Unveiling Idaho's Quirky Secrets: A Journey Through the Gem State's Intriguing Past and Wild Beauty

Idaho, often known as the Gem State for housing 72 types of precious stones, has a captivating history hidden within its breathtaking landscapes. From wild tales to stunning scenery, this rugged state is filled with unexpected surprises that weave an intricate fabric in American culture.

Begin your journey by exploring Idaho City (256 Main St, Idaho City, ID 83631), once home to more than 250 establishments during the Gold Rush era. With an enthralling opera house reminiscent of The Phantom of the Operas Palais Garnier and saloons like those featured in John Wayne movies or Robert Redford's Sundance Kid days, you'd be hardpressed not to feel transported back in time. For another taste of peculiar historyliterallytry eating ice cream made from frozen potatoes at one of Idaho Citys quirky diners steeped in local tradition.

Venture further into uncharted territory when you visit Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve (1266 Craters Loop Road, Arco, ID 83213). Described by President Calvin Coolidge as a weird and scenic landscape peculiar to itself, this place was used as a lunar training ground for Apollo astronauts such as Alan Shepard and Edgar Mitchell. As they walked through lava flows resembling moon craters amid volcanic rock formations animated against a panoramic sky worthy of Van Goghs Starry Night painting seriesit begs belief!

Pay homage to Ernest Hemingwaywho spent his final years hunting deer along Silver Creekwith a stop at Sun Valley Lodge (1 Sun Valley Rd., Sun Valley, ID 83353). The lodge originally opened its doors on December 21stan exact solstice date mentioned in Hemingways novel Across the River and Into Treesand it exudes rustic charm while immortalizing literary anecdotes from his dairy entries.

Next, explore Idaho's world of folk art (as quirky as Grandma Moses meets Bob Ross with a dash of Tim Burton) at the Dog Bark Park Inn (2421 Business Loop 95, Cottonwood, ID 83522). Sleep inside an enormous beagleshaped B&B and wake surrounded by breathtaking prairiestalk about slipping into a surrealist painting!

Dive deep into Nampas museumlike saltwater pool known as The Ramp or Indian Bathtub. The crystalline waters in this public bathhouse mirror Jules Verne's Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea with walls adorned by shipwrecked vesselsan immense experience that rivals any maritime adventure.

Hike your way to Fossil Butte National Monument (864 Chicken Creek Rd., Kemmerer, WY 83101), where remnants of ancient flora and fauna can tell tales more fascinating than historical annals. Discover fossilized fish dating back millions of years and ponder whether Jurassic Park left its mark here first!

Before we depart from our strange journey through Idaho's history books and wilderness canvaswe must pay tribute to the characterful Rexburg Mountain River Cave Dancehall! Carved entirely within lava rock akin to Tolkiens Middle Earth setting for Lord of the Rings Mines of Moriaa lively dance culture flourishes beneath chandeliers twinkling like stars in a perfect medley alongside local banjo tunes.

Whether it's diving headfirst into peculiar cuisines or sleeping amidst anthropomorphic architectureall while being flanked by nature worthy paintingsIdaho has plenty up its sleeve for those willing to embrace America's quirkiest state.

For additional information on these locations visit:

CratersOfTheMoonNationalMonument.org

SunValleyLodgeIdaho.gov

DogBarkParkInn.com

Follow them on Twitter at @CratersoftheMoonNPS, @SunValleyLodge, @DogBarkParkInn.