Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Idaho

idaho facts

Idaho Style is not just any run-of-the-mill company that solely focuses on its clients. We are also passionate about the great outdoors, our loved ones, and everything that makes Idaho truly special. From the peaceful silence that envelops the state’s forests to the bustling streets of its charming towns, Idaho has a little something for everyone. And what better way to showcase the unique character of Idaho than with the help of the Urban Dictionary? Check out our selection of fun and quirky definitions to get a better understanding of why we love Idaho Style and everything it stands for.

Let’s fact-check and discover some interesting facts about Idaho, a true gem of a state located in the Pacific Northwest region of the country. It shares borders with six neighboring states, including Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Washington, and Oregon. Idaho was once America’s best-kept secret but recent trends show that more and more Americans have discovered this hidden treasure and families are flocking in droves to make Idaho their new home. Enjoy the following facts about The Gem State.

Idaho may not be the first place that comes to mind when one thinks of the Basque community in the United States, but it is actually the most populous state for this group. And every five years, the state’s capital city of Boise comes alive with the sounds of traditional Basque music, dancing, and food during the Jaialdi festival. This celebration is a time for the community to come together and showcase their unique cultural heritage, which includes handball, a popular sport among Basque people. Visitors from all over the country flock to Boise during Jaialdi to experience this vibrant and lively celebration of Basque culture.

People who were born or have lived in Boise for a long time pronounce the city as “boy-see,” while those who are not from the area often pronounce it as “boy-zee.”

In Idaho, the correct term is “crick” instead of “creek”, and it is important to respect the local pronunciation. Please refrain from mocking native speakers.

The population of Boise is the highest among all cities in the state, with over 240,000 residents.

It is possible to visit Idaho’s Heaven and Hell.

Heaven’s Gate Lookout is located above Hells Canyon, which is 7,900 feet deep and deeper than the Grand Canyon.

The height of Shoshone Falls in Idaho surpasses that of Niagara Falls.

Meridian, with a population of over 114,000, is the second most populous city in Idaho.

The Albertsons store in Meridian is the biggest in the world, measuring 110,000 square feet. It employs over 450 workers from the Treasure Valley area. Joe Albertson founded Albertsons on July 21, 1939, in Boise.

In Cottonwood, Idaho, there is a unique bed and breakfast called the Dog Bark Park Inn. It is designed to look like a huge Beagle.

As of July 2020, residents of Idaho who are 18 years or older may carry concealed firearms without obtaining a permit from the state.

idaho facts

Idaho has 3,100 miles of rivers, which is the largest among all states in the US. Even though it is a landlocked state, you can still access Idaho from the Pacific Ocean by sailing through the Snake River and Columbia River.

The state seal of Idaho was designed by a woman named Emma Edwards Green. She participated in a competition in 1891 where she utilized only her initials. Interestingly, it is the only state seal in the United States to have been designed by a woman.

Idaho’s state motto is “Esto Perpetua” which means “This is Forever.”

Boise is known as The City of Trees and was named when French-Canadian fur trappers arrived in the early 1800s and were so relieved to see the forest and river that they exclaimed “Les bois!” Which means “The trees!”

Did you know about the famous Bra Tree? Located in the state park of McCall, this peculiar tree attracts visitors from all over the world. As the name implies, the Bra Tree is covered in bras, left by passersby as a sign of their journey. It’s said that the tradition began as a joke among college students and has since become a unique landmark. Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and towering mountains, the Bra Tree is a quirky addition to Idaho’s natural beauty.

Walt Disney’s wife was from Idaho.

The city of Star and then Eagle, in Idaho, declared themselves Sanctuary Cities for the 2nd Amendment in 2020, with unanimous approval in both cases, each taking less than two minutes. Idaho, the least regulated state in the US, ranks highest in financial stability as of August 2020. In contrast, California has 10 times more gun control regulations than Idaho.

