9 Unique Trivia Facts About Idaho You Might Not Have Heard Before

Idaho is a fascinating place and is home to so much more than potatoes. Throughout the years I’ve lived in Idaho and during my time writing about this great state, I have learned some interesting tidbits about the Gem State. In fact, some of these cool facts have made me fall in love with Idaho even more. So, I thought I would share some unique trivia facts about Idaho that you may not have heard before. Not only may you learn something new, but you may just fall in love with this great state even more as well.

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Emma Edwards Green entered a contest in 1890 to design the state seal and she won. Today, you can see her original painting at the Idaho State Museum. Pay close attention to the seal as you’ll see numerous symbols of our great state.

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Not only is Idaho home to the oldest ski resort in America (hello, Sun Valley!), but it is also home to the first chair lift in the world.

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In 1800, the first permanent settlement of American Falls was established on the bank of the Snake River. In 1888, the entire town decided to move across the river. Then, in 1925, the entire town moved once more when the American Falls Dam was built to prevent flooding.

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Lake Pend Oreille is the deepest lake in Idaho and one of the deepest lakes in the country. At 1,158 feet deep, it creates the perfect home for the Navy’s NSWCCD Acoustic Research Detachment. This lake is also one of our favorite getaway destinations in Idaho.

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Idaho is home to all types of remarkable terrain, including the tallest single structured sand dune in North America. Located at Bruneau Dunes State Park, this remarkable sand dune is 470 feet tall — pretty impressive, right?

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It’s true! It was a made-up word in the mid-1800s. At the time, it was believed Idaho was a Native American Shoshone word meaning “gem of the mountains.”

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We have some pretty spectacular rivers in Idaho but you may not know that Idaho is home to more river miles than any other state in the Lower 48.

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We’ve mentioned this cool fact multiple times on OnlyInYourState because we find it so cool ... Hell’s Canyon is the deepest river gorge in North America and it’s one of our favorite natural wonders in the state.

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There are approximately 340 known hot springs located around Idaho. While many of these you cannot hop in and soak, there are approximately 130 that are perfect for relaxing. Keep in mind that these hot springs range from hot spring resorts like Lava Hot Springs to primitive destinations like Goldbug Hot Springs.

What other unique trivia facts about Idaho do you know? Do you have any cool tidbits about the Gem State you’d like to share? Let us know in the comments. We’d love to hear from you!

And if you are like us, we love to show our Idaho pride. Check out these nine surefire signs you are from Idaho and Wear Your Roots for all of your Idaho gear.