Fun Facts about Idaho

Idaho Fun Facts

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Idaho is 83,557 square miles.

The Gem State: Idaho produces 72 types of precious and semi-precious stones.

Arco was the first city lit by Atomic Energy, July, 1955.

The word "Potato" first apeared on an Idaho license plate in 1928. The now famous words "Famous Potatoes" apeared on our plates in 1957. Did you know most Idaho License Plates tell you where the driver is from? Learn our license plate designations here.

Nearly 85% of all commercial trout sold in the U.S. is produced in the Hagerman Valley.

Idaho's Salmon River near Riggins is the longest free-flowing river that heads and flows within a single state.

State Motto: "Esto Perpetua" meaning "It is forever"

The deepest river gorge in North America is Idaho's Hells Canyon (7,900 ft deep).

Idaho is the number one producer of Potatoes, Trout, Austrian Winter Peas and Lentils.

The 1940 film "Northwest Passage" was filmed in McCall.

Idaho's flag (picture) is blue and contains the Great Seal of Idaho. The flag was adopted by the 1907 legislature.

The statehouse in Boise is geothermally heated from underground hot springs.

Shoshone Falls (212 feet), near Twin Falls, drops 52 feet further than Niagara Falls.

Idaho's state horse is the Appaloosa. Our state fish is the Cutthroat Trout.

The Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness is the largest in the lower 48 states-2.3 million acres of backcountry.

Idaho's Population is around 1.5 million with about 600,000 living in the Boise metro area.

Idaho is bordered by Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Montana and Canada.

The Fosbury Flop, a high jumping technique, was invented by Ketchum resident Dick Fosbury.

Idaho has 3,100 miles of rivers - more than any other state.

63% of Idaho is public land.

Idaho's capitol is Boise.

Twin Falls was the sight of Eval Knievels jump in 1974.

Idaho is the 13th Largest State in the U.S.

Idaho's state bird is the Mountain Bluebird.

Idaho's highest point is Mt. Borah (12,622ft), Lowest Point is Lewiston (738 ft)

Idaho's state flower is the Syringa. Our state tree is the Western White Pine.

The Great Seal of Idaho was designed in 1890 by Mrs. Emma Edwards Green. It is the only Great Seal in the 50 states to be designed by a woman.

Idaho's state fruit is the Huckleberry, our state vegatable is, of course, the potato.

The first alpine chairlift was used in Sun Valley. In 1936 the fee was 25 cents per ride.

Top 3 Industries: 1. Manufacturing 2. Agriculture 3. Tourism

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Idaho's License Plate Designations

Most of our license plates in Idaho (since 1945) have a letter or numeric letter combination designating which county the vehicle is registered. Personalized plates and other special plates do not carry this designation. As you travel through Idaho, it is fun to see where the other drivers are going and coming from.

County	Letter Designation
Ada	1A
Adams	2A
Bannock	1B
Bear Lake	2B
Benewah	3B
Bingham	4B
Blaine	5B
Boise	6B
Bonner	7B
Bonneville	8B
Boundary	9B
Butte	10B
Camas	1C
Canyon	2C
Caribou	3C
Cassia	4C
Clark	5C
Clearwater	6C
Custer	7C
Elmore	E
Franklin	1F
Fremont	2F
Gem	1G
Gooding	2G
Idaho	I
Jefferson	1J
Jerome	2J
Kootenai	K
Latah	1L
Lemhi	2L
Lewis	3L
Lincoln	4L
Madison	1M
Minidoka	2M
Nez Perce	N
Oneida	1O
Owyhee	2O
Payette	1P
Power	2P
Shoshone	S
Teton	1T
Twin Falls	2T
Valley	V
Washington	W

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Community Questions and Answers about the McCall Winter Carnival

InIdaho.com welcomes questions about this event to help you plan your trip to the Carnival in McCall.

From Aubrey 2/24/2020 8:41:36 PM
Question: What does Esto Perpetua mean?

Answer: "It is forever"

(Mike @ InIdaho 2/25/2020 7:29:45 AM)

From Terri 11/7/2017 2:58:16 PM
Question: How big is Idaho?

Answer: @Terri: Idaho is 83,642 square miles.

(Mike @ InIdaho 11/7/2017 3:00:43 PM)

From Avery 1/27/2017 2:18:33 PM
Question: What is the total square miles of water in idaho

Answer: @Avery: Idaho has 83,569 square miles of water. This is about 1.1% of the state according to the USGS.