Idaho is called “The Gem State” because it has an abundance of gemstones including the largest diamond ever found in the US. Idaho has over 72 mined gemstones.

Idaho’s state gem is the Star Garnet, which is found only in two places in the world: one being Idaho and the other being India. During the 1860s, there was a significant gold rush known as the Bogus Basin in which Idaho City was at the center of it. The major places of this gold rush were Grimes Creek and Mores Creek, making it the largest in American history.

There are 340 natural hot springs throughout Idaho. The capitol building in Downtown Boise is unique because it’s heated by geothermal waters from hot springs located 3,000 feet underground. It’s the only capitol building in the entire United States with this feature.

Geothermal energy has been used in Idaho since 1892 and it currently provides warmth to more than 300 buildings across the state. Additionally, the name “Owyhee Mountains” was given by Hawaiian explorers.

The Arrowrock Dam in Idaho was the first modern concrete dam to be built. It served as a precursor to the construction of the Shasta and Hoover dams. Additionally, Idaho granted women the right to vote before it became a Constitutional right.

Idaho’s vast mountain ranges offer breathtaking views and unforgettable outdoor experiences. Among these peaks stands the magnificent Mt. Borah, reaching a towering height of 12,662 feet above sea level. Located in the Lost River Range, Custer County, this summit is not for the faint of heart. Hikers and mountaineers alike are drawn to its rugged terrain and challenging ascent, but the reward at the top is truly unparalleled. From the peak of Mt. Borah, you can see for miles in every direction, taking in the stunning beauty of the surrounding landscapes. It’s no wonder that this peak is a must-visit destination for adventurers from all over the world.

The Snake River at Lewiston in Idaho has the state’s lowest elevation at 770 feet above sea level.

It’s no secret that Idaho is a hub for all things potato. But did you know that it’s also a top producer of other crops? Trout, Austrian winter peas, and lentils all thrive in Idaho’s rich soil and an ideal climate. Perhaps it’s this dedication to agriculture that has helped Idaho earn one of the lowest obesity rates in the country, tied with Florida and only surpassed by Oregon. So while potatoes may be a staple in Idaho’s diet, it’s clear that the state’s commitment to healthy living goes beyond just a single crop.

The city of Pocatello experienced a harsh winter in 1948 that left its residents feeling sad. To boost their spirits, the mayor, George Phillips, created a rule called The Smile Ordinance, which required people to smile or face legal consequences.

The minimum wage rate in Idaho is $7.25 per hour, which is equivalent to the current Federal Minimum Wage rate.

The state has a total of 169,000 businesses, of which 99.2% are small businesses.

In Idaho, small businesses employ more than 325,000 people, which is more than 56% of the total number of employees in the state. Additionally, the geothermal energy system in Boise is the largest in the United States and the sixth largest in the world.

At Idaho Style, we are passionate about all things digital, as well as all things Idaho. From the stunning scenery to the delicious cuisine, we can’t get enough of the Gem State. But what makes Idaho truly unique is its style. That’s why we’ve created a list of fun definitions that captures the essence of Idaho Style. From “cowboy couture” to “potato chic,” we celebrate the creative and eclectic approach to fashion that only Idahoans can pull off. So whether you’re a born-and-raised Idahoan or just a visitor, we invite you to embrace Idaho Style and express yourself in a way that’s as bold and beautiful as our beloved state.

Urban Dictionary Definitions for “Idaho Style”:

  • A sandwich consisting of an entire bag of chips inside of it.
  • A place where half of the population wears sweaters and snow boots year round. And the other half wears shorts and tank tops all year round. And both are correct.
  • Idaho is THE potato town.
  • Yes!!! That is right people, nothing here but potatoes, so please just keep on driving. Do not stop in Idaho!
  • we got lots of really awesome Indian Tribes, nothing is cooler than pow-wow dancing and fry bread.
  • IDAHO is a state where everyone is separated by 6 degrees.