Idaho, the laid-back land of lakes and natural beauty, has enough fascinating destinations to fill an entire book. From world-class ski resorts to wineries to hot springs to amusement parks and casinos to deep gorges and canyons, Idaho has something to offer everyone. The following destinations are some of the most interesting places in Idaho; use the links provided to find out more.
Boise, Idaho's capital and largest city, is home to about 200,000 people. Although the city boasts Idaho's largest metropolitan area, it has a relaxed vibe to it. Spend your days strolling through the capital's museums and 19th century architecture, and enjoy your evenings taking in the arts and culture scene at quaint coffee shops.
Sun Valley, with the claim of being North America's first ski resort, is one of Idaho's most popular tourist destinations. The resort, open for skiing from November to April, is a favorite holiday spot for many of Hollywood's rich and famous. Open daily during the ski reason from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the resort has more than 2,000 skiable acres and a top elevation of 9,150 feet. The city nearest the resort is Ketchum. Find rates for day passes and season passes at www.sunvalley.com.
Set your eyes on scenic vistas and North America's deepest river gorge in this 652,448-acre park on the border of Idaho and Oregon. For the outdoor enthusiast, Hell's Canyon National Recreation Center offers hundreds of trails for hiking, trekking and horseback riding. Float down the calmer areas of the Snake River or take an intense whitewater rafting trip through Class III and IV rapids.
A jewel of the Pacific Northwest, this city is situated along one of Idaho's most beautiful lakes. Originally a mining and timber town, Coeur d'Alene is now a popular tourist destination. There are no less than 18 golf courses in the area, and the whole family can enjoy theme parks and river cruises. The floating boardwalk at the Coeur d'Alene Resort's marina is the longest in the world, and you can find things to do in the area year-round. Check out www.coeurdalene.org for more information.
There you can see the famous 48-foot tall, 40-pound balanced rock. The rock has been carved by the wind. This site is a great place for a picnic, and if you're interested in floating down Class I and II rapids, head to the nearby Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir. There you can enjoy trout fishing, camping, hiking and rock climbing.
