Idaho

The story of Idaho begins with its indigenous peoples, including the Nez Perce, Shoshone, and Bannock tribes. These Native American communities were the first to call this region home, and their legacy is still celebrated today in cultural events and tribal traditions.

In the early 19th century, fur trappers and explorers like Lewis and Clark ventured into Idaho. Their journals and maps helped open the region to further exploration and settlement. This era is evoked in the state's many historic sites and museums, such as the Lewis and Clark Expedition interpretive center in Salmon.

The mid-19th century brought the Oregon Trail, a vital route for pioneers seeking a better life in the West. Idaho's Snake River Canyon, often referred to as the "Grand Canyon of the West," provided both a barrier and a route for these settlers.

Today, you can explore the Oregon Trail's remnants and even witness the deep ruts left by wagon wheels at the City of Rocks National Reserve.