You can fulfill your Gold Rush dreams at Seven Devils Mining District in Idaho, a rich rockhounding area for contemporary geology buffs. "Rockhounding" is the colloquial term for amateur geology, but we won't judge if you want to go full old-school miner -- hat and all!
Much of Idaho's land is owned and managed by the National Forest Service, which means it's open for private rockhounding and collecting, but be sure to verify the rules of the area you visit first.
Idaho, it turns out, is one of the most mineral rich states in the U.S. Though Idaho has a long history of industrial gold mining, there are many other precious and semi-precious gemstones and rocks to be found in its fertile territory.
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Some of the most commonly found gems and stones in Idaho are garnets, opals, geodes, quartz, and jasper.
If you're new to rockhounding and collecting, there are a number of Idaho based groups you can join to learn more and hone your skills in a supportive setting.
Many small scale miners note that the landscape is constantly changing. Resources in one area can quickly become depleted due to heavy interest and mining. Be sure to research the area first and have permission from the landowner to utilize your tools.
It's easy to get caught up in the pursuit of gems, but don't forget to enjoy the natural beauty of the Seven Devil's Mountains along the way.
Idaho's Seven Devil's Mountains have a rich geological history and have been used to mine precious stones and gems for many years. Whether you're interested in exploring the land history of the United States, or in snagging a few shiny souvenirs for yourself, you won't forget your visit to Seven Devils Mining District in Idaho.
Do you ever wonder what life is like on a working ranch? What does a list of daily chores look like? What is it like to spend the day on the back of a horse? You will find the answer to all of these questions and many more when you visit McGarry Ranches in southeastern Idaho. This unique destination lets you experience life on a working cattle ranch. It may be an experience full of hard work but it’s also one full of satisfaction, excitement, and unforgettable moments.
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McGarry Ranches is actually two ranches in the upper Snake River Valley and along the South Fork of the Snake River.
This ranch is owned by Theron McGarry, a fourth-generation farmer. He is the founder behind the guest ranch where you can experience a day as a cowboy.
Throughout certain times of the year, McGarry Ranches welcomes guests to stay for a week and perform the chores and duties typical of cowboys and ranchers. Depending on the time of year, these activities could range from calving and branding to gathering and moving cattle.
You’ll want to be ready for some hard, but rewarding work. You may rope cattle and fix fences. You may even doctor cattle if needed.
Plus, most of your work will be spent riding Quarter Horses. You will be paired with a horse for the duration of your stay.
During this experience, you’ll stay in a log cabin. Breakfast is served at 7 a.m. and then you’ll get right to work. The day typically ends around 5:30 p.m. There is wireless internet, small refrigerators, a library of books, and a TV to enjoy during your down time. However, don’t be surprised if you are too tired for many of these activities. After a day of hard work, you may just want to go to bed.
Only 10 guests can work on the ranch each week and don’t be surprised if you make lifelong friends during your stay. You will visit from Monday through Saturday, with checkout on Sunday. The cost of your stay will include all of your meals, lodging, and use of the horses and other equipment. There is also a shuttle from the Idaho Falls Airport for an additional fee if needed.
You can become a true cowboy, if only for a week, at McGarry Ranches in Idaho. There’s no place quite like it in southeastern Idaho.
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For more information and to book your experience, visit the McGarry Ranches website. Make sure to follow the McGarry Ranches Facebook page as well.
Have you ever visited McGarry Ranches in Idaho? If so, what was your experience like? Let us know in the comments. And, of course, if you need some gear before you go, consider checking out REI and Backcountry.
This Idaho High School Is Among The Most Haunted Places In The Nation
Pocatello High School in Idaho is considered one of the most haunted high schools in the nation, with numerous reports and video evidence of paranormal activity.
Located in southeastern Idaho, Pocatello is one of the most historic cities in the Gem State. The area was first developed by fur trappers in the early 19th century and continued to see massive growth during the Gold Rush of the 1860s. It's fair to say that Pocatello has an unbelievably rich history. In fact, the town's extensive history may play a part in the fact that it's considered one of the most haunted places in Idaho. However, one of the creepiest locations in this southeastern city is Pocatello High School. Thanks to video footage and various report, Pocatello High School is considered one of the most haunted high schools in Idaho and maybe even the entire country.
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Pocatello is full of supposedly haunted places that are worth checking out if you're a paranormal enthusiast. However, Pocatello High School may just be the most haunted. In fact, some would say it's one of the most haunted places in the nation and there's a video to prove it.
Back in 2014, security footage from Pocatello High School went viral. The footage was taken during the school's winter break when not a soul was supposed to be in the building. However, the video shows a mysterious shadowy figure that walks in and out of the bathroom and then down the hallway. Meanwhile, the hallway's lights flicker on and off.
The figure is definitely not a person ... but it moves like a person. The video caused a lot of excitement among ghost hunters and some news stations even picked up on the story. If you scour the internet, you'll find that a lot of people deem the video as some of the best "ghost footage" ever captured.
The reason so many people believe the figure in the video is actually a ghost is because Pocatello High School, for quite some time, has had a reputation for being haunted.
Both faculty and students agree that there's something off about the building. Toilets randomly flush, doors mysteriously close, and some have reported either seeing or feeling the presence of an apparition. But what exactly is haunting the school? Pocatello High School was originally constructed in 1892. In 1914, the school burned to the ground and had to be reconstructed. It's safe to say that many of the school's structures boast a long history and they make for the perfect setting for a ghost story.
Many people believe that the school's ghost is the spirit of a girl who killed herself in the school sometime between 1930 and 1950. It's believed that the girl made a suicide pact with her friend and the next day she hanged herself from her locker. However, the friend didn't go through with it.
Some say they can still smell the strong scent of the girl's favorite perfume lingering in the air at random times. Others have even reported seeing an apparition of a young girl wandering the hallways. Although the story of the girl hasn't been confirmed, there have been at least six confirmed deaths at Pocatello High School.
Pocatello High School may very well just be one of the most haunted places in the nation and is likely the most haunted high school in Idaho. After all, it has the stories and video footage to prove it!
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Be sure to take a look at the YouTube video below and decide for yourself whether or not there's something paranormal in this security footage.
haunted places near me
Did you know about the haunted history of Pocatello High School? Were you aware of the Pocatello High School deaths? It's no wonder this school is considered one of the most haunted places in Idaho.
What is one of your favorite haunted places in Idaho to visit? Do you believe Pocatello High School is haunted? Tell us all about it! Share with us your experiences in the comments below.