(Mike @ InIdaho 1/27/2017 2:25:43 PM)

From Ally 5/27/2016 12:19:54 PM
Question: what is the most irrisistable food in Idaho?

Answer: @Ally: It is all a matter of opinion of course? Like Idaho trout? How about beef or Greek yogurt? Or your root veggies? The Idaho potato is awesome, of course too!

(Mike @ InIdaho 5/27/2016 12:25:43 PM)

From Yamilettlopez 5/22/2016 11:22:26 PM
Question: What are the major bodies of water that are in Idaho?

Answer: @Yamilettlopez: Lake Pend Oreille is the largest lake in Idaho at 43 miles long, and 1,150 feet deep. It is the 5th deepest lake in the United States. Of course, we have lots of other lakes and rivers in Idaho too!

(Mike @ InIdaho 5/23/2016 10:07:36 AM)

From Senthia 3/23/2016 12:31:00 PM
Question: What is the state tree?

Answer: @Senthia: Idaho's state tree is the Western White Pine

(Mike @ InIdaho 3/23/2016 12:48:32 PM)

From Tatethiel 3/21/2016 3:04:04 PM
Question: Is idaho really the 13 state?

Answer: @Tatethiel: Idaho is the 43rd State admitted to the Union on July 3, 1890.

(Mike @ InIdaho 3/21/2016 3:10:40 PM)

From Phil 3/9/2016 9:18:36 AM
Question: What type of wild cat is Idaho`s favorite?

Answer: @Phil: I am not aware of a statewide poll on favorite cats in Idaho. In our office, the lynx is the favorite. Runner ups are the mountain lion and bobcat.

(Mike @ InIdaho 3/9/2016 10:12:47 AM)

From Tracy 11/3/2015 2:07:41 PM
Question: When was Idaho State established?

Answer: @Tracy: Idaho's Statehood was granted on July 3, 1890.

(Mike @ InIdaho 11/3/2015 2:13:41 PM)

From Tatiana 6/4/2015 9:31:08 AM
Question: Who made up the name

Answer: @Tatiana: According to Wikipedia, the name was suggested by George Willing. It was derived from the Shoshone language meaning "gem of the mountains".

(Mike @ InIdaho 6/4/2015 9:42:36 AM)

From Kevin 5/17/2015 3:31:20 PM
Question: What kinds of food is representational to Idaho?

Answer: @Kevin: Potatoes, beets, trout, beef, dairy and yogurt are some of the largest exports of food.

(Mike @ InIdaho 5/18/2015 7:53:55 AM)

From Nick 5/14/2015 10:53:47 AM
Question: What is Idaho famous for?

Answer: @Nick: There are many including our potato and other crop production. We are also known for having the most whitewater river miles in the lower 48 states and over 21 million miles of forest and public lands. Some of the best skiing including Sun Valley Resort, Brundage Mountain, and Schweitzer Mountain.

(Mike @ InIdaho 5/14/2015 11:01:52 AM)

From Emersynn 4/23/2015 6:56:42 PM
Question: what is their population as of now, 2015

Answer: @Emersynn: The last census was in 2014 at which time Idaho had a population of about 1.6 million. Since we are only a few months into 2015 you can figure it has grown a bit.

(Mike @ InIdaho 4/24/2015 8:01:19 AM)

From Julia 4/13/2015 5:10:34 PM
Question: What region is Idaho located in the United States

Answer: @Julia: Idaho is located in the Northwest Region.

(Mike @ InIdaho 4/13/2015 5:43:37 PM)

From Melissa 4/13/2015 7:26:48 AM
Question: In 2015 what are the top things being manufactured in Idaho?

Answer: @Melissa: Electrical Components such as computer chips and components are first. Food manufacturing including agriculture and packaged foods (vegetables, yogurt, French fries, etc.) are second.

(Mike @ InIdaho 4/13/2015 8:16:07 AM)

From Juan 3/9/2015 10:37:42 AM
Question: what is the state capital of Idaho?

Answer: Boise is the State Capital of Idaho.

(Tamara @ InIdaho 3/9/2015 10:48:47 AM)

From Krina 3/3/2015 8:06:16 PM
Question: Are there any attraction parks like Disney Land

Answer: Idaho does not have any attraction like Disneyland. Silverwood Theme Park in North Idaho (Athol) has rides and a water park. Also Boise, ID has Wahooz and Roaring Spring water park.

(Sherri @ InIdaho 3/4/2015 8:25:31 AM)

From Krina 2/17/2015 5:11:14 PM
Question: What is the highest point in Idaho and what is it's elevation above sea level.

