Idaho is the best state, there's no question about it.
Beautiful, varied, full of life and adventure... But we finally have the stats to prove just how awesomely special our little slice of Heaven is. From our top-ranking agriculture to our stunning landscape that beats out the competition, Idaho does it right.
1. Potato production.
You knew it would be on here! Idaho harvests an annual average of 1.3 billion potatoes, 30 percent more than our closest competition, Washington. The world can thank us for french fries and potato chips.
2. Protecting our wilderness.
The Frank Church Wilderness is the largest roadless expanse of protected forest in the continental US. 2.3 million acres of rugged, unspoiled back country and waterways to be exact!
3. Onion production
Often overshadowed by our other renowned tuber, few people realize that Idaho ties for first place with Washington when it comes to producing dozens of varieties of onions.
4. Trout fishing.
Over 50% of the nation's trout selections come straight from Idaho. It's a $58 billion industry, which also means Idaho is the largest trout producer in the world.
5. Isolation from city life.
The Owyhee Canyonlands are the largest remote wilderness area in the lower forty-eight as well, covering around 4,500 square miles total.
6. Gemstone mining.
We're known as the Gem State for a reason! Over 240 varieties of precious minerals have been found in Idaho, with Opals and Garnets being our state's most heavily mined gems. In fact, the Silver Valley alone has produced more than $4 billion in precious metals since 1884, making Idaho one of the top ten mining districts in the world.
7. Floating rivers.
With over 3,100 miles of riverways, Idaho tops the country in the ability to take a scenic boat ride through the trees.
8. Relaxing.
Not only is Idaho ranked at the top of the country for living contentment, but we also have the highest concentration of natural hot springs in the US. We really know how to take it easy here!
Idaho gets overlooked for quite a few accolades, but if you weren’t convinced before that Idaho is pretty incredible, hopefully you are now!
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