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Traveling in Idaho

Idaho

Perhaps best known for its "Famous Potatoes," Idaho's true nickname is "The Gem State" and is full of a kind of wild beauty that comes with snow-capped mountains, raging rivers, placid lakes, and dense forests. Agriculture mostly lies in the eastern part of the state, while the wilderness of northern and central Idaho consists of some of the state's greatest natural treasures, dotted with a few cities and college towns.

Regions

Idaho is a state that is split - north from south - by time zone as well as its contrasting landscapes. The northern part is characterized by mountains, lakes, forests and rivers, while the southern part largely consists of high-plains desert and farmland with a striking mountain backdrop. North and Central Idaho are commonly referred to as the "Idaho Panhandle" and are considered to be part of the Pacific Northwest in the Pacific time zone, while Southern Idaho is a part of the Intermountain West in the Mountain time zone.

Boise is Idaho's capital and largest city, and is the heart for the arts, culture, and history of the region. It has a thriving downtown filled with shops and restaurants, and is also a great home base for the outdoor activities available in the surrounding areas. Other city hubs include Coeur d'Alene amidst the mountains and lakes of the north, Idaho Falls and Shelley near the agricultural center of eastern Idaho, Moscow home to the University of Idaho, Stanley known for its outdoor activities in the Sawtooth Mountains, the younger city of Twin Falls, Pocatello home to Idaho State University, and Sandpoint known for its skiing and water-sports destinations.