Answer: @Krina: Borah Peak is our tallest point at 12,668 ft (3,861 m). Interestingly, it grew 7 feet during an earthquake in 1983.

(Mike @ InIdaho 2/18/2015 8:38:01 AM)

From Bobby 2/10/2015 12:23:44 PM
Question: Why is Idaho called the potato country.

Answer: @Bobby: Idaho grows about 21% of the U.S. total Potato crop. Idaho also supplies about half of the French fries to McDonald's restaurants.

(Mike @ InIdaho 2/10/2015 12:36:40 PM)

From Cayenne 2/9/2015 7:21:18 PM
Question: What is the most loved tourist attractions in Idaho

Answer: @Cayenne: Crater of the Moons National Park, Sun Valley, Hells Canyon and the Salmon River are some of our largest tourist attractions.

(Mike @ InIdaho 2/10/2015 9:35:48 AM)

From Sammy 1/27/2015 3:05:02 PM
Question: 1. what is the #1 thing I should know about the land in Idaho. I have this project I have to do about Idaho and the question is give me 1 fact about the land in Idaho.

Answer: @Sammy: Idaho has 4,522,506 acres of Wilderness land. You can't even ride your bike

(Mike @ InIdaho 1/27/2015 4:53:04 PM)

From Serenity 1/14/2015 1:25:33 PM
Question: What is Idaho food most famous for?

Answer: @Serenity: Potatoes and French fries, of course! There is also amazing Basque food and great Northwest Cuisine. Plus, wild game and Idaho produces the most restaurant trout in the United States.

(Mike @ InIdaho 1/14/2015 1:46:51 PM)

From Jacob 12/11/2014 5:27:27 AM
Question: what is Idaho known for.

Answer: @Jacob: This question has been answered quite a few time on this page: Here is one answer given...There are many including our potato and other crop production. We are also known for having the most whitewater river miles in the lower 48 states and over 21 million miles of forest and public lands. Plus, our recreation opportunities including skiing, golf, horseback riding, camping, hiking, etc.

(Mike @ InIdaho 12/11/2014 9:08:31 AM)

From Angilene 9/16/2014 9:18:15 AM
Question: What is the history behind the cross at Tablerock?

Answer: @Angilene: There is a lot of history about the cross and the land it is on. The Wikipedia is an excellent source of information on this topic: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Table_Rock_(Ada_County,_Idaho)

(Mike @ InIdaho 9/16/2014 9:22:45 AM)

From Kay 8/30/2014 10:49:43 PM
Question: Was Idaho city ever the Idaho capital? Or another town? Or has it always been Boise?

Answer: @Kay: Idaho City was never Idaho's capital city. Lewiston was the capital city from 1863 until late December 1864, then it moved to Boise.

(Mike @ InIdaho 8/31/2014 9:40:45 AM)

From Bailee 5/22/2014 2:39:48 PM
Question: How is Idaho special?

Answer: @Bailee: Our mountains, our people, our recreational opportunities along with the most whitewater river miles in the lower 48 states and over 21 million miles of forest and public lands.

(Mike @ InIdaho 5/22/2014 3:01:03 PM)

From Caleb 4/23/2014 10:17:00 AM
Question: what is the name of idaho football team

Answer: @Caleb: Idaho does not have any professional football teams. Our two biggest college football teams are the Boise State Broncos from BSU and the Idaho Vandals from the U of Idaho.

(Mike @ InIdaho 4/23/2014 10:23:51 AM)

From Meg 4/17/2014 9:23:44 PM
Question: What is it popular for?

Answer: @Meg: There are many including our potato and other crop production. We are also known for having the most whitewater river miles in the lower 48 states and over 21 million miles of forest and public lands. Plus, our recreation opportunities including skiing, golf, horseback riding, camping, hiking, etc.

(Mike @ InIdaho 4/18/2014 7:32:14 AM)

From Jules 3/11/2014 12:07:17 PM
Question: when did Idaho become a state

Answer: @Jules: July 3, 1890 You can research online for more information regarding Idaho.

(Sherri @ InIdaho 3/11/2014 12:16:38 PM)

From Javeon 11/11/2013 2:21:14 PM
Question: What is the capital Idaho?

Answer: Boise is the capital of Idaho.

(Tamara @ InIdaho 11/11/2013 2:24:53 PM)

From Tami 10/23/2013 5:31:10 PM
Question: What number of state is idaho in the us?

