Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about Idaho vacations. Unlike nearby Wyoming and Montana, Idaho vacations aren’t nearly as popular, especially with travelers from the Midwest. So, naturally, we were shocked at all the cool things to see in Idaho. It’s really a beautiful state. If you’re planning an Idaho trip, watch out for these shocks when you arrive!
Idaho is More Than Potatoes
I think everyone associates Idaho with potatoes. While potatoes are Idaho’s largest crop, there’s a lot more to Idaho than potato farms. Idaho is actually known as the “Gem State” because they have a wider variety of gems than any other place in North America. They also have a lot of trout and much of the trout served in the United States comes from Idaho. That said, they do really love their potatoes in Idaho! They even drop a potato on New Year’s Eve!
All the Ways to Eat Potatoes
While Idaho is more than potatoes, they do know a lot of different ways to prepare and serve a potato. Of course, there are french fries, tater tots, mashed potatoes, and baked potatoes. You have to try “totcho’s” in Idaho; they are nachos made with tater tots. If you see potato ice cream definitely try it. There are no potatoes in potato ice cream, it’s just shaped like a potato. And then there’s the Idaho Spud; a potato-shaped candy that is a marshmallow center, with a chocolate coating that’s sprinkled with coconut. Yum!
Idaho Huckleberries
Rather than being known for gems or potatoes, we think Idaho should be the Huckleberry State. If you visit Idaho in the summer, you’ll have a chance to try huckleberries and they are delicious. You’ll see huckleberries everywhere: in maple syrup, BBQ sauce, milkshakes, pies, and sundaes.
Simply Jocelyn shares the best things to eat in Idaho!
Natural Beauty of Idaho
The natural beauty of Idaho is truly shocking. There are lakes, rivers, mountains, and hot springs. Some of the best places to visit in Idaho to experience the natural beauty include:
- Shoshone Falls
- Craters of the Moon
- The Salmon River
- Sawtooth Mountains
- Lake Pend Oreille
- Hells Canyon
- City of Rocks
- Bruneau Sand Dunes
- Upper & Lower Mesa Falls
North and South Idaho are very different; if you are expecting flat land all the way around, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the Idaho landscape. In the winter, Idaho is a great ski destination, too!
Idaho Gas Stations
In Idaho, the gas station is the hub of activity for smaller towns. It’s not just a gas station; it’s a grocery store, a bait shop, and a social place. Many of the gas stations have a restaurant attached. With small towns spread far apart in Idaho, the gas stations are really important. It’s also important to make sure you fill your tank at every opportunity because there’s no telling how far the next gas station will be.
Idaho Weather
The weather in Idaho is unpredictable and temperamental. We visited in early fall and used our heat and air-conditioning on the same day. Always have a few extra layers of clothing that you can add and remove, and make sure you have some extra blankets and water in the car. Especially if you visit Idaho in winter; there’s always a possibility of waiting out a road closure.
Boise
For starters, there’s no “z” in Boise, it’s a soft “s.” Surprisingly, Boise is a pretty cool town. Zoo Boise is pretty cool, and the Boise River Greenbelt is a great place for a hike or bike ride. Sports fans will know Boise for the electric blue football field at Boise State University. While most of the best things to see in Idaho are outdoors, I definitely recommend you visit Boise while you’re here.
Safety in Idaho
With mostly small towns, Idaho is a very safe place for a family vacation. The crime rate is relatively low. You don’t have to worry too much about break-ins or pickpockets. But you do have to worry about the wildlife in Idaho. Idaho has bears, so you have to be on alert when you’re out hiking and make sure you don’t leave food lying around your cabin or in your car.
Idaho Stargazing
With so few towns in Idaho, the skies at night are super dark. Take a moment to step outside and look up at the sky. You’ll be shocked at all of the stars you can see. In the summertime on a clear night, you can even see the Milky Way.
Finger Steaks & Fry Sauce
You have to try finger steaks and fry sauce when you visit Idaho. Finger steaks are like chicken fingers, but with steak. And the fry sauce makes it extra special. Fry sauce is kind of a Utah/Idaho thing. It starts with mayo and ketchup mixed together, then usually a hint of vinegar. Each restaurant will have its own secret fry sauce recipe.
Grab Some Wolters World Travel Gear!
We were truly pleasantly shocked by all the great things to do in Idaho. It’s an amazing state for outdoor recreation in any season. With so few people living here, you really feel like you can get some solitude on an Idaho trip. I’m so glad we made the trip! Interested in more travel destinations in the Western United States? Check out these other blog posts:
