By Visit Idaho
From the dazzling star garnet to the iconic potato, each of Idaho’s state emblems reflects its unique identity and heritage. Take a tour of these symbols, which provide a deeper connection with the Gem State experience.
Easily identified by the males’ sky-blue plumage, the females’ paler coloring and their zig-zagging flight pattern, the mountain bluebird can be spotted in the northern areas of Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve, particularly from March to October. Rather than settling in trees, they prefer open grasslands and thrive in the lava field’s nooks and crevices, which offer an ideal nesting habitat.
The syringa blooms with clusters of delicate white flowers on its woody branches, releasing a citrusy scent reminiscent of fresh oranges. Named Philadelphus lewisii in honor of Meriwether Lewis, who documented it during his 1806 expedition, this fragrant flower flourishes from late May through July in the Boise National Forest and the canyons surrounding Anderson Ranch Reservoir near Mountain Home.
This rare, deep-plum gemstone, found only in Idaho and India, reveals a stunning star-shaped pattern that shimmers in the light when expertly cut. If you’re eager to unearth one yourself, head to Emerald Creek Garnet Area.
The Appaloosa is thought to have evolved from wild mustangs when the Nez Perce and Palouse tribes of Idaho, Washington and Oregon began selectively breeding for traits such as intelligence, speed and endurance. Renowned for their distinctive spotted coats, no two Appaloosas are alike, each as unique as a fingerprint. Dive deeper into the legacy of these magnificent steeds at the Appaloosa Museum.
With diving speeds of up to 200+ mph, the peregrine falcon holds the title of the world’s fastest animal. For an up-close encounter with these winged wonders, visit the World Center for Birds of Prey, where you can also learn about ongoing efforts to protect it and other raptors.
Emma Edwards Green is the only woman in the U.S. to design a state seal, and her artwork beautifully captures Idaho’s natural splendor along with its rich mining, agriculture and forestry industries. View the Great Seal on a guided or self-guided tour at the Idaho State Capitol, where it’s proudly displayed in the reception area of the Secretary of State’s office.
Sporting a deep blue background, the state flag is adorned with the state seal, which depicts a miner and a woman representing equality, liberty and justice. If you look closely, you’ll notice the Latin words “Esto Perpetua,” Idaho’s state motto, which translates to “Let it be perpetual.” The state flag is prominently showcased inside and outside the Idaho State Capitol.
Growing up to six inches long, Idaho Giant Salamanders are distinguished by their size as well as their large head and marble-patterned back. While active only at night, particularly when it’s warm and rainy, these creatures are often found under rocks, logs or bark in coniferous forests near streams, lakes and ponds. Explore the forested watersheds from Coeur d’Alene to the Salmon River if you’re hoping to spot one.
This dog-sized, burrowing herbivore with a seven-foot tail once roamed Idaho and parts of southwest Montana. See a skeleton of this prehistoric beast at the Idaho Museum of Natural History’s “Dinosaurs from the Mountain” exhibit.
Named for the distinctive reddish-orange coloration under its jaw, the cutthroat trout thrives in Idaho’s waters. Anglers can cast for three subspecies across the state: Westslope cutthroat trout in many rivers above Dworshak Dam, Yellowstone cutthroat in rivers draining into the Upper Snake River, and Bonneville cutthroat in the Bear River Watershed. Learn more about Idaho’s native trout species and start planning your angling adventure.
Discovered near the town of Hagerman in southern Idaho, the fossils of the Hagerman Horse date back nearly 3.7 million years. Scientists believe these ancient horses are closely related to modern-day zebras. This fascinating piece of history can only be seen inside the Thousand Springs State Park Visitor Center at the Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument.
A harmonious blend of sweet and tart, these little red-and-purple berries are a coveted delicacy since they take nearly two decades to mature. If you’re keen on foraging, set your sights on steep slopes and burned or heavily logged areas in mid- to high-elevation forests between mid-June and August. Prime picking locations include Coeur d’Alene National Forest, Priest Lake, Payette National Forest, Teton Valley and Schweitzer.
As the nation’s top potato producer, it’s fitting that Idaho’s state vegetable is the humble yet versatile spud. The state’s ideal combination of temperate climate and rich, volcanic soil yields an astounding 13 billion taters annually. While you’re here, get your potato fix and visit the Idaho Potato Museum, where you can marvel at the world’s largest potato chip and snap a pic with a giant baked potato.
The striking orange and black monarch butterfly is one of the most recognizable species in the U.S. Western monarchs, in particular, migrate through Idaho each fall on their way to the California coast, journeying as far as 3,000 miles. To see this marvelous insect up close, visit The Butterfly Haven, Idaho’s largest butterfly house.
Western white pines, with their brownish-gray bark and long needles grouped in bunches of five, can grow up to 175 feet tall and eight feet in diameter. These towering trees thrive in moist, shaded areas on northern slopes and along creek bottoms at elevations between 1,640 and 5,910 feet. See these giants in the Idaho Panhandle National Forests.
