8 Things Idaho Is #1 At

The statistics are finally in that prove Idaho is the best state in America.  

1.  Potato Production

Well of course we're #1 when it comes to anything with potatoes.  We harvest an average of 1.3 billion potatoes a year.  That's 30% more than Washington who comes in at #2.  If you're a potato chip or french fry lover... you're welcome!

2.  Protecting Our Wilderness

The largest roadless expanse of protected forest in the continental U.S. is right here in Idaho.  It's the Frank Church Wilderness.  2.3 million acres of rugged back country and waterways.

3.  Onion Production

So the potato was pretty much common sense but we're also #1 with onions.  We're actually tied with Washington at producing dozens of different kinds of onions.

4.  Trout Fishing

Did you know that over half of America's trout selection comes from Idaho?  I didn't, but it does.  It's a $58 billion industry which means Idaho's not just top dog in American but #1 in the world.

5.  Isolation From City Life

The largest remote wilderness area in the U.S. is the Owyhee Canyonlands which covers around 4,500 miles total.

6.  Gemstone Mining

They don't call us the Gem State for no reason.  Over 240 different precious metals have been found in Idaho.  Opals and Garnets are the most heavily mined minerals in our state and the Silver Valley alone has produced more than $4 billion dollars in precious metals since 1984.  We're one of the top ten mining districts in the world.

7.  Floating Rivers

We have over 3,100 miles of river water to float and let's face it... floating the Boise River is a right of passage here in Idaho.

8.  Relaxing

We're #1 in the country for living contentment and we also have the highest concentration of natural hot springs.  We all know that hot springs means... RELAXATION!