Answer: @Tami: In 1890, and Idaho became the 43rd state in the Union.

(Mike @ InIdaho 10/23/2013 6:37:56 PM)

From Trinity 10/2/2013 12:29:33 PM
Question: What are the top things being manufactured in Idaho?

Answer: @Trinity: In 2013, semiconductor devices (Micron), fertilizer (JR Simplot), paper and wood products (Boise and Trus Joist) and dairy/yogurt (Chobani) are just a few of the top manufactured items from Idaho.

(Mike @ InIdaho 10/2/2013 12:44:49 PM)

From Taylor 9/8/2013 6:12:37 PM
Question: what is the population in Idaho

Answer: @Taylor: Here is a website to find your answer regarding Idaho's population. quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/16000.html

(Sherri @ InIdaho 9/9/2013 8:50:01 AM)

From Tre 8/29/2013 11:25:00 AM
Question: what does the bird look like

Answer: @Tre: Here is a link to view the Idaho State Bird, the Mountain Bluebird. http://www.inidaho.com/fun_facts_list.asp

(Sherri @ InIdaho 8/29/2013 4:06:46 PM)

From Miss 5/7/2013 8:00:51 PM
Question: what are 5 cool places to visit in Idaho?

Answer: Here is a link to some Idaho destinations for you to research Cool places to visit in Idaho and fun packages included. http://www.inidaho.com/

(Sherri @ InIdaho 5/8/2013 9:41:33 AM)

From Travonyancy 4/23/2013 10:03:35 AM
Question: how many colleges are in idaho

Answer: @Travonyancy:

(Jami @ InIdaho 4/23/2013 12:12:10 PM)

From David 4/21/2013 3:02:51 PM
Question: Popular place to visit

Answer: @David: Idaho has several great destinations but a few of the more popular are, Boise, Coeur d Alene, Driggs, McCall, Sandpoint and Sun Valley, ID.

(Sherri @ InIdaho 4/22/2013 10:43:33 AM)

From David 4/21/2013 3:00:44 PM
Question: Famous people from this state are.

Answer: @David: I am sorry David, but I am not the expert on the Famous People from the state of Idaho, I do not want to miss anyone. We are vacation specialists for the best lodging rates, custom vacation packages, and discounted travel and recreation in all of Idaho. It may be best to do a Google search for that information.

(Sherri @ InIdaho 4/22/2013 10:47:12 AM)

From Dylan 3/15/2013 8:55:46 AM
Question: Where is the Capital of Idaho?

Answer: Idaho Fun Facts -The capital of Idaho is Boise.

(Tamara @ InIdaho 3/15/2013 9:03:49 AM)

From Bailee 3/13/2013 8:55:55 AM
Question: Im always trying to find out what Esto Perpetua means and its gives me different answers. What is the meaning of Esto Perpetua???

Answer: @Bailee: The state motto translates to "It is forever"

(Mike @ InIdaho 3/13/2013 9:19:50 AM)

From Wendy 2/5/2013 5:44:30 PM
Question: What two things idaho is famous for?

Answer: @Wendy: There are many including our potato and other crop production. We are also known for having the most whitewater river miles in the lower 48 states and over 21 million miles of forest and public lands.

(Mike @ InIdaho 2/6/2013 8:47:17 AM)

From Itzel 1/4/2013 5:12:05 PM
Question: When was rupert founded.

Answer: Rupert was founded in 1906.

(Mike @ InIdaho 1/4/2013 5:26:01 PM)

From Daien 11/26/2012 3:19:02 PM
Question: what is the biggest lake in the state?

Answer: @Daien: Lake Pend Oreille located in northern Idaho by Sandpoint. It is also our deepest at over 1,100 feet.

(Mike @ InIdaho 11/26/2012 3:36:39 PM)

From Daien 11/26/2012 3:04:47 PM
Question: What is a food for which the state is famous?

Answer: @Daien: Idaho Trout

(Mike @ InIdaho 11/26/2012 3:34:41 PM)

From Daien 11/26/2012 2:57:12 PM
Question: Name a famous state landmark?

Answer: @Daien: One famous state landmark would be the Shoshone Falls in Twin Falls, ID

(Tamara @ InIdaho 11/26/2012 3:00:49 PM)

From Daien 11/26/2012 2:37:52 PM
Question: What are two important natural resources in the state?

Answer: Timber and mineral deposits are two.

(Mike @ InIdaho 11/26/2012 2:51:15 PM)

From Christopher 7/3/2012 3:03:54 PM
Question: What are the military bases located in Idaho?

