It’s true. It’s not very likely you’ll find a group of people that’s prouder of their home than Idahoans. After all, the list of reasons we’re thankful to call this state our home is long. Here are 10 of the many reasons why Idahoans are proud of their state. How many hit home with you?
1. We have more whitewater than any other state.
One of Idaho's proudest features is the plethora of rivers in our state. All in all, we boast 3,100 miles of rivers—more than any other state. And we find plenty of ways to enjoy them, too.
2. And the most soakable hot springs than anywhere else, too.
If you had to guess how many geothermal hot springs our state contains, what number would you say? Go ahead and guess. The answer is a whopping 340! You'll find them scattered all over the state, but every Idahoan knows to keep their favorite hot spring secret.
3. Our state seal is the only one that's been designed by a woman.
The story of our state seal is actually pretty fascinating. Shortly after gaining statehood, the governor held a contest for designing the new state seal. Artists from all over the nation entered, but it was Emma Edwards, a local, who won with her painting of a male miner and a female goddess-type of figure.
4. We're home to the country's tallest sand dune.
The country's tallest single-structured sand dune can be found just outside of Mountain Home at Bruneau Dunes State Park. Standing at a proud 470-feet-tall, hiking up this thing is no joke. Although, many have tried.
5. And the deepest river gorge!
The Grand Canyon has nothing on Hells Canyon which borders the eastern side of the state. The Snake River runs through the canyon at a depth of 8,000-feet below the canyon's rim. It may not get the attention that the Grand Canyon does, but that's quite alright with us.
6. The first chairlift in the entire world debuted here in Idaho.
Skiers and snowboarders from all over the world should be thanking us. After all, who knows if the chairlift would've ever been invented if it hadn't been for us? The first chairlift in the world was first presented in Sun Valley back in 1936.
7. Our wilderness areas combined makes up nearly five million acres.
It's no wonder we're known as the wilderness state. Five million acres of designated wilderness may sound like a lot but it only comprises approximately 14% of Idaho's total area of public lands and 9% of the state's entire 53.5 million acres.
8. Our state is home to one of the world's rarest gems: The Star Garnet.
Our state gem is the Star Garnet, which also happens to be one of the rarest gems in the world. It's only been found in small quantities in different regions of the world, but it's most bountiful here in Idaho, along with India. This is a beautiful gem that we're proud to claim!
9. Many innovators have called Idaho home.
Our state produced people which transformed a variety of industries. J.R. Simplot famously turned our state into the nation's biggest potato producer. Oh, and Idaho was also the first to harness nuclear energy to power an entire city. Without Idaho, the country would definitely look a lot different.
10. We're one of the most sparsely populated states in the country, and that's the way we like it.
Boasting a population density of just 19 people per square mile, Idaho is considered one of the most sparse states in the country. Crowds are pretty hard to come by here in the Gem State, that's for sure. But that's exactly the way we like it.
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