10 Jaw Dropping Facts About Idaho That Most People Don’t Know

Whether you grew up in Idaho or just moved here and think you know everything about Idaho, there's probably something you don't know.

Let's cover something you already know about Idaho. Idaho has snowy mountains, low valleys, beautiful lakes, and rivers, and it is known as the Gem State. It's also known for its apparent potatoes. 

Did you know that Idaho is a made-up word?

According to 1keydata.com, "When Congress was considering a name for present-day Colorado, lobbyist George Willing suggested the name "Idaho," claiming it was an Indian word that means "gem of the mountains." This name was not chosen for Colorado, but two years later, it was used when the Idaho Territory was created in 1863." 

I didn't know that, but I've only lived in Idaho since September 2022. So there's a good chance that you already know that the state insect is the Monarch butterfly, that the state tree is the Western white pine, and that the state dance is the square dance. 

Did you know that Idaho is the home of the world's largest beagle? 

That's right, and The Dog Bark Park Inn is the world's largest beagle and one of the state's most visited roadside attractions. If you have not heard about The Dog Bark Park Inn, it's a bed and breakfast, and you can stay there. 

Evil Knievel tried jumping Twin Falls. 

He attempted the .25-mile jump on a steam-powered skycycle in 1974. The canyon is 500 feet deep, and he didn't make the jump and only suffered a broken nose. 

If you keep scrolling, you can watch the footage from that jump.