Idaho (ID) is located in the northwestern United States and is known for its diverse natural landscape, which includes mountains, forests, and lakes. A popular attraction is Yellowstone National Park. Potato farming is vital to the state’s economy, as Idaho is the leading producer. The capital and largest city in Idaho is Boise. One interesting fact about Idaho is that it is the only state where all 72 known types of gemstones have been discovered.
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Table of Contents
Basic Information
Name Idaho Abbreviation ID Capital Boise Largest city Boise (Population: 235 421) Current time 16:47 Time zone MST (UTC-7) is in effect in most of the state, PST (UTC-8) is in effect in areas to the west and northwest. The state observes daylight saving time MDT (UTC-6) and PDT (UTC-7) Population 1,839,117 (#38 most populous US state) Area 83,745 sqmi (#14 largest US state) Admitted to the Union July 3, 1890 (#43 state to join) ⭐ Capital of Idaho
The capital of Idaho is Boise, which was founded in 1863 during the gold rush and ongoing territorial conflicts. The origin of the name Boise remains unclear to this day. It became the state capital on July 3, 1890, when Idaho was admitted to the Union. Prior to that, Boise had already served as the capital of the Idaho Territory.
🏙️ Largest City in Idaho
The largest city in Idaho is Boise, with a population of 235,421 in 2023. The second-largest city is Meridian with 134,801 residents, followed by Nampa, which has a population of 114,268.
🕒 Time in Idaho
The current time in Boise, Idaho is 16:47. Most of the state observes Mountain Standard Time (MST, UTC-7), switching to Mountain Daylight Time (MDT, UTC-6) during daylight saving time. Only a small area in northern Idaho follows Pacific Standard Time (PST, UTC-8), changing to Pacific Daylight Time (PDT, UTC-7) in summer.
🧑🤝🧑 Population of Idaho
As of 2023, Idaho had a population of 1,839,117, making it the 38th most populous state in the United States.
📍 Area of Idaho
The total area of Idaho is 83,745 sqmi, of which 82,908 sqmi is land and 837 sqmi is water. This makes Idaho the 14th largest state in the U.S.
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Fun Facts About the State of Idaho
🧩 Which States Border Idaho
Idaho borders six U.S. states. To the west is Oregon, to the northwest Washington, to the east Montana and Wyoming, to the southeast Utah, and to the southwest Nevada. In addition, Idaho has a 45 mi-long border with the Canadian province of British Columbia to the north.
📅 Date Idaho Joined the Union
Idaho joined the Union on July 3, 1890, becoming the 43rd state. It was formed from part of the original Idaho Territory.
📛 Idaho’s Nickname
Idaho’s official nickname is “The Gem State”, as the state is home to more than 70 gemstones and semi-precious stones, along with over 280 other minerals. The most famous is the star garnet, which is found only in Idaho and India.
Its second nickname, “The Potato State”, refers to the fact that about one-third of all potatoes grown in the USA come from Idaho.
⛰️ Highest Mountain in Idaho
The highest mountain in Idaho is Borah Peak in the Lost River Range, with an elevation of 12,668 ft.
🏞️ Rivers in Idaho
The longest river in Idaho is the Snake River, with a total length of 1,078 mi. Other major rivers include the Kootenai River (485 mi), Salmon River (425 mi), Bear River (348 mi), and Owyhee River (346 mi).
🎓 Universities in Idaho
The largest university in Idaho is Brigham Young University, founded in 1888 in Rexburg and attended by approximately 43,000 students. The second largest is Boise State University, with 24,000 students, followed by Idaho State University, which has about 12,000 students.
✉️ ZIP Codes in Idaho
Idaho is assigned the ZIP code range 832xx–838xx. A detailed map can be found in the article ZIP Codes in the USA, and you can look up a ZIP code for a specific address on the USPS website.
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Weather in Idaho
The best time to visit Idaho is during the summer, with pleasant temperatures and minimal rainfall. The weather is ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking and camping.
Spring in Idaho lasts from March to May and is characterized by highly variable weather. While March temperatures range from 36 °F to 54 °F, some days in May already exceed 68 °F. There are significant temperature differences between day and night. Rain is common at lower elevations, while snow can still fall in the mountains.
Summers in Idaho are warm, with temperatures ranging from 68 °F to 90 °F between June and August. The lowlands tend to be warmer, while temperatures in the mountains are cooler, creating favorable conditions for outdoor recreation. Most summer days are sunny, with minimal rainfall, although brief but intense thunderstorms may occur.
Fall in Idaho fully begins in October, with temperatures gradually dropping to between 32 °F and 48 °F in November. Rain becomes more frequent, and snowfall in the mountains is possible by October.
Winters in Idaho are cold, with temperatures from December through February typically ranging from 23 °F to 37 °F. In higher elevations, frost is more common and severe, with up to 30 cm of snowfall per month.
🌡️ Average Temperatures and Precipitation in Idaho
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What to See in Idaho
1️⃣ Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve
In southern Idaho, more than 1,178 sqmi of lava fields, craters, and volcanic tunnels stretch across a landscape that resembles the surface of the moon. Visitors to Craters of the Moon National Monument can walk along hiking trails that weave through the volcanic formations.
2️⃣ Shoshone Falls
Shoshone Falls, often referred to as the Niagara Falls of the West, are located on the Snake River in southern Idaho. Interestingly, Shoshone Falls, with a height of 212.0 ft, are actually taller than the American side of Niagara Falls, which drops from 167.0 ft. Visitors can view the falls from observation platforms. The best time to visit is in the spring, when water flow in the Snake River is at its peak.
3️⃣ Old Idaho Penitentiary
In the city of Boise, you can visit the historic Old Idaho Penitentiary, which operated from 1872 to 1973 and now serves as a museum. Visitors can tour the prison cells, execution chamber, and learn about the lives of well-known inmates. The museum’s exhibits also include historical weapons and other artifacts from the penitentiary’s operational years.
