Idaho scenery does not lack diversity, according to Laurie McConnell, senior tourism communications specialist at the Idaho Division of Tourism Development.
“We offer everything from desert canyons to lush fields, and to rugged mountains, free-standing sand dunes, roaring rivers, crystal lakes and vibrant urban districts.”
The state’s options for tour stops are diverse, too. She recommends these three:
- “The town of Wallace, in northern Idaho, is the self-proclaimed center of the universe.” The entire town is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, and local tours teach visitors about Wallace’s mining history and the Big Burn of 1910, which is thought to be the largest wildfire in U.S. history.
- Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve was designated an International Dark Sky Park in 2017. The designation recognizes places around the world that have taken steps to preserve natural darkness, so visitors can expect to see stars. The park offers ranger-led full moon hikes in the summer, and its popular Star Parties in the fall and spring.
- “The new Idaho State Museum, formerly the Idaho Historical Museum, just reopened after four years of renovation and expansion,” says McConnell. The Boise attraction relaunched in October, and it now features 46 interactive experiences that illustrate Idaho’s natural and human history.
For more about Idaho tourism, reach out to Sarah Flick, tourism specialist, or go to visitidaho.org.
Top photo: Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve
Photo by Visit Idaho
Support for Courier articles provided by:
Black Hills & Badlands Tourism Association
Cody Country Visitors & Convention Council
Colorado Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau
Explore Logan, Utah
History Colorado
Royal Gorge Bridge and Park
