwater River; Lewiston
713 ft (217 m)Length479 miles (771 km)
Width305 miles (491 km)
Mean elevation5000 feet above sea levelGovernorBrad Little (R)Lieutenant GovernorJanice McGeachin (R)Electoral Votes4State MottoEsto perpetua (Let it be perpetual)
State NicknameGem State
% Water0.98Noble prize WinnersJames Rainwater (Physics, 1975)Famous peopleLarry Wilson (Pro Football player)
Harmon Killebrew (Baseball player)
Jeremy Shada
(Actor)State AmphibianIdaho Giant SalamanderState BirdMountain bluebirdState InsectMonarch butterflyState FishCutthroat TroutState FlowerSyringaState FossilHagerman Horse FossilState FruitHuckleberryState GemStar garnetState HorseAppaloosaState RaptorPeregrine FalconState TreeWestern white pineState VegetablePotatoLongitude111°03′ W to 117°15′ W
Latitude42° N to 49° N
Time ZoneMountain Time Zone, Pacific Time Zone
Websitewww.idaho.govArea Codes208
Table last updatedJune 8, 2020
Editorial Staff
Last updated on February 4th, 2021
Idaho is the 39th most populous and the 14th most extensive of the 50 states of the United States. It lies in the northwestern region of the United States. The state attained statehood on July 3, 1890, becoming the 43rdstate to join the union. Its six bordering states are Utah, Washington, Wyoming, Montana, Nevada, and Oregon. See the complete list of the 50 states and their borders here. Idaho (nicknamed: the Gem State) has 44 counties. The state’s capital is Boise. With these facts about Idaho, let us learn more about its history, geography, people, economy and more.
Interesting facts about Idaho1. The state’s name derived from a Native American word that means “the land of many waters.” The pronunciation is similar to the state’s name.
2. Idaho is sometimes referred to as the Gem State. One can find nearly 72 types of precious stones in the state.
3. The state grows nearly one-third of America’s potatoes. It is likely that the people living outside the state eat more of these starchy vegetables than the people in Idaho.
4. A mayor seemed to have a strange adoration for his small town in Idaho. He declared that Wallace, with a population of 800 people, was the Center of the Universe. A manhole cover was made to mark this declaration and the place he said was the center.
5. Idaho produces other crops besides potatoes. The state is actually known as the Lentil Capital of the World. It is also known for having one of the largest hops farms in the United States.
6. This state is known for having a canyon with an interesting name. The canyon is called Hells Canyon, and it’s 7,900 feet deep. Keep in mind that this is deeper than the Grand Canyon. High above the canyon is Heaven’s Gate Lookout where you can gaze at the entire state of Idaho plus the Bitterroot Mountains in Montana.7. There are only a few places in the world where a bounty of star garnetscan be found. One is in India and the other happens to be in Idaho. The Emerald Creek Garnet Area provides opportunities for harvesting star garnets. A permit is issued for visitors who wish to dig.
8. Many states are working toward being more eco-friendly, but it seems that Idaho is moving quickly. The state’s Capital Building is the only state capital that is kept warm using a renewable source of energy. It is called geothermal water, which means the hot water that sits 3,000 feet underground is used to produce heat.
9. Women should be pretty proud of Idaho as it is the only state seal in the United States that was designed by a woman. The woman was Emma Edwards Green, and her design was chosen in 1891.10. Idaho may be known for its crops or gems, but one thing that horror lovers like about the state are the ghost towns. Silver City and the Burke are some of the most known ghost towns, but there are many others.
Flag of Idaho
11. It might sound a little strange, but it is against the law for a man to give his beloved a box of sweets that weighs more than 50 pounds.
12. People really love to smile in Pocatello, Idaho. This obsession with smiles went so far that it became a law. Yes, it is illegal not to smile in public in this little region of the state.
13. It is illegal for a person to fish while they are riding the back of a camel. Take that camel-riding fisherman.
14. A person cannot sweep dirt from his or her house into the street. This is a law in Eagle, Idaho where cleanliness is definitely valued by the people in the city.
15. Idaho’s State Penitentiary is known as a haunted location. Talk about a double-whammy for those who might commit a crime.
16. Heaven’s Gate Lookout, in Idaho, is a location where you can see Washington, Montana, and even Oregon.
17. This state is home to Atomic City, which was booming when the National Reactor Testing Station was active in the 70s. It is a desolate area with around 29 people now.
18. There is a ski resort in McCall, Idaho that is home to the Brundage Bra Tree. The name is known throughout Idaho because it is where many women throw their bras as they ride a chairlift.
19. One 1800’s tale says there is a strange creature in Bear Lake, Idaho.It is known as the Bear Lake Monster, and this story has scared some kids in the state.
