Idaho is a western state known for its stunning mountain ranges, vast wilderness areas, and outdoor recreational opportunities. If you’re planning a trip to this beautiful state or just looking to learn more about it, having a printable map of Idaho can be incredibly useful. In this essay, we’ll explore some fun facts about Idaho and provide a printable map to help you plan your visit.
Printable Map of Idaho
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Before we dive into the fun facts, let’s first take a look at a printable map of Idaho. This map will help you get oriented and provide a visual guide to the state’s geography.
Now that you have a visual reference, let’s explore some interesting facts about Idaho.
- Idaho is known as the “Gem State” because nearly every type of gemstone can be found here.
- The state’s largest city is Boise, which is also its capital.
- Idaho is the 14th largest state in the United States, with a land area of 83,569 square miles.
- Idaho has more than 3,100 miles of rivers, more than any other state except Alaska.
- The state’s highest point is Borah Peak, which stands at 12,662 feet above sea level.
- Idaho is home to the largest population of Basques outside of Europe.
- The state has a large potato industry and is sometimes referred to as the “Potato State.”
- Idaho’s state bird is the Mountain Bluebird.
- The state’s nickname, the “Gem State,” was officially adopted in 1967.
- Idaho’s state flower is the Syringa.
- The state has 31 state parks, including Hells Gate State Park, which is home to the deepest river gorge in North America.
- The state’s lowest point is Lewiston, which is located at an elevation of 710 feet above sea level.
- Idaho’s state tree is the Western White Pine.
- The state’s population is approximately 1.8 million people.
- Idaho is the only state in the country with a hot spring that can be surfed.
- The state’s motto is “Esto Perpetua,” which means “Let it be perpetual.”
- Idaho has a thriving wine industry, with more than 50 wineries in the state.
- The state’s largest employer is the J.R. Simplot Company, which is a major supplier of frozen french fries.
- Idaho is home to the Sun Valley ski resort, which was the first ski resort in the United States.
- The state is known for its vast wilderness areas, including the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, which is the largest wilderness area in the lower 48 states.
Now that we’ve explored some fun facts about Idaho, let’s take a closer look at a few of them.
Idaho is known for its potato industry, and the state produces more potatoes than any other state in the country. In fact, potatoes are such an important part of Idaho’s economy that the state even has a potato museum in Blackfoot. The museum features exhibits about the history of potato farming in Idaho and has a potato-themed gift shop.
Idaho is known as the “Gem State” because it has a rich history of mining and has a wide variety of gemstones that can be found within its borders. Some of the most popular gemstones found in Idaho include garnet, opal, jasper, and topaz. Many of these gemstones can be found in the state’s many rockhounding sites, which are popular with collectors.
Idaho’s vast wilderness areas are a big draw for outdoor enthusiasts. The Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, for example, covers more than 2.3 million acres and is the largest wilderness area in the lower 48 states. This area is popular for hiking, camping, and fishing, and is home to an abundance of wildlife, including elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and black bears.
The state also has many other wilderness areas, such as the Sawtooth Wilderness, which is known for its stunning mountain scenery and hiking trails. The Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness is another popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, and is home to the Selway River, one of the last free-flowing rivers in the United States.
Idaho is home to a large Basque community, with more than 15,000 people of Basque descent living in the state. The Basques are an ethnic group from the Basque Country, which straddles the border between Spain and France. Many Basques came to Idaho in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to work in the state’s mining industry.
Today, the Basque community in Idaho is known for its vibrant culture, which includes traditional dances, music, and food. Boise’s Basque Block is a popular destination for tourists, and is home to many Basque restaurants, bars, and cultural centers.
Idaho is home to several world-class ski resorts, including Sun Valley, which was the first ski resort in the United States. Sun Valley is known for its excellent skiing and snowboarding, as well as its luxurious accommodations and amenities. Other popular ski resorts in Idaho include Brundage Mountain, Bogus Basin, and Schweitzer Mountain.
In addition to skiing and snowboarding, these resorts offer a wide range of winter activities, such as snowshoeing, ice skating, and snowmobiling.
Conclusion
Idaho is a beautiful state with a rich history and many unique features. From its potato industry and gemstones to its vast wilderness areas and Basque community, there is something for everyone in Idaho. Whether you’re planning a trip to the state or just want to learn more about it, having a printable map of Idaho can be a useful tool. With this map and these fun facts in hand, you’re sure to have a great time exploring the Gem State.
