Potatoes, skiing, and a whole lot of beautiful sceneries – these are just some of the reasons why visiting Idaho is a must for you. Considered to be the Gem State, Idaho projects a wonderful fusion of historical and industrial sites perfect for your next adventure.
Don’t know where to start your Idahoan adventure? Try these 4 main reasons why visiting Idaho should be on everyone’s bucket list:
Sun Valley Resort
If you love the mountains and all the outdoor activities that go with it, you will surely love the central region of Idaho. Enjoy a picturesque scene of towering mountains covered by snow in the breath-taking Sun Valley Resort. Located at about 6,000 feet above sea level, this place is for outgoing individuals who love skiing and other winter activities.
The resort is complete with all the amenities and infrastructure you need for your convenience. Ski your hearts out on over 2,000 acres of skiable landscape with the Bald and Dollar Mountain as your background. Not a fan of winter activities? You may visit Sun Valley resorts during summer where it offers other activities such as camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities.
Sawtooth National Recreation Area
Be one with nature and indulge yourself in 75,000 acres of pure wilderness. This is possible in Sawtooth National Recreation Area. This famous recreational area boasts over 700 miles of trail where you can leisurely hike or ride a horse. Spend the weekend in their over 50 camping grounds with a majestic scenery of mountains over 10,000 feet high. During winter, thousands of people flock to this area for skiing and snowmobiling.
Activities in Sawtooth National Recreation Area are open from winter to summer. During warmer days, friend and family can enjoy the place while riding a mountain bike or by fishing on the natural lakes. Also, since the view is simply picture perfect, this place also attracts photographers and nature watchers.
Shoshone Falls
You need not visit Canada just to enjoy a spectacular view similar to Niagara Falls. Idaho is home to Shoshone Falls – a massive block of waterfalls located at the end of Twin Falls. Known as the Niagara of the West, this curtains of water is over 900 feet wide and flows all year round. Though the water current is unbearable in most areas, there are spots where tourists can enjoy swimming and dip in cold water.
You can also go on a picnic and enjoy an amazing view while enjoying the famous Idaho Potatoes. Other recreational facilities offered in Shoshone Falls include hiking trails, playgrounds, and even boat ramps.
Old Idaho Penitentiary
After you have enjoyed Idaho’s flourish nature, you may want to time travel and visit the historic Old Idaho Penitentiary. Known as Old Pen, it housed the worst criminals way back 1872. In 1973, however, it closed and was not used since then. Today. It is used as a museum that houses the prison’s century-old history. Guests may visit its solitary confinement, old gallows, and cell blocks where most of the notorious convicts were housed.
With a lot of stories to tell, Old Pen is also opening its doors for photographers. However, to maintain the solemnity of the place, they may limit the accessories and type of camera that you can bring. The management also holds programs for families, students, and guests who want to relive the thrilling escapes, executions, and riots that happened in this iconic place.
Proud of its rich history and unparalleled scenic sites, Idaho invites both local and foreign visitors to indulge in its beauty. What are you waiting for? Plan your vacation early and don’t forget to include Idaho on your list.