Tourism Idaho
Rafting in Hells Canyon Idaho
Outside these towns, preserved lands and open spaces are abundant, offering plenty of room for independent exploration. Skiing, fishing, and whitewater rafting are three of the state's most beloved outdoor activities, along with other opportunities as disparate as mountain biking and hang gliding. A number of federally managed areas are comparable to National Parks, including the Sawtooth National Recreation Area and Hells Canyon National Recreation Area.Contributed
Awash in the stunning beauty of breathtaking mountain ranges and deep river gorges, Idaho is a state where adventure and excitement shape every experience. Home to just 1.5 million residents, Idaho’s major populated areas include the state capitol Boise and the common tourist destinations of Sun Valley and Coeur d’Alene. Every town has something unique to offer visitors, from the historical museums and sites in Wallace to the visual and performing arts experiences of Pocatello.
Outside these towns, preserved lands and open spaces are abundant, offering plenty of room for independent exploration. Skiing, fishing, and whitewater rafting are three of the state's most beloved outdoor activities, along with other opportunities as disparate as mountain biking and hang gliding. A number of federally managed areas are comparable to National Parks, including the Sawtooth National Recreation Area and Hells Canyon National Recreation Area.
Speaking of National Parks, Idaho Falls was originally founded as a hub for travelers enroute to Yellowstone. Idaho Falls is now one of the fastest growing cities in Idaho, and as such has introduced a large number of cultural influences to the city.
Craters of the Moon National Monument is an attraction found on the way to Sun Valley from Idaho Falls, which features more of the drama of Yellowstone’s fascinating geologic story. Sun Valley was America’s first destination ski resort and quickly became a year-round vacation paradise with activities for the entire family. Sun Valley Resort has the old-world charm and ambiance of a cozy European alpine village with lodging, shopping, an award winning golf course, championship tennis club, ice skating rink and more.
Another famous resort for Idaho is Coeur d’Alene which is located in northern Idaho, just east of Washington State. Coeur d’Alene is a beautiful small city on the banks of scenic Lake Coeur d’Alene. A hugely popular tourist destination, particularly among golfers for its world famous floating green at the Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course, the city is also popular for shopping, bicycle riding, fishing, boating, and nearby skiing in the winter. Due to increased tourism, the town has greatly expanded and now includes a campus of the University of Idaho. With a variety of things to experience, Coeur d’Alene is a combination of urban and outdoor life that offers something for nearly everyone.
Many people don’t know much about Idaho except "famous potatoes." But, since you are here, you would probably like to know more.
Adjacent to Washington and Oregon in the Pacific Northwest, Idaho is a big state. It’s been said if you flatten all the mountains in Idaho, the state would be the size of Texas. Idaho covers two time zones, runs from Canada to Nevada, and encompasses the western side of the continental divide of the Rocky Mountains. Rivers, mountains and farmland dominate the state’s landscape. The panhandle has emerald green hillsides, timbered mountains and pristine lakes. Central Idaho is covered with jagged peaks. The Snake River Plain, with its wide open vistas, irrigated farm lands and vibrant cities forms the character of Southern Idaho.
Idaho’s history lies with its native tribes, the Lewis and Clark Expedition and determined pioneers on the Oregon Trail. Today’s Idaho is both cosmopolitan and small-town friendly. Boise, the capital and largest city, developed near Fort Boise along the Oregon Trail has grown to a population of 208,000. The city is quickly becoming known as one of the best places to live, work, and play in the Northwest.
Agriculture, manufacturing and tourism are Idaho’s major industries. Abundant outdoor recreation opportunities and scenic vistas around every turn attract over 20 million tourists annually.
Whichever part of this magnificent state you choose to discover, you’ll find spectacular scenery, fun things to do and friendly, helpful people. You’ll also find a place that’s unhurried, unspoiled and unassuming. So linger awhile and discover adventures in living in Idaho.