Profile of the State of Idaho - Quick Facts and Links

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Nickname: The Gem State
Population: The 39th most populous state with 1,595,728 residents (according to 2012 census estimates)
Size: 14th largest state by area
Capital: Boise
Largest City: Boise

Idaho is where the Wild West and the Pacific Northwest collide. It's a state of cowboy legends and lumberjack festivals, of rodeos and salmon fishing. Six states — Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, and Montana — border Idaho and the top of the state's panhandle shares a border with the British Columbia province of Canada.

A portion of the Rocky Mountains cover Idaho, making it an ideal place for skiing in the Western USA. In addition to the Rockies, Idaho abounds with natural wonders, including Shoshone Falls, referred to as the "Niagara of the West" and Hells Canyon, which is deeper than the Grand Canyon (located in the state of Arizona). Idaho also claims a portion of Yellowstone National Park, the very first national park designated by the United States and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Major pioneering trails, including the Lewis and Clark Trail, Oregon National Historic Trail, and the California National Historic Trail, traveled through Idaho.

Though historic and natural attractions dominate Idaho's tourism offerings, the state is making its name in other capacities. For years, Idaho has been associated with agriculture, thanks to its cash crop, the potato. But Idaho is beginning to get recognition for its wine. According to the Idaho Wine Commission, Idaho was the first state in the Pacific Northwest with wineries, and wine has been crafted in the state since 1864.

The majority of Idaho wineries are concentrated in the southwest region of the state.

Guides to Idaho Places on About.com

  • Idaho Travel Guide from About's Guide to Northwest Travel

  • Maps of Idaho
  • Google Map of Idaho
  • Interactive Idaho maps from Visit Idaho
  • Map of Downtown Boise, Idaho, (available in PDF download)
  • Idaho State Map Links. Includes links to road maps, trail maps, and more.

  • Best times to visit Idaho
    For more information on events and festivals in Idaho, see Visit Idaho's Interactive Events Listings.

    Idaho has long been one of the best-kept secrets for those who love skiing. Sun Valley Ski Resort is one of the Top 20 Ski Resorts in the Western USA and many other Idaho ski opportunities are available. In the summer, thanks to the melting snow in the Rocky Mountains, Idaho is a prime spot for whitewater rafting. According to Visit Idaho, the state's official tourism board Idaho has "more whitewater river miles than anywhere in the lower 48 states."

    Top Attractions/Things to Do in Boise
  • The Best Attractions in Boise
  • 360-Degree Tour of Boise, presented by the Boise CVB
  • Explore Boise's Arts and Culture Offerings
  • 36 Hours in Boise, Idaho, a travel article from the New York Times.
  • Official Site of the Boise Convention and Visitors Bureau

  • Top Attractions/Things to Do in Idaho
  • Top 10 Idaho Attractions, from scenic drives to museums
  • 36 Hours in Sun Valley, Idaho, a travel article from the New York Times
  • Essential Idaho. A listing of top things to do in the Idaho backcountry according to Travel + Leisure Magazine.
  • Top Attractions in Sand Point, Idaho
  • Idaho's National Parks
  • Idaho's Scenic Byways
  • Whitewater Rafting in Idaho
  • Idaho Golf Trail
  • Winter Activities in Idaho
  • Top Things to Do in Coeur d'Alene
  • Ghost Towns of Idaho, many of the towns that went up during Idaho's pioneer and early mining days have become ghost towns.

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