Idaho is more than just the potato state—though it earns that title for good reason and we’ll definitely give a brief overview about why this state has its potato-based fame. From its “Gem State” nickname, natural wonders, and gold mining history, there’s more there than meets the eye. Learn more about how the 13th largest state in the union has the perfect soil for gemstones, gold, and potatoes!
Idaho is likely first known for potatoes. The area where I-84 and I-86 stretch across southern Idaho is known as the “Potato Belt.” Though the name does come from the surplus of potato crops there, the reason why is much more interesting. That patch of land is where a tectonic plate drifted over a hot spot in the earth’s crust, resulting in balsamic magma being injected into it. Since the magma made the land denser and thicker, it sank lower than the land in the surrounding areas, creating fertile soil for specific crops — such as potatoes. (This same hot spot is what fuels in the geysers in Yellowstone National Park!) Evidence of the 5,000-year- old volcanic activity has been found reaching into various farm fields, creating a lava field known as “Hell’s Half Acre.” However, since potatoes are sensitive to drought and this area doesn’t receive a ton of rainfall, the Idaho Department of Water Resources carefully tracks the state’s water to supply the potato crops, which is how they produce 1/3 of the nation’s potato supply. You can learn more in Blackfoot, along I-15, at the Idaho Potato Museum, where guests can experience potato-themed tours and take pictures next to the giant baked potato statue out front.
Potatoes aren’t the only thing found in Idaho soil, which is in part why they keep the nickname, “The Gem State.” Perhaps due to the same volcanic activity or the happenings under the earth’s surface, over 240 minerals have been found and identified within the state. Many of these are rare and unusual, collected by museums or gem dealers. Most notable is a gem called the “star garnet,” only found so far in Idaho and India. Tourists are able to go gem hunting throughout the state, but are advised to look up specific guidelines based on location, since 2/3’s of the state is federal land.
Before Idaho ever became a state, it was already attracting thousands of people. Gold was first discovered in 1860 near Pierce, and over the next six years, produced 19% of all gold in the United States — totaling about 2.5 million ounces. That first year of discovery, only about 10,000 people populated Idaho. When the gold rush ended in 1890 (also the year that Idaho became an official state), the population had grown to 89,000, mostly from folks that had settled to mine gold. Thanks to mining districts spreading and scattering through the state, they experienced some of the fastest growth of the time. Towns such as Lewiston and Boise were settled as early as the gold rush days, making them some of the oldest cities in the country. By the end of the 1800’s, other minerals were discovered such as silver, lead, and zinc. When the gold deposits disappeared, Idaho shifted its focus to mining silver and phosphate. In fact, about 45% of all silver in the US was mined in Idaho.
Now nearly two centuries ago, this rich history can be experienced along the Gold Rush Historic Byway, also known as State Highway 11. Aside from satisfying the history lovers, the byway is lined with scenic views of Clearwater Valley, wildlife-filled forests, and plenty of spots for those who love to be active in the outdoors. Click here to see a video that features 31 scenic byways located in Idaho, along with road trip tips and planners.
If you don’t want to turn your road trip into a history lesson, there are plenty of sights in Idaho that can blow you away just by looking at them. Visit Shoshone Falls in Twin Falls for a 212-foot waterfall — which is taller than Niagara Falls! Hell’s Canyon is the deepest river-carved gorge in the country, surpassing the Grand Canyon at 7,900 feet. The Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conversation Area (try to say that ten times fast) boasts the densest population of nesting eagles, hawks and falcons in the WORLD. Soda Springs holds the largest (and only) captive geyser in the world, erupting every hour and reaching heights of 100 feet. Finally, Bruneau Dunes State Park holds a sand dune that rises 470 feet above the surrounding desert floor, making it the tallest single-structured sand dune in the country. For more info on any of these incredible landmarks and a list that includes even more, go here.
Whether you’re checking out the Potato Belt, mining for gems, taking in the Gold Rush history, or are just wanting to see some of the most unique scenic landmarks in the country, remember that Interstate Signways made the signs that marked the way!
Comments