Idaho's history is rich in texture, from the early pre-eminence of American Indians to the pioneer fur trappers, miners, loggers, railroad builders and farmers who later settled the territory. This rich heritage can still be discovered today.

The state sits on the western side of the continental divide of the Rocky Mountains. Northern Idaho has the greatest concentration of lakes in the west and evergreen forests abound.

The Salmon River bisects the rugged Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness and provides some of the world's best whitewater kayaking and rafting. The Sawtooth Wilderness Area and the White Cloud peaks provide additional recreational opportunities. World-famous Sun Valley is between these mountains. Hells Canyon, North America's deepest river gorge, lies on the state's western border, overlooked by the Seven Devils Mountains.

In Idaho's southwestern corner are the tallest sand dunes on the continent, in Bruneau Dunes State Park. In the south central region is the Craters of the Moon National Monument, where America's astronauts trained for moonwalks.

Idaho is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with 16 alpine ski areas, over 320km (200 miles) of groomed nordic trails, over 11,500km (7,200 miles) of groomed snowmobile trails, numerous lakes and reservoirs, fishing streams, several dozen state parks and national forests.