By Sabah Karimi
Idaho is the 13th largest state in the
United States and has been nicknamed both the "Gem State" and the "Potato State" because it produces over 70 different types of precious and semi-precious stones, and thousands of pounds of potatoes every year. Idaho's capital city of Boise boasts several attractions and historic sites, but there are also a number of fun and interesting places to explore in Shoshone, Blackfoot and Horseshoe Bend. Whether you're heading through Idaho for a road trip or visiting the state for a vacation, you can explore several fascinating attractions and sights.
Shoshone Indian Ice Caves
Make your way to Shoshone, Idaho, to see the world's largest outdoor refrigerator. The caves are so cold that there is ice on the floors for most of the year. The caves are located approximately 17 miles north of the center of Shoshone, and visitors can take a self-guided walking tour of the caves to see the legendary landmark firsthand.
Shoshone Ice Caves
1561 North Highway 75
Shoshone, Idaho 83352
(208) 886-2058
Horseshoe Bend
If you enjoy exploring the great outdoors, head to Horseshoe Bend to ride down Payette River with a tour from Thunder Mountain Line tour operators. The guided tour will take you around the mountains, meadows hills and over the valleys of Horseshoe Bend, so you can enjoy the natural scenery and ride the old railroad tracks. The tour includes a trip through the shortest railroad tunnel in the country.
Thunder Mountain Line Depot
120 Mill Road
Horseshoe Bend, Idaho 83629
(208) 793-4426
thundermountainline.com
World's Largest Potato Chip Exhibit
The world's largest potato chip is on display at the Idaho Potato Expo center located in an old railroad station off Highway 91. Head to Blackfoot, Idaho, to visit the Idaho Potato Expo and see the world's largest Styrofoam potato up close, have your picture taken next to the world's largest potato chip made by the Pringle's Company, and sample some potato ice cream and other potato-flavored snacks. Your admission fee includes a complimentary box of hash browns.
Idaho Potato Expo
130 Northwest Main Street
Blackfoot, Idaho 83221
(208) 785-2517
potatoexpo.com
Miner's Hat Realty Building
A popular roadside attraction, the Miner's Hat Realty Building is shaped like a giant miner's hardhat and features a large lamp on the top that lights up at night. The building serves as an office building for a local real estate company, and is a working facility that has been serving the Silver Valley for over 40 years. Visitors can visit this attraction on their road trip through the city of Kellogg, Idaho.
Miner's Hat Realty Building
300 East Cameron Avenue
Kellogg, Idaho 83837
(800) 328-0856
minershatrealty.com
Pepsi GoldRush Tubing Hill at Bogus Basin Mountain
Hit the mountains for a skiing, snowmobiling or tubing adventure at Bogus Basin. The resort is located in Boise, Idaho, and features dozens of activities for skiers and outdoor recreation enthusiasts of all ages. Bogus Basin Mountain boasts a 1,800-foot vertical drop, a 5,800-foot base elevation and has an average snowfall of about 200 inches per year. The Pepsi GoldRush Tubing Hill is open on select days of the year during winter season.
Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area
2600 Bogus Basin Road
Boise, Idaho 83702
(208) 332-5100
bogusbasin.org
Resources
About the Author:
Sabah Karimi is a professional web and print copywriter with an educational background in Business Administration and Marketing from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. She writes in several niches including travel, fashion, beauty, health, fitness, lifestyle and small business. Karimi received a Top Content Creator Award from Demand Studios in 2009.
