Interesting Facts About Idaho

Sharing is caring!

These interesting facts about Idaho for kids include that many precious gems are found in the state, one-third of all potatoes in the US come from here, and it’s home to the longest gondola ride in the world. Find some fun crafts, activities, and books for each state that will engage kids of all ages.

This is part of the 50 states unit study as we travel around America, learning about the history of each state. Check out these Idaho facts for kids below!

5 Interesting Facts about Idaho 

Idaho proudly sits in the northwest region of the United States. With its stunning mountainous landscapes, it shares borders with six other states, making it a key part of this diverse area.

The capital city, Boise, serves as the vibrant heart of Idaho, which ranks as the 39th most populated state in the US.

Idaho proudly achieved statehood in July 1890 and embraces the affectionate title of The Gem State, showcasing its rich natural resources and stunning scenic beauty.

Fact One: The state naturally harbors 72 types of precious gems.

There are many places you can find precious gems in the state of Idaho. You can even dig for star garnets in Emerald Creek Garnet Area with a permit. You can buy uncut, rough, or polished gems all over the state. 

Kids will love these fun gem activities to help them learn more about this natural resource:   

• DIY Glass Cracked Gems and Stones Jewelry
• How To Make Glass Glitter Magnets 
• My Book of Rocks and Minerals: book 
• Make Your Own Crystals for Kids 
• Gem Covered Suncatchers

Fact Two: One-third of all the potatoes in the United States are grown in Idaho 

Idaho is known for being one of the largest producers of potatoes in the United States. You can buy potato candy, souvenirs, and decorations in shops all over the state. Did you also know that Idaho is the lentil capital of the world and has one of the largest hop farms in the US?! 

Here are some fun crafts and activities for your kids to use to learn about potatoes:   

• Butterfly Potato Stamps
• Hot Potato Surprise Game 
• The Couch Potato: book 
• Maze Potato Plant Experiment for Kids 
• Potato Print Owl Craft for Kids 

Fact Three: The longest gondola in North America  

The Silver Mountain Resort in Kellogg is home to the longest gondola ride in North America. It’s 3.1 miles long and goes from the base of Kellogg mountain to the Mountain House where you can eat, listen to music, and enjoy the mountain top scenery. 

• Ski Lift Paper Plate Craft 
• Make Your Own Ski Lift
• The Adventure Friends: Ski Day :book 
• Ski Lift Challenge 
• Snow Foam Recipe 

Fact Four: Gold mining began in the 1860s

Idaho experienced a gold boom in the Boise Basin and Idaho City was settled in 1862. It became one of the biggest sources of wealth for the state and helped the state grow. 

Here are some fun crafts and activities for your kids to have some fun with gold: 

• Build a raft STEM challenge 
• Gold Rush Free Unit Study 
• Scavenger Scout: Rock Hound: book
• How to throw a Gold Rush party 
• Gold Rush Frame

      

 

Fact Five: The state fruit is the Huckleberry  

Huckleberries are picked from bushes in the mountains of Idaho and are put in pies, ice cream, syrups, sauces, marinades, candy, and more. They are small and round and look similar to blueberries. You can buy huckleberries and many other fruits at local farmer’s stands and markets during the summer and fall. 

Here are some fun fruit crafts and activities for your kids to enjoy: 

• Strawberry Barrettes Craft 
• Natural Fingerpainting with Blackberries or Huckleberries 
• Blueberry’s Blue Day: book 
• 3-Ingredient DIY Raspberry Puffy Paint
• DIY Blackberry Play Dough

More Idaho Resources:

• Famous Idaho Recipes 
• Idaho Books for Kids 
• Idaho Crafts for Kids 
• Fact File Sheets about Idaho

Interesting Facts about Other States:

• 5 Fun Facts about Iowa
• Learn about Mississippi
• Interesting facts about New Hampshire
• Tennessee Interesting Information

Sharing is caring!