20. This region is home to the highest navigable river in the world. The river is called St. Joe River, and it flows from an elevation of nearly 7,000 feet. Most of its trailheads follow through moderate slopes that are easy to trek. Commonly known as shadowy St. Joe, the river is one of the finest spots for camping, hiking, fishing, and whitewater rafting in the region. The Scenic Byway travels along the river. It is named after the towering cottonwoods that beautify the oceanfront in addition to the idyllic mountainous landscape. Moose, bear, elk, deer, can be spotted on the river’s edge.
The State Quarter
21. This state offers the longest gondola ride in the world, so strap in and enjoy nature from above. The gondola is in the Silver Mountain Resort in Kellogg.
Ski Mountain Winter Gondola Ride. Interesting facts about Idaho.
22. Idaho actually holds a strange little Guinness World Record for a maze. Yes, the state is known for the longest straw bale maze, which is in Rupert.
23. Someone paid $600,000 for a bull from Idaho. This was the most expensive bull ever sold. The cost was high because the Hereford bull weighed 1,410, and its lineage was impeccable.
24. The Lake Coeur d’Alene boardwalk is 3,300 feet long and is known as the longest boardwalk in the world. This is definitely for all those who love to walk by the beach.
25. Dog lovers should be interested in Idaho because it is home to the only dog-shaped B&B in the world. For those who want to visit the dog lover’s paradise, it is in Cottonwood, ID.
26. There is a small town in Idaho that has the longest main street in the United States. It is located in the City of Island Park.
27. The Coeur d’Alene Resort is home to the only man-made 14th hole island. It definitely gives golfers a new experience.
28. A gargantuan tree can be found at The Elk River. It is called the Idaho Champion Western Red Cedar Tree. It has an 18-feet diameter and it’s over 170 feet tall.
29. Idaho City can thank gold for its success. Yes, the city’s economy boomed because of gold mining back in the 1860s.
30. Idaho definitely stepped up to the plate when it came to structured sand dunes. Bruneau Dunes State Park is home to the country’s tallest structure that stands 470 feet high.
31. Idaho is home to the Niagara of the West. Yes, those who want to experience something like Niagara Falls could check out Shoshone Falls with its 212-foot drop.
Shoshone Falls, Snake River, Twin Falls, Idaho. A park overlooking the waterfall is owned and operated by the City of Twin Falls. Shoshone Falls is best viewed in the spring, as diversion of the Snake River for irrigation and hydroelectricity generation often significantly diminishes water levels in the late summer and fall. Interesting facts about Idaho. Image credit – Daoud Alahmad32. Those interested in birds of prey will be happy to know that Idaho has an awesome wildlife preserve, which is known for its dense population of falcons, eagles, and hawks.
33. If you are interested in old churches, you may want to visit the Rathdrum. This city holds the state’s oldest brick church called the Saint Stanislaus Church.
34. North America has a lot of ski resorts, but it seems that Idaho beat other states to the punch. The first ski destination in the United States is Idaho’s State Valley.
A bunch of fresh picked huckleberries.35. The state’s fruit is the Huckleberry, which makes sense because Huckleberry tea is good for starch digestion. Potatoes, the most popular vegetable in the state, are full of starch.
36. The state’s motto is “Esto Perpetua,” which means “this is forever.”
37. 13 is a very special number for this state. It is special because it is the 13th largest state (in terms of land area) in America.
38. Idaho might not like the idea of private land. This is evident because a whopping 63 percent of the state is considered public land.
Idaho rainbow trout. Image by Bureau of Land Management.39. Idaho may be known for potatoes, but it should be known for its trout, too. It is estimated that 85 percent of all the commercial trout sold in America comes from Hagerman Valley.
40. Evil Knievel tried to jump over the Twin Falls in 1974. He failed, but those interested in seeing the failed jump can check out the Twin Falls.
41. The word “potato” was first used in the state’s license plate back in 1928, and the state has not looked back since.
42. One of the most celebrated winter celebrations called the Winter Carnival in McCall began in 1924. It actually started because the locals were bored.
43. There are about 4,522,506 acres of wild land in Idaho. Yes, this means there are no roads here.
44. This region is home to the Treefort Music Fest, which is held in Boise. It is perhaps one of the most successful modern country music festivals in America.
45. In the Treasure Valley: the Treasure Valley in Boise offers a plethora of fun activities throughout the year. Apart from big treats like Quinn’s Pond, Camel’s Back Park, and Table Rock, there are other hidden gems for family vacations. One of the popular summer activities in Boise is floating the Boise River. There is a floatable stretch between Morrison Park and Barber Park.46. Roaring Springs, Meridian: unleash your inner child at the biggest waterpark in Meridian. Catch some waves, float along a lazy river, or enjoy the water slides. Next door you will find mini golf, bumper cars, and bowling.
47. Rexburg Sits on a Volcano: sitting atop a shield volcano is the city of Rexburg. Centuries ago, hot magma cascaded from the active shield volcano and caused a massive accumulation of edifice on the ground. This edifice is the present city of Rexburg.
