Idaho is a landlocked state in the Pacific Northwest and Mountain West regions of the United States, celebrated for its dramatic landscapes ranging from the Snake River Plain to the jagged Sawtooth Mountains. Home to Boise — a vibrant, fast-growing city — Idaho offers world-class whitewater rafting on the Salmon River, skiing at Sun Valley, and some of America's deepest river gorges. Potato farms, craft breweries, and a thriving farm-to-table dining scene round out a destination that rewards curious travelers willing to venture off the beaten path.
Historical timeline
Key moments that shaped Idaho.
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1
Nez Perce, Shoshone-Bannock, and other nations settle the region
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2
Lewis and Clark's Corps of Discovery crosses the Bitterroot Mountains through Idaho
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3
First fur trading post (Kullyspell House) established by North West Company on Lake Pend Oreille
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4
First missionaries (Henry and Eliza Spalding) arrive; Lapwai Mission established
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5
Oregon Trail migration begins passing through southern Idaho
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6
Gold discovered near Pierce; mining boom begins
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7
Idaho Territory established
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8
Nez Perce War; Chief Joseph's legendary retreat across Idaho toward Canada
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9
Silver discovered in the Coeur d'Alene mining district; massive boom follows
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10
Idaho becomes the 43rd US state
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11
Sun Valley Resort opens — America's first destination ski resort
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12
Hells Canyon Dam completed; Hells Canyon designated NRA in 1975
Historical sites
Places where Idaho's past comes alive.
Nez Perce National Historical Park
Where: Spalding, Idaho
Admission: Free
Old Mission State Park (Cataldo Mission)
Where: Cataldo, Idaho
Admission: $5/vehicle (~$5 USD); free with Idaho State Parks passport
Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument
Where: Hagerman, Idaho
Admission: Free
Idaho State Historical Museum
Where: Boise, Idaho
Admission: $8/adults, $6/seniors, $4/children 6–17, children under 6 free (~$8 USD)
Boise Depot (Union Pacific Depot)
Where: Boise, Idaho
Admission: Free (exterior and public areas); museum donation requested
Wallace District Mining Museum
Where: Wallace, Idaho
Admission: Museum $3/person; mine tours $17–$25/person (~$3–$25 USD)
Shoshone-Bannock Tribal Museum
Where: Fort Hall, Idaho
Admission: $3/adults, $2/children (~$3 USD)
City of Rocks National Reserve (California Trail)
Where: Almo, Idaho
Admission: $25/vehicle (~$25 USD); America the Beautiful pass accepted
Basque Museum & Cultural Center
Where: Boise, Idaho
Admission: $5/adults, $4/seniors, $3/students, under 6 free (~$5 USD)
Fort Lapwai — Nez Perce War Historic Site
Where: Lapwai, Idaho
Admission: Free