10 Fun Facts About Idaho You Never Knew Before
Idaho is a beautiful and underrated state in the United States. It is known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and surprisingly rich history. Here are 10 fun facts about Idaho that you never knew before:
1. Idaho is the only state in the country where star garnets can be found.
The state of Idaho is the only place in the United States where the rare star garnet can be found. This gemstone is unique because it has a four-pointed star pattern, which makes it highly valuable and sought after. The garnets can be found in the Emerald Creek Garnet Area, which is located in the panhandle of Idaho.
2. Idaho is home to the deepest river gorge in North America.
Idaho is known for its rugged terrain, and the state is home to the deepest river gorge in North America. The Hells Canyon National Recreation Area is over 7,900 feet deep and is located in western Idaho. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, and fishing in this beautiful and remote wilderness area.
3. The first-ever atomic-powered city was built in Idaho.
In the 1950s, the United States government built the first-ever atomic-powered city in Arco, Idaho. The city was powered by a small nuclear reactor, which provided electricity to the town’s homes and businesses. Although the city is no longer powered by nuclear energy, it still celebrates its unique history with a yearly festival.
4. Idaho has the largest population of Basques outside of Europe.
Idaho is home to a unique community of people from the Basque region of Spain. In fact, Idaho has the largest population of Basques outside of Europe. The Basque community in Idaho has its own language, culture, and traditions, and visitors can experience Basque food, music, and dance in the state’s capital city of Boise.
5. Idaho grows about one-third of the nation’s potatoes.
Idaho is known as the “Potato State” for good reason. The state produces about one-third of the nation’s potatoes, making it the largest potato-producing state in the country. Visitors can learn about Idaho’s potato industry by visiting the Idaho Potato Museum in Blackfoot, Idaho.
6. Idaho is home to the largest active wildfire in U.S. history.
In 1910, a massive wildfire swept through Idaho, Montana, and Washington, burning over three million acres of land. This devastating fire is known as the “Big Burn” and is still recognized as the largest active wildfire in U.S. history. Visitors can learn about the fire and its impact on the region at the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise.
7. The world’s first nuclear power plant to produce electricity for an entire city was built in Idaho.
In addition to building the first-ever atomic-powered city, the United States also built the world’s first nuclear power plant to produce electricity for an entire city in Idaho. The Experimental Breeder Reactor 1 was built in 1951 and produced enough electricity to power the entire town of Arco.
8. Idaho is the home of the longest main street in the United States.
Idaho is home to the town of Island Park, which has the longest main street in the United States. The street is over 33 miles long and runs through both Idaho and Montana. Visitors to Island Park can enjoy skiing, snowmobiling, and fishing in this beautiful and remote part of the state.
9. The state fruit of Idaho is the huckleberry.
Idaho’s state fruit is the delicious huckleberry. These small, sweet berries are found throughout the state and are a popular ingredient in jams, pies, and other desserts. Visitors can enjoy huckleberry picking in the summer months and can taste the fruit in local restaurants and markets.
10. Ernest Hemingway wrote many of his famous works while living in Idaho.
Ernest Hemingway, one of the most famous American writers of the 20th century, spent much of his later life living in Idaho. Hemingway wrote many of his famous works, including “For Whom the Bell Tolls” and “The Old Man and the Sea,” in his home in Ketchum, Idaho. Visitors can learn more about Hemingway’s life and work by visiting the Ernest Hemingway Memorial in Ketchum.
In conclusion, Idaho is a state full of surprises and unique history. From its deep river canyons to its nuclear power plants, Idaho is an interesting place to visit and explore. Whether you’re a nature lover or a history buff, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful state.
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