Interesting facts about Idaho. Idaho Falls, Idaho. Image via Nicolas Henderson.48. A City That Owes Its name to Snake River and Railroad: Idaho Falls attributes its name to a waterfall along the Snake River, a key feature of agriculture in the state of Idaho. The surrounding communities have re-created waterfalls that had been destroyed in the process of developing the area.
49. The Portneuf Greenway Trails: the Portneuf Greenway links Pocatello parks and other parts of the city. It is an ideal avenue for exercising, exploring nature and evading traffic. It runs through Old Town Pocatello, a river corridor, riverfront parks, as well as the Idaho State University.
50. A City With Speculations About Its Name’s Origin: the origin of the name Nampa is hypothetical. Some early residents used to call it New Jerusalem due to the presence of a big religious community. In other speculations, the name Nampa means ‘foot’ in Native Americans. Yet, historians claim the place was named after Nampus- a Shoshone chief. Local legends has it that Nampa means “Namb” (footprint) or moccasin.
51. Sunnyslope Caldwell, Heart Of Idaho Wine Country: it is said that love is grown and crafted in Sunnyslope Wine Trail. The area produces most of the State’s vineyards and 50% of the wineries are found here. It is an ultimate destination for wine tasting, panoramic views, and dining.
Bayhorse is an old lead and silver mining camp located about 4 miles off ID Hwy 75 in a narrow mountain canyon. It is now a ghost town and part of the Land of the Yankee Fork State Park. This was taken from the Bayhorse Ore Mill. Image via Jimmy Emerson, DVM.52. Bayhorse – The Longest Running Silver City in Idaho: in the late 1800s, Bayhorse was an established goldmine camp. Ten years later, it started to attract attention when a silver vein was discovered in Beardsley and Ramshorn mines. Gradually, it turned out to be the greatest producer of silver in Idaho State until 1915.
Interesting facts about Idaho. Naming of Bayhorse Sign, Idaho. Image via Jimmy Emerson, DVM.53. Twin Falls was Discovered by Rafters: Twin Falls city may have been founded by the irrigation wizardly godfather- I.B. Perrine when he built the Milner Dam. But the city was actually discovered in 1811 by a group of rafters led by Wilson price Hunt. After a year’s expedition from Saint Louis to Oregon, his trip with the group stopped when they hit the rapids on Snake River.
54. Most Inland Seaport on West Coast: the port of Lewiston is situated 465 miles off the ocean. It exposes the Inland Northwest to worldwide trade markets by linking to Columbia Snake River System. It is an intermodal transportation hub that offers instant access to a rail route, airport, road, and river.
55. Post Falls- An Authentic Mill Town: named after Frederick Post, Post Falls welcomes visitors with ponderosa pine, beautiful cliffs, and forested areas. Frederick, a German immigrant created a lumber mill beside Spokane River in 1871. Post Falls is also a gateway to North Idaho. Prime golfing, lodging and dining are activities for all seasons.
56. Moscow the Green City: with more than 27 sq. meters of parks per individual, Moscow can be compared to other green cities of the world like Paris and New York. There are 18 gardens, 96 parks, 4 botanical centers, and a zoo with over 6,500 specimens.
57. World’s Silver Capital: for a long time, Wallace has been regarded as the silver capital. Most of the silver mining comes from Shoshone County. The activity is conducted in the most environmentally-friendly way to conserve the pristine mountains where recreational enthusiasts flock.
State AbbreviationID
State CapitalBoiseLargest CityBoiseState SizeTotal (Land + Water): 83,570 sq miles; Land Only: 82,747 sq milesPopulation
1,754,208
(Estimate July 1, 2018 from United States Census Bureau)StatehoodJuly 3, 1890
State rank by population39thState rank by date of formation43rdState rank by area14thNumber of Counties44
Complete list of 50 states and number of counties in eachDemonymIdahoan
Bordering StatesMontana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, WyomingOfficial LanguageEnglishHighest PointBorah Peak
12,662 ft (3,859 m)Lowest pointConfluence of Snake and Clearwater River; Lewiston
713 ft (217 m)Length479 miles (771 km)
Width305 miles (491 km)
Mean elevation5000 feet above sea levelGovernorBrad Little (R)Lieutenant GovernorJanice McGeachin (R)Electoral Votes4State MottoEsto perpetua (Let it be perpetual)
State NicknameGem State
% Water0.98Noble prize WinnersJames Rainwater (Physics, 1975)Famous peopleLarry Wilson (Pro Football player)
Harmon Killebrew (Baseball player)
Jeremy Shada
(Actor)State AmphibianIdaho Giant SalamanderState BirdMountain bluebirdState InsectMonarch butterflyState FishCutthroat TroutState FlowerSyringaState FossilHagerman Horse FossilState FruitHuckleberryState GemStar garnetState HorseAppaloosaState RaptorPeregrine FalconState TreeWestern white pineState VegetablePotatoLongitude111°03′ W to 117°15′ W
Latitude42° N to 49° N
Time ZoneMountain Time Zone, Pacific Time Zone
Websitewww.idaho.govArea Codes208
Table last updatedJune 8, 2020
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