10 Ways Idaho Has Quietly Become The Coolest State In America

Idaho is much, much more than the barren desert that out-of-staters think we are (although we have some of that, too). In fact, we have pretty much every landscape you can think of here including forest, prairies, valleys, mountain ranges, canyonlands, and lots more!

We can't help but feel bad for states who only experience one or two seasons a year. Spring, Summer, Winter, and Fall...we have it all here!

Who said you can only eat well in the big city? Idaho contains a rapidly growing number of restaurants serving up some of the tastiest Northwest cuisine you can find!

Most people don't think of Idaho as being a center for the arts but many Idaho towns are dedicated to providing a unique arts and culture scene for Idahoans. Spend an evening at the nationally renowned Idaho Shakespeare Festival, check out the Sun Valley Film Festival in early March, go to a Boise Philharmonic concert, or spend all day in one of Idaho's many museums...Idaho is bursting with inspiration!

The Gem State is a recreational paradise. Idaho offers something to do no matter what time of year it! Spend the day on an alpine lake in the summer or ski down a mountain in the winter. There's no getting bored here.

We have cities of all types and sizes. Are you into small town backcountry life? We have that. Are you more of a city person? Boise is a little taste of the city life in a small town. No matter what your vibe is, Idaho has something for you.

There are currently 30 gorgeous and diverse state parks in Idaho. Gaze at one of the darkest skies in the country at Craters of the Moon, slide down a massive sand dune at Bruneau Dunes State Park, or camp out at the supposedly haunted Farragut State Park. Explore them all!

Idaho may be a landlocked state but that doesn't stop us from splashing around and having a good time. Besides, soaking in a natural mountain hot spring surrounded by beautiful Idaho wilderness is so much better than a hot day at a crowded beach.

One of the coolest things about Idaho? Idahoans! Here we believe in things like smiling at strangers and holding the door open for the next person coming in.

There's nothing like winding down after a busy day and witnessing one of Idaho's breathtakingly gorgeous sunsets. You can't find a sight like this anywhere else in the world.