🗺️ Boise, Idaho
4️⃣ Yellowstone National Park
A small portion of Yellowstone National Park extends into Idaho and serves as a gateway to the park’s western section. This area is less crowded, making it ideal for peaceful exploration of geysers, hot springs, and other stunning landscapes. Those who want to explore more deeply can stay in campgrounds and hike along one of the many trails.
5️⃣ Silverwood Amusement Park
Silverwood is the largest amusement park in the northwestern United States, located northeast of the city of Spokane. The park features over 70 attractions, with the most popular being wooden and steel roller coasters that deliver a thrilling adrenaline rush. During the hot summer months, the adjacent Boulder Beach water park offers a refreshing escape.
🗺️ Athol, Idaho
6️⃣ Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument
Hagerman Fossil Beds is one of the richest fossil sites for mammals in North America, earning its designation as a national monument.
Its centerpiece is the visitor center, which features interactive exhibits and displays that offer a closer look at the remains of prehistoric animals more than 3 million years old. Several hiking trails surround the national monument, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
7️⃣ Salmon River
The Salmon River is one of the major undammed rivers in North America. It is a popular destination for kayaking, rafting, and fishing. Several campgrounds along the river offer visitors a unique chance to experience the wild nature of the state of Idaho. These campsites also serve as starting points for hiking and exploring nearby forests and canyons.
8️⃣ Kirkham Hot Springs
Idaho is known for its hot springs scattered across the entire state. The most famous of them is Kirkham Hot Springs, located northeast of Boise. These hot springs are accessible year-round and allow visitors to relax in natural pools of hot water while enjoying the surrounding scenery, which is mostly made up of mountains and rivers.
9️⃣ Lake Coeur d’Alene
The picturesque Lake Coeur d’Alene is located in northern Idaho, surrounded by forests and mountains. Visitors can enjoy great conditions for paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing, and other water sports. Those who prefer land-based activities can take advantage of hiking trails in the nearby mountains.
🔟 Boise River Greenbelt Trail
The Boise River Greenbelt is a trail approximately 30.0 mi long that runs along the Boise River and cuts through the city of the same name. This green trail is ideal not only for cyclists but also for hikers. Along the route, several interesting parks and cultural landmarks can be found. The parks make great stops for families with children.
🗺️ Boise, Idaho
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Largest Cities in Idaho
The table shows the ten largest cities in the state of Idaho in 2025, based on data from the federal agency United States Census Bureau, whose primary task is conducting the national census.
City County Population 1 Boise Ada 235,421 Map of Boise 2 Meridian Ada 134,801 Map of Meridian 3 Nampa Canyon 114,268 Map of Nampa 4 Caldwell Canyon 68,336 Map of Caldwell 5 Idaho Falls Bonneville 68,001 Map of Idaho Falls 6 Pocatello Bannock, Power 58,064 Map of Pocatello 7 Coeur d’Alene Kootenai 56,894 Map of Coeur d’Alene 8 Twin Falls Twin Falls 54,943 Map of Twin Falls 9 Post Falls Kootenai 44,798 Map of Post Falls 10 Rexburg Madison 39,975 Map of Rexburg -
Sports Teams in Idaho
🏒 Hockey (NHL)
There is no NHL team based in Idaho.
🏈 American Football (NFL)
No team from Idaho plays in the NFL.
🏀 Basketball (NBA)
There is no NBA team from Idaho.
⚾ Baseball (MLB)
Idaho does not have a team in Major League Baseball (MLB).
⚽ Soccer (MLS)
Idaho is not represented in Major League Soccer (MLS).
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State Symbols of Idaho
Idaho’s state symbols honor the state’s heritage and culture. Below is a selection of some of them.
State Flag of Idaho
The first version of the Idaho state flag was adopted in 1907. It features the state seal on a blue field, complemented by a red and gold decorative banner with the inscription “State of Idaho”. Modifications to the flag occurred in 1927 and 1957, when the design of the state seal was slightly changed.
State Seal of Idaho
Idaho’s state seal was adopted in 1863 and was redrawn several times even before the state joined the Union in 1890. At the center of the seal are a miner and a woman, representing equality, liberty, and justice. They are surrounded by natural resources, mines, forests, farmland, and wildlife.
State Vegetable
Idaho is one of the leading potato producers in the United States. Since 2002, the potato has been recognized by law as an official state symbol, thanks to the efforts of fourth-grade students from Grand View Elementary School.
State Flower
Idaho’s official flower is the Lewis’ mock orange (Philadelphus lewisii), a plant that can grow up to 10 ft tall and typically grows in full sun along forest edges.
State Fish
Since 1990, the Yellowstone cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii) has been one of Idaho’s state symbols. It can be found in various regions throughout the state.
State Bird
In 1931, the mountain bluebird (Sialia currucoides) was designated as one of Idaho’s state symbols. It inhabits higher elevation areas.
State Amphibian
In 2015, the Idaho giant salamander (Dicamptodon aterrimus) was officially recognized as the state amphibian. It can grow up to 33 cm and is typically found in moist coniferous forests.
State Tree
Since 1935, the state legislature has recognized the western white pine (Pinus monticola) as the official state tree. It is found in northern Idaho.
State Gemstone
The official gemstone of Idaho, designated in 1967, is the dark red to purple garnet with a white star, typically with four or six rays. Known as the “Star Garnet”, it is found only in Idaho and India—nowhere else in the world.
State Horse Breed
Idaho is among the states that officially recognize a state horse breed. Since 1975, it has been the Appaloosa, which began to be bred in North America in the 16th century after being brought across the ocean by the Spanish.
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