Discover 20 Unique Hidden Gems in Idaho

Summary of Hidden Gems in Idaho:

Situated in the north-western part of the United States of America, Idaho shares its border with Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Washington, and Oregon. Additionally, a small portion of the state also borders British Columbia, Canada.

Until the 19th century, Idaho was part of the Oregon Country, a disputed region between America and the United Kingdom, but it officially became part of the U.S. after the Oregon Treaty of 1846. The state attained its official designation in 1890.

Known as the “Gem State,” primarily due to its gemstones as well as its extensive wilderness, Idaho has 36% of its area designated under the United States Forest Service, the highest percentage of any state in the nation.

Interestingly, the state has the highest demographic classification as “Other” in terms of ethnicity, and it is perhaps one of the few places globally to maintain a perfect 1:1 male-to-female ratio.

Idaho is renowned for its geographical diversity, but many intriguing locations within the state remain relatively unexplored. Let us delve into some of the hidden gems in Idaho to enhance our appreciation of the state.

1. Idaho Potato Museum, Blackfoot

One of the most unusual museums globally, the Idaho Potato Museum in Blackfoot, Idaho, is dedicated to the most humble yet extensively utilized vegetable worldwide.

Originally the Oregon Short Line Railroad Depot, the museum was first opened in 1988 for a trial run that proved remarkably successful. Initially, the exhibition consisted merely of a collection of signs with written ideas, attracting approximately 2,000 visitors.

The Idaho Potato Museum officially opened to the public in 1989, largely utilizing financial and material donations from local potato farmers, the community, the City of Blackfoot, and the commercial potato sector. Among its many fascinating exhibits is the world’s largest potato crisp, donated by Pringles.

2. Ernest Hemingway’s Grave, Sun Valley

Ernest Hemingway’s legacy extends far beyond his literary contributions; he was a man of immense passions, including literature, hunting, libations, and relationships. Tragically, like many in his family, he took his own life in 1961.

While one might anticipate the great novelist’s final resting place to be near his beloved cats in Key West, Florida, his remains rest in a modest plot in Sun Valley, Idaho.

A simple rectangular headstone marks Hemingway’s grave, regularly visited by admirers who leave coins, flowers, and sometimes even unfinished bottles as a tribute to one of history’s most iconic authors.

3. Idaho City, Idaho City

During the 1860s, Idaho was one of the largest mining towns associated with the gold rush in the western United States. The town’s population exceeded 7,000 and has continually grown.

It is reported that around $250,000,000 worth of gold was extracted from the areas surrounding the town, establishing it as a mining hub. At its height, Idaho City was home to over two dozen law offices and more than three dozen taverns. While many similar towns have vanished over time, Idaho City remains intact even more than a century later.

Visitors can stroll through the historical mining town and explore numerous remnants from that period, including the old jail and the Boise Basin Museum, which is dedicated to preserving the area’s historical narrative.

4. Dog Bark Park Inn, Cottonwood

Located in the charming town of Cottonwood, Idaho, there exists the world’s largest beagle named Sweet Willy. This remarkable sculpture also serves as a Bed and Breakfast.

Constructed by chainsaw artist couple Dennis J. Sullivan and Frances Conklin, Sweet Willy incorporates an inbuilt guest room with a bathroom and loft. Surrounding this attraction are various other animal sculptures, including fish, bears, and moose, all crafted by the same artistic duo.

If an overnight stay is not desired, Dog Bark Park Inn also serves as a roadside attraction where visitors can organize group tours and explore the gift center and artists’ studio.

5. The Black Cliffs, Boise

An exhilarating destination for climbers, the Black Cliffs in Boise, Idaho, are a series of imposing lava rock formations soaring skyward. Offering breathtaking views of the river below, the cliffs are a favored locale for climbing enthusiasts.

Comprised of volcanic basalt, the Black Cliffs provide ideal handholds and footholds for climbers seeking to conquer these majestic formations. Exploration of the cliffs commenced in the 1960s when local climbers began utilizing them for alpine training, confirming the rocks’ safety for climbing.

In the 1970s, a climbing group established routes through areas considered challenging at the time. Presently, approximately one hundred well-defined climbing routes surround the colossal Black Cliffs.

6. Custer Ghost Town, Stanley

The 1860s and 1870s were marked in American history by significant mineral rushes. Several unassuming towns received a sudden surge in prominence due to mineral discoveries, with Custer in Stanley, Idaho, being one such example.

Originally a single-street town, Custer gained fame during the 1870s mineral boom and experienced further growth after the nearby town of Bonanza was devastated by fire. Despite its limited size, the town was bustling with residents, including men, women, and children. However, the conclusion of the gold rush sobered the town, leading to the eventual decline of the mining industry, which left ghost towns like Custer deserted.

Fortunately, Custer received historic site designation in 1981, allowing for preservation of several aspects of the ghost town. Visitors can still explore the schoolhouse, the Empire Saloon, and a few private cabins that have been restored to their original 19th-century appearance.

7. Map Rock, Melba

In an era where finding directions is as simple as using a smartphone application, navigating the terrain was markedly different 15,000 years ago.

