The Gem State has it all: beauty (31 scenic highways carve their way through canyons, valleys and mountains); history (think Lewis and Clark and Sacagawea); and adventure (the Snake River offers the most raftable white water in the Lower 48). And across the entire state is the majesty of a night sky full of stars uncontested by artificial lights.
As National Public Radio puts it, “Idaho dims the lights for one of the best night skies anywhere.” That alone is enough to have visitors licking their lips in anticipation.
But whitewater rafting and dark skies aside, Idaho has unexpected thrills for groups. The state is home to more than 50 wineries and 1,200 acres of vineyards, and the literal fruits of the winemakers’ labors are receiving national acclaim.
The state’s 150 years of grape-growing points to its deep roots, and groups can check out spots in its four wine regions. The Northern Wine Region, located near Coeur d’Alene and Spokane, Washington, offers high-quality fruit wines, including some that feature local huckleberries.
If wine soothes your palate, Idaho’s hot springs soothe everything else. You can enjoy a soak in a developed site with modern amenities or seek out your own private pool tucked away at the end of a mountain path.
Finally, make sure your itinerary includes some of America’s most scenic towns—from Coeur d’Alene with its namesake emerald lake to Sun Valley, a luxury resort extraordinaire that’s home to the country’s first destination ski resort.
To get more details about the Gem State, contact Amy Alpers, Idaho Division of Tourism Development, or go to visitidaho.org.
Top photo by Idaho Tourism
Support for Courier articles provided by:
Carbon County Visitors Council
Cody Country Visitors & Convention Council
History Colorado
National Museum of Wildlife Art of the United States
North Dakota Tourism Division
Visit Cheyenne
