10 Unique Historical Places You Absolutely Must Visit In Idaho
Idaho may not have the colonial foundation of our fellow American states back east, but our landscape and manmade historical structures have quite the story to tell about our past. Fortunately, while you can read all about our history in textbooks, scattered across our great state are dozens of Idaho historical landmarks that will allow you to experience, recreate, and remember Idaho’s past as though you were there.
Whether you are looking for a unique stop on a long summer road trip or simply a place to go learn more about the Gem State from a historical perspective, here are 10 Idaho historical sites you won’t want to miss.
Idaho has a number of beautifully restored train depots
scattered across the state, but Nampa's uniquely ornamented structure,
formerly a stop on the historic Oregon Short Line, is quite possibly the
most notable. Built in 1903, this stunning building was the sole reason
Nampa, Idaho came to be - the Oregon Short Line bypassed Boise 110
years ago and the city was built around it, growing the already
blossoming valley into the metro we know today.
Idaho's history is marred as well
as shaped by a number of bloody clashes between its native Indian
inhabitants, and the white settlers who surged through the state in
search of land, riches, and adventure. While today this stretch of
farmland in Preston is peaceful in appearance, the 1863 Bear River Massacre was actually the largest single Native American slaughter in American history.
Gruesome though it may be, the site is home to a monument, numerous plaques detailing the horrifying events that led to the massacre, and a beautiful tree nearby where visitors often place small relics and tributes in honor of the hundreds of Shoshoni who were slain. The tribe also gathers here every year to commemorate their fallen members.
Gruesome though it may be, the site is home to a monument, numerous plaques detailing the horrifying events that led to the massacre, and a beautiful tree nearby where visitors often place small relics and tributes in honor of the hundreds of Shoshoni who were slain. The tribe also gathers here every year to commemorate their fallen members.
The fin of this former attack
submarine rests in Arco, ID after being decommissioned in 2000 after 29
total stints in Washington, Hawaii, and South Korea, Japan, and more.
Often referred to as the "devil's boat" because of the SSN on its hull,
this "submarine in the desert" was dedicated to the town of Arco in
celebration of its Atomic Days. Nuclear propulsion for submarines began
in Idaho as well, which makes the marker an appropriate one for
Southeast Idaho. You can visit the sub as well as the Atomic Museum on your next trip through the area.
Red, white, and blue fly 24/7 in silent appreciation of the sacrifices of our state's military men and women at this cemetery in Boise.
Set against a beautiful backdrop of the lush Boise foothills, you can
honor those who have served as well as learn about their contributions.
It might seem strange to list an entire Idaho town as a historic landmark, but since every portion of Wallace
is listed on the National Historic Register, you can bet there's a good
reason. This former mining and logging town is bursting at the seams
with museums, historic buildings, and unique character. Check out the
Oasis Bordello or the District Mining Museum, explore Wallace's unique
historic stairs, or simply enjoy the scenery.
A vital part of the smelting and mining process in and around Leadore, ID, these beehive-shaped kilns
are each about 20 feet tall. There were once sixteen or so running
constantly, but the ruins of only four remain here. Other kilns can be
found throughout Idaho, but these are the best preserved.
Despite the classical architecture
and political design of Idaho's beloved capitol building — the structure
itself is unique in that it was built from locally-sourced sandstone.
The central dome rises over 200 feet, while the interior is shimmering
white marble that spreads below the lit oculus. Even more unique is that
Boise's stately building is the only one in America heated
geothermally. It is topped by a six-foot gold eagle. But, did you know
that Boise wasn't always Idaho's Capital City? It was actually Lewiston.
The birthplace of Sacajawea, a stop on the Lewis and Clark expedition, and the home of the Sacajawea Interpretive Center,
Salmon packs a lot of history into one small locale. The Center has a
quaint garden and numerous interactive displays for kids, families, and
adults, but you'll walk away knowing everything you've ever wanted to
know about Idaho's role in the expedition.
You won't read about Johnny Sack in
any Idaho history books, but he and his famous cabin go back over 80
years. A small-statured German immigrant and skilled woodworker, Johnny Sack
built his own cabin by hand. Tables, chairs, lamps, and walls were
crafted using an advanced technique that allowed him to leave the bark
on, which creates a unique texture and color. Total, the cabin took
three years to complete.
But the primary reason this quaint cabin gets such a great deal of attention is its unrivaled scenic location, as well as Johnny Sack's popular role in the community.
But the primary reason this quaint cabin gets such a great deal of attention is its unrivaled scenic location, as well as Johnny Sack's popular role in the community.
Once a small fur-trading outpost near the Snake River in 1834, Fort Hall
played a major role in the Oregon Trail as a central meeting place
where the California and Oregon Trails diverged. The original fort was
left to rot well over a century ago with its remaining materials hauled
away to use as firewood and to build nearby stores, but Pocatello's
replica revives the time period and provides educational opportunities.
How many of these Idaho historic landmarks have you visited? Are there other Idaho landmarks or historical sites that are must-visits in your town? Let us know in the comments!
If you are searching for even more Idaho historical landmarks where you can explore the good ole’ days in Idaho, check out our feature article featuring several sites that we consider a must-visit for any Idahoan or out-of-state guest.
Address: Bear River Massacre Site, Preston, ID 83263, USA
Address: Arco, ID 83213, USA
Address: 1200 Front St, Nampa, ID 83651, USA
Address: Forest Road 533, Forest Rd 533, Idaho 83464, USA
Address: 10100 N Horseshoe Bend Rd, Garden City, ID 83714, USA
Address: Salmon, ID 83467, USA
Address: Fort Hall Commemorative Trading Post, 3002 Avenue of the Chiefs, Pocatello, ID 83204, USA
Address: Island Park, ID, USA
Address: Wallace, ID 83873, USA
Address: 700 W Jefferson St, Boise, ID 83720, USA
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