Map Rock, as it is currently known, features a massive stone with carvings resembling a topographical representation of the upper Snake River area. These etchings are believed to have been created by the Shoshone-Bannock tribe around 12,000 years ago, providing directions to the Snake River and Salmon River, along with carvings of animals and tribal inhabitants of the region.

While the exact purpose of this map remains speculative, it is commonly thought to have served as guidance for hunters and travelers. Regardless of its original intention, Map Rock stands as the most renowned petroglyph in a region rich with prehistoric carvings.

8. Old Idaho State Penitentiary, Boise

The Old Idaho State Penitentiary (now a historic site) functioned as a prison from 1872 to 1973. Construction commenced in 1870 with a single cell building, also referred to as the Territorial Prison. Over the years, inmates contributed to the quarrying of stones and the design and construction of new cell blocks and facilities within the prison grounds.

Surrounded by a robust 17-foot-high sandstone wall, the penitentiary received over 13,000 inmates during its 101 years of operation, with a maximum occupancy of 600 prisoners, including 215 women. Notable inmates included Harry Orchard, who was implicated in the assassination of Governor Frank Steunenberg, and Lyda Southard (also known as Lady Bluebeard), notorious for murdering multiple husbands to acquire their life insurance funds.

In the early 1970s, serious riots linked to the penitentiary’s living conditions prompted the relocation of inmates to a newly constructed facility, leading to the eventual closure of the Old Idaho State Penitentiary in December 1973.

9. Gilmore Ghost Town, Leadore

One of many towns that experienced a rapid rise and fall during the American mineral rush, Gilmore is more than just a ghost town with an abandoned legacy.

On January 14, 2009, what seemed like an ordinary day turned extraordinary for the somewhat resurfaced town of Gilmore when gunfire suddenly erupted during a routine patrol by four state police officers. A tense exchange of fire ensued, leading the officers to retreat, abandoning their snowmobiles.

This incident remained largely unreported until the Post Register newspaper investigated the matter, leading to a legal dispute that the newspaper ultimately won. To this day, the shooters remain unidentified, adding an intriguing layer to the town’s lore.

Currently, only a few log and frame structures stand within the Gilmore Ghost Town.

10. Experimental Breeder Reactor-I, Arco

Nuclear power plants are no longer a mystery, as they proliferate across the globe. However, the journey began with the installation of the first Experimental Breeder Reactor No.1 (also known as EBR-I) in Arco, Idaho.

The world’s inaugural atomic power plant has since been transformed into a nuclear museum, welcoming visitors to explore the intricacies of atomic fission. EBR-I first generated power in 1951, lighting four symbolic bulbs in a test to determine if a nuclear reaction could produce usable electricity, demonstrating an unexpected success.

The reactor functioned as a testing site until 1964, after which it was converted into a museum exhibiting an array of nuclear apparatus that once held the potential for global catastrophe.

11. Treaty Rock, Post Falls

Though technology and innovations have ostensibly simplified various aspects of modern life, purchasing land was once as simple as marking it on a rock.

Located in Post Falls, Idaho, a historic stone known as “Treaty Rock” bears carvings regarded as a transcript of one of the oldest land agreements made between the influential Coeur d’Alene tribal group and early settlers.

In the mid-1871, Chief Seltice of the tribal group entered an agreement with Frederick Post, an early settler who was granted 200 acres of tribal land to establish a sawmill. In return, he was obligated to furnish processed lumber to the tribe.

While the authenticity of the rock inscription as the actual agreement is debated, “Treaty Rock” remains a significant site, purportedly housing the sole visible agreement with a Native tribe.

12. The Basque Block, Boise

The Basques represent a unique cultural identity in Europe, possessing distinct genetic and linguistic traits. Despite the enigma surrounding their culture, a section in Boise, Idaho, is dedicated to preserving the history of the Basque people.

Numerous Basques migrated to Latin America during the 18th and 19th centuries, integrating into the new linguistic and cultural landscape. However, many subsequently moved westward to states like Idaho, Montana, California, and Nevada.

The Basque Block celebrates the lives and culture of the Basque community, featuring several businesses and cultural centers that uphold their traditions. At the Basque Cultural Centers, elders often gather to play “mus,” a traditional Basque card game.

A visit to the quaint Basque Block offers a unique opportunity to engage with and explore a culture still shrouded in mystery for many anthropologists and researchers.

13. Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area, Murphy

Spanning over 485,000 acres, the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area is exclusively committed to safeguarding various species of birds of prey present in the region.

With over 700 pairs of raptors—one of the highest counts globally—and 16 different species of nesting birds, this area serves as a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and ornithologists alike. It is also home to numerous eagles, owls, hawks, and falcons.

Spotting these remarkable birds in their natural habitat can be as simple as looking up to the sky. The conservation area offers a myriad of outdoor activities, including hiking and boating.

14. Borah Peak, Mackay

Borah Peak, at 12,668 feet above sea level, is the highest elevation in the state of Idaho, yet climbers must first navigate the aptly named “Chicken-out Ridge.”

