Idaho Scavenger Hunt
Idaho is a state shaped not just by mountains and rivers, but by mavericks and makers. From ancient volcanic plains to vast wilderness areas, it has always been a land of independence and adaptation. Long before statehood, native tribes thrived across its varied terrain—fishing in crystalline streams, crossing mountain passes, and gathering camas bulbs in meadows. Then came the fur trappers and prospectors, the homesteaders and canal diggers, all seeking to carve a life from the land.
The state’s history is not defined by one great city or a single river valley, but by a mosaic of small towns, bold experiments, and outsized ideas. This is the place where scientists split atoms to light the world, where smokejumpers parachute into flames, and where a daredevil tried to fly a steam-powered rocket across a canyon. Idaho’s past is punctuated with invention and grit—from wooden football domes and floating golf greens to roadside attractions shaped like beagles. Whether it’s the hum of a drag strip in a potato field or a mural-filled post office in a quiet farm town, Idaho wears its personality on its sleeve—humble, hardy, and often with a touch of mischief.
This scavenger hunt is a trail through that Idaho: the Idaho of mines and mills, bunkers and beets, rails and rivers. Some stories lie hidden beneath the surface, like the submerged grain elevator of American Falls. Others soar high above, like the sweeping arches of the Perrine Bridge. But all of them reflect a place where resourcefulness thrives and where every backroad has a tale to tell.
The photos and stories collected here are a fast and fun way to learn the explanations behind the quirks, the traditions and the secrets that make Idaho uniquely Idaho. What Idaho town hosts the oldest sled dog race in America? Solved. Where is the only building still standing that was robbed by Butch Cassidy and his Wild Bunch? A mystery no more. Where is the world’s largest man-made spirit animal? Identified. What was the highest dam in the world in 1925? Revealed.
Where Boise’s turf turned bold and blue, And football dreams came charging through. From junior champs to bowl game clout, They painted green tradition out. Opponents wince at crowd and chill— The spud state packs a mighty thrill.
Where Basque hands worked the shepherd’s trail, A fronton rang with curved ball sail. From boarding beds to feasting floor, Their heritage found city core. The echoes bounce from wall to wall— In jai alai’s rhythmic, bounding call.
With curves that gleamed like speeding chrome, It welcomed travelers far from home. Paradice drew each streamline line, To echo engines in design. Still howling neon runs the race— A Deco gem in stilled showcase.
Above the ground, a pool took flight, In Moderne curves of smooth cement white. A Bintz-built splash where kids once played, Before the lanes brought swim meets’ grade. Its egg-shaped charm still stands with pride, As Boise’s cool aquatic guide.
The Stagecoach King chose this to stop, Where Overland teams would swap and hop. A store, a house, a station stout, With travelers streaming in and out. At Stricker’s place the trail ran true, Where history lingers in wood and view.
With domes and marble from afar, Idaho aimed to raise the bar. From scagliola’s gleaming sheen, A statehouse fit for kings was seen. A bronze-capped dome, bold and grand— Still rules the seat of this proud land.