Answer: @Christopher: Idaho Fun Facts - Mountain Home Air Force Base.

(Tamara @ InIdaho 7/3/2012 3:08:59 PM)

From Shylene 5/25/2012 11:13:10 AM
Question: What is the state bird for Idaho?

Answer: @Shylene: Idaho Fun Facts- The state bird for Idaho is the Blue Bird.

(Tamara @ InIdaho 5/25/2012 11:19:14 AM)

From Kaylee 5/24/2012 9:08:24 PM
Question: What is something that starts with z in idaho?

Answer: @Kaylee: Zipline Tours are very popular in Idaho. Learn more

(Tamara @ InIdaho 5/25/2012 9:28:46 AM)

From Naijah 5/8/2012 7:05:09 AM
Question: What is Idaho agriculture?

Answer: Top 5 commodities are Dairy products, cattle, potatoes, wheat, and hay. We are the #1 national producer of potatoes, trout (yes! farmed raised in Hagerman, ID), Austrian winter peas, and lentils. We are also a huge seed supplier for the world. Producing over 80% of the sweet corn seed in the world and the largest supplier of alfalfa, garden beans, Kentucky Bluegrass (grass) seed, carrot, onion, turnip, and lettuce seeds.

(Mike @ InIdaho 5/8/2012 7:59:54 AM)

From Garrett 4/30/2012 12:41:13 PM
Question: Where do i go to find the flag of idaho.

Answer: @Garrett: Same page you are on. Here is the link again

(Mike @ InIdaho 4/30/2012 5:25:46 PM)

From Jayjay 4/11/2012 12:34:27 PM
Question: I'm doing a project in class, and would like to know how Idahoans dress. Like when they do things for fun, what do they dress like? Thanks :-)

Answer: @Jayjay: It really depends what we are doing. We are a very active state so you might find us wearing ski outfits, golf attire, mountain biking clothes or just a t-shirt, shorts and a life jacket as we enjoy rafting Idaho's rivers. Idaho is also a large agriculture state so cowboy/ranch attire is present in all of our communities. Generally, casual and functional works for us!

(Mike @ InIdaho 4/11/2012 12:48:06 PM)

From Poop 3/30/2012 6:29:44 PM
Question: what do they call the people in idaho?

Answer: @P: Idahoans.

(Mike @ InIdaho 3/30/2012 8:28:58 PM)

From Destiny 2/15/2012 8:50:50 AM
Question: What is Idaho's state flag?

Answer: @Destiny: Our Flag is dark blue and features the Official State Seal. You may view it by following this link

(Mike @ InIdaho 2/15/2012 8:58:56 AM)

From Destiny 2/15/2012 8:49:56 AM
Question: When was Idaho founded?

Answer: @Destiny: Humans have been in Idaho for over 14,000 years, but Idaho became a state in 1890.

(Mike @ InIdaho 2/15/2012 9:05:43 AM)

From Holly 1/18/2012 4:25:17 PM
Question: What is the current population of the state of Idaho?

Answer: @Holly: The 2011 estimate is 1,584,985 people.

(Mike @ InIdaho 1/18/2012 4:40:11 PM)

From Kathy 1/15/2012 12:54:26 PM
Question: What do most people in Idaho do for a living?

Answer: @Kathy: Service industries make up the largest portion of Idaho's economy.

(Mike @ InIdaho 1/15/2012 1:18:37 PM)

From Matt 1/9/2012 7:32:39 PM
Question: What is the big swoosh mark in Idaho's terrain from?

Answer: @Matt: The swoosh mark is the Snake River Plain. We are not geologist, but in general terms it was caused by volcanic activity and the North American Tectonic Plate. If you follow the swoosh east you will notice that it points towards Yellowstone. The Yellowstone Hotspot responsible for all the geysers etc. travelled through Idaho on its way there. Be sure to check out Craters of the Moon National Monument!

(Mike @ InIdaho 1/10/2012 8:46:34 AM)

From Diana 1/5/2012 2:53:29 PM
Question: My question is, is there a city with the letter q,u,x,y,z?

Answer: @Diana: We aren't aware of a city in Idaho that contains all of those letters. We, of course, have cities with some of those letters in them, such as Sun Valley, Dixie, Headquarters, Kimberly, and Lorenzo.

(Mike @ InIdaho 1/5/2012 3:07:31 PM)

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Idaho Fun Facts

Here are a few things about Idaho you maybe didn't know...