Among mountain climbers and highpointers, the most formidable summits are located in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming, and Montana. In contrast, climbing challenges in the remaining 44 states generally present difficulty levels of only 1 or 2, while these six states reach levels 3 or 4. Borah Peak is rated as a level 3.

Named after a state senator, the summit of Borah Peak can only be accessed via an arête—a slender ridge that is often navigated sideways. For those brave enough to tackle the “Chicken-out Ridge” (which not everyone can), an ice axe and crampons are essential for the final ascent from the arête to the summit.

15. Center of the Universe Manhole, Wallace

In the heart of Wallace, Idaho, rests a seemingly ordinary manhole—yet it is far from typical. This manhole denotes the “Center of the Universe.”

Despite its small population of approximately 780, Wallace spans a compact four-by-nine block area. The town adopted this whimsical title in 2004, where logic dictates that if Wallace cannot be proven not to be the center of the universe, it must be true!

The manhole features four initials carved into it—HL (Hecla Mining), CDE (Cordelaine Precious Metals), SRLM (Sunshine Silver Mine), and BHM (Bunker Hill Mining Company)—representing the four major mining operations at the height of the town’s status as the “Silver Capital of the World.”

Moreover, each building in Wallace is recognized on the National Register of Historic Places, offering abundant opportunities for outdoor activities such as biking, fishing, skiing, and zip-lining.

16. Museum of Clean, Pocatello

The world abounds with museums, each dedicated to various subjects—people, history, science, and religion, among others. However, in Pocatello, Idaho, lies a museum focused solely on one of humanity’s most essential and beneficial principles: cleanliness.

Founded in 2006 by Don Aslett, the Museum of Clean not only emphasizes personal and communal hygiene but also the cleanliness of our surroundings and mental well-being. With a keen awareness of his extensive collection of cleaning items exceeding his original mini-museum, Aslett set forth to create something grander.

Involved in the cleaning industry since the age of 18, Aslett has authored numerous books and delivered multiple lectures on the theme of cleanliness, asserting that it encompasses more than the mere absence of filth.

Officially opened to the public in 2011, the Museum of Clean boasts over 1,000 vacuum cleaners and features several educational programs for both adults and children.

17. Dugout Dick Memorial, Salmon

Richard Zimmerman, after spending a decade along the banks of the Salmon River, decided in 1948 that it was time to establish a permanent residence. At 32 years of age, he determined that Salmon, Idaho, was the ideal location, so he excavated a cave for his abode.

Affectionately referred to as “Dugout Dick” by locals, Zimmerman constructed his cave home utilizing a shovel, pickax, and wheelbarrow. Moreover, he continued to dig additional similar structures. By the time of his passing in 2010, he had effectively created an entire town by hand using only basic tools.

Although Dugout was never the official landowner of the area he excavated, authorities acknowledged his historical significance, allowing him to remain until his death, after which the land was to revert to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Unfortunately, the BLM deemed the caves unsuitable for habitation and destroyed most of them.

Today, a small cabin and a memorial honor the craftsmanship and dedication of Dugout Dick.

18. Birch Creek Charcoal Kilns, Leadore

During the 1800s, a cohort of miners in the small town of Nicholia, located in Lemhi Valley, Idaho, required charcoal to operate their lead and silver mines. Consequently, they traversed 10 miles across the valley for this essential resource.

The miners constructed 16 furnaces from local clay, producing charcoal from regional wood, which was then transported back to the ore factory via horses and wagons. At its peak, this operation employed around 200 individuals, though it lasted less than three years.

Presently, only four original kilns remain in the vicinity, restored to their original dimensions of 20 feet high and 20 feet wide in 2000.

19. Eightmile Island, Coolin

One hundred years ago, traveling from Spokane, Washington, to Priest Lake, Idaho, required three days by train, horse-drawn carriages, and steamer. Today, this journey takes only a comfortable two-hour drive. The route retains much of its original charm, as does the lake.

Within this timeless, picturesque lake lies the 100-acre Eightmile Island, accessible only by boat. Originally owned by the Crenshaw brothers, who constructed a homestead cabin in 1897, the island changed hands multiple times after the brothers completed their mining operations.

The cabin, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is maintained by the descendants of the final owners, who provide private tours of the cabin with its in-house museum, a nine-hole golf course, and the whimsically named outhouse “Aunt Fanny.”

20. Yellowstone’s Zone of Death, Island Park

Within Yellowstone National Park, Idaho, lies a 50-square-mile segment that qualifies as a legal no-man’s land, devoid of permanent inhabitants or established roads. More crucially, this area lacks any legal jurisdiction, which complicates the charging of serious felons including murderers.

This anomaly arises from the Sixth Amendment, necessitating that jurors in a criminal trial must hail from the state and federal jurisdiction in which the crime occurred. In this instance, while the National Park is located in Wyoming, the 50-square-mile zone rests within Idaho’s boundaries.

Affectionately dubbed the “Zone of Death,” this area remains largely untouched, despite various attempts to rectify the ongoing legal ambiguities.