There’s so much to discover about Idaho, but how many facts do you know about the state?

If you’ve ever tried looking up Idaho fun facts and trivia, you’ve probably realized that the definition of “fun” for most of the internet is just a textbook list of official state icons, flora, and fauna. Fortunately, our curiosity took us one step further. Whether you love random facts as much as we do, have always wondered what Idaho’s GDP would equal in rubles, or are simply curious what sort of non-boring facts are discoverable if you search the depths of the internet hard enough, this list is for you. Without further ado, we present an impressive list of little-known Idaho fun facts.

1. Idaho is NOT a tornado-free zone.
Fun Idaho Facts
NOAA Photo Library/Flickr
Most people believe that Idaho is safe from these swirling vortexes, but that isn't the case. Every year, a dozen or so funnels touch the ground but don't cause enough damage to warrant state-wide attention.
2. The Gem State is bigger than all of New England combined (Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island).
Fun Idaho Facts
Carolyn Haney Photography
Idaho is truly vast. And every time you catch a sunset, the beautiful vastness of Idaho's landscape is clear.
3. Our combined wilderness is over 4.7 million acres, which is greater than the US's three smallest states combined.
Fun Idaho Facts
Carolyn Haney Photography
The total land area of Rhode Island, Delaware, and Connecticut is collectively smaller than our state's combined wild, roadless areas.
4. Idaho has the most neutral dialect of any state in the country.
Fun Idaho Facts
losvizzerro/Flickr
With no discernible accent and no state-specific language quirks, we're the testing ground for nearly every survey and language product on the market. We're also telemarketers central, which is ironic because...
5. Idahoans are ranked as one of the states most known for "cursing like a sailor."
Fun Idaho Facts
Martin Barjorssen/Flickr
This stat came from a nationwide survey where Idahoans were likely to launch into naughty language without provocation or hesitation.
6. Idaho drinks more wine per person than any other state in the country.
Fun Idaho Facts
Shadester/Flickr
Full disclosure: Statistics go back and forth between D.C. and Idaho as the #1 consumer. But since Washington D.C. isn't technically its own state, Idaho definitely comes out on top. Learn more about some of the best wineries in Idaho.

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7. The total length of Idaho's rivers and waterways (over 107,000 miles) could stretch across the U.S. thirty-eight times.
Kirsten/Flickr
That's a lot of water. Yet, Idaho is also the 5th driest state in the country during the summer.
8. Idaho's average per-city population (7,257) is double the amount of female prisoners in Oklahoma.
Fun Idaho Facts
Jobs For Felons Hub/Flickr
Random tidbit for your next party.
9. Idaho's Canadian border is less than 800 football fields long.
Fun Idaho Facts
Scott Maxworthy/Flickr
10. The state + capital spelling with the fewest number of letters possible? Boise, Idaho.
erin m/Flickr
So, stick that little nugget of knowledge in your hat for future reference.
11. Idaho has the cheapest cigarette prices in the country.
Jonttu Leskinen/Flickr
Once a fashionable "accessory," cigarettes are not nearly as popular as they once were. But for those with a habit, apparently Idaho is the place to go to stock up.
12. Idaho has more OSHA safety violations per capita than any other state.
Grant Hollingworth/Flickr
Idaho is currently in a housing boom thanks to the incoming hordes of -- er, increase in traffic from neighboring states. All those people means the construction industry is under a great deal of pressure, and cutting a few too many corners to keep its workers truly safe. Idaho has paid some hefty fines over the last two years as a result.

These Idaho fun facts may not win you any awards with your old history professor, but knowledge is knowledge! Were you aware of any of these facts prior to checking out the list? We’d love to hear any other interesting facts you have hiding up your sleeve – just share them in the comments section.

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idaho fun facts

Beth C. | December 14, 2022

What are some interesting facts about Idaho?

Here are some fascinating facts about Idaho:

  • Idaho is nicknamed the Gem State.
  • Idaho is the 13th-largest state in the country (by area).
  • Idaho has a canyon deeper than the Grand Canyon, and it's called Hells Canyon.
  • The highest point in Idaho is Borah Peak and it measures 12,662 feet.

 

What are some little-known places in Idaho?

Some little-known places in Idaho to explore include:

  • Sportsman Park
  • The ghost town of Roosevelt
  • Winchester Lake State Park
  • Owyhee Canyonlands
  • The town of Weiser
  • Lilly Lake in the Sawtooth Mountains
  • Salmon River Lodge Resort
  • Black Magic Canyon
  • Box Canyon Springs
  • Trail Creek Cabin
  • Independence Point

 

Why is Idaho called the Gem State?

Idaho has been nicknamed the Gem State because there are rare minerals that can be found in every corner of the state. Of course, it seems like Idaho could also be called the hidden gem state. Some of the best hidden gems in Idaho include:

  • Three Island Crossing
  • City of Rocks National Reserve
  • Hyatt Hidden Lakes Reserve
  • Malad Gorge
  • Camas Prairie Centennial Marsh
  • Dworshak Dam
  • Route of the Hiawatha Bike Trail
  • Balanced Rock
  • Boise Black Cliffs

 

One of the best ways to experience the state of Idaho is by getting in the car and driving through it. In fact, we've even put together a natural wonders of Idaho road trip that will take you to the state's most impressive scenery. Some destinations on this trip include Mount Borah, City of Rocks National Reserve, Shoshone Falls, Bruneau Sand Dunes, Hells Canyon, Hobo Cedar Grove, Lake Pend Oreille, and Mesa Falls.

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