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| Rick Shaffer, Prime Minister of Historic Wallace, Idaho. Photo Courtesy Historic Wallace Chamber of Commerce |
These states are magnificent all year round but there is something truly magically about visiting them during the winter. With snow-capped mountains, wildlife roaming endless plains and a myriad of seasonal activities to enjoy, Idaho and North Dakota truly put the wonder into winter.
When travel to these states is once again possible, we know we will be heading straight to their breath-taking national parks, their historic sites that bring to life past and current Native American culture and booking some exciting outdoor activities. But for now, let’s hear from the locals, discover ways to enjoy these regions during the colder months and uncover the gems of their capital cities.
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Meet the locals – Idaho’s Rick Shaffer
Like the famous mining town he calls home, Rick Shaffer is inviting, quirky and unapologetically proud of his community. So much so that he’s the self-appointed “prime minister of hospitality and goodwill” of Historic Wallace, Idaho – the small town bold enough to claim the title of "Center of the Universe." Boasting a 100-plus-year run as the world's largest silver producer, Wallace and residents like Rick welcome visitors to experience the area’s unique perspective.Rick’s background in hospitality brought him to Wallace via New York City to manage properties including The Wallace Inn and Stardust Motel. Encouraged by Wallace’s colourful history and culture – including mining wars, gambling, and brothels – Rick decided to stay permanently and is nearing three decades as a Wallace resident.
Inspired to “do whatever it takes to keep Historic Wallace in the public eye,” the idea of the prime minister was born.
“My creating this now-universal self-appointment was sown in the knowledge that any entity that wishes to remain famous or known has to be unique. Historic Wallace is about fun and creating memories. I take it upon myself that whomever I come into contact with leaves Historic Wallace with all of this and more,” Rick said.
Winter in Idaho
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| Photo credit: Cooper Morton/Courtesy of Sun Valley Resort |
Sun Valley Resort is a scenic, 2 hour road trip from Boise, and a truly magical winter stay. With its close proximity to the almost lift- line free slopes on Bald and Dollar mountains, a 26, 000 square-foot family center and exciting range of dining options, ski and boarding devotees will be dreaming of returning here for the snow season as soon as its possible to do so.
While in Sun Valley, push your outdoor activity limits with fat biking, snowmobiling, and even paragliding. Looking to take a more relaxing approach to Idaho? Sun Valley will not disappoint! Maybe a spa day or a horse-horse drawn sleigh ride are more to your liking or simply kicking back at the Resort as celebrities have done for decades.
Check out Sun Valley’s Number 1 announcement video
Winter Tubing: Love the slopes but not the world’s greatest skier? The solution is winter tubing. Visitors should head to Bogus Basin and tackle the Pepsi Goldrush Tubing Hill, an 800 ft. downhill thrill. The best part is the conveyor-lift back to the top making it easy to slide down the mountainside all over again! An ideal group activity.
Enjoy the Capital Delights of Boise
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| Image: Idaho Streets in Boise, credit Idaho Tourism. |
Find out below four fun ways to spend some time in Boise:
Idaho Botanical Garden: Located at what was once one of the Idaho State Penitentiary yards it has gone through a major transformation thanks to community effort. The Idaho Botanical Garden has continued to grow since its establishment in 1984. The garden features 14 specialty gardens, with each landscaped space having a unique focus. The botanical garden also includes an heirloom Rose Garden, with more than 300 different roses in 107 varieties. Make sure to spend a moment enjoying the natural beauty of Idaho by biking through the Boise River Greenbelt which flows through the area weaving across the town. The spectacular tracks stretch for 25 scenic miles.
World Center for Birds of Prey: Make a note to visit the World Center for Birds of Prey. Here visitors can get up close and personal with the fascinating birds, and even see raptors in action during the flight shows. It is a great chance to learn more about the fantastic work they do conserving raptors around the world.
The Basque Block: The Basque Block in downtown Boise is the epicenter of Basque culture in the area. Expression of Basque Country culture is evident in the language, food, dance, and art celebrated by the region. When visitors travel to the Basque Block the first thing they notice is the variety of architectures, vivid colours, its charm and diversity. The Basque Block has four restaurants, with several neighbouring ones, the Basque Museum and Cultural Center, The Basque Center and the Basque Market. Be sure to pop into the Museum as its tours will help gain a greater appreciation of the area’s rich culture and traditions.
Freak Alley Gallery: Boise is home to the largest outdoor gallery in the Northwest. Freak Alley Gallery connects local artists, giving them space to create a collective masterpiece extending along the walls of an alley in downtown Boise.
The Old Idaho Penitentiary: Built in 1870 of hand-cut sandstone, it housed inmates for more than a century before turning into a museum and state historic site. "Old Pen," includes 30 historical structures and educational exhibits. Visitors can tour the facility to see jail cells, the Gallows, and the Solitary Confinement area. The Old Idaho Penitentiary also hosts events throughout the year, including paranormal investigations and cemetery tours.
Idaho Botanical Garden: Located at what was once one of the Idaho State Penitentiary yards it has gone through a major transformation thanks to community effort. The Idaho Botanical Garden has continued to grow since its establishment in 1984. The garden features 14 specialty gardens, with each landscaped space having a unique focus. The botanical garden also includes an heirloom Rose Garden, with more than 300 different roses in 107 varieties. Make sure to spend a moment enjoying the natural beauty of Idaho by biking through the Boise River Greenbelt which flows through the area weaving across the town. The spectacular tracks stretch for 25 scenic miles.
World Center for Birds of Prey: Make a note to visit the World Center for Birds of Prey. Here visitors can get up close and personal with the fascinating birds, and even see raptors in action during the flight shows. It is a great chance to learn more about the fantastic work they do conserving raptors around the world.
The Basque Block: The Basque Block in downtown Boise is the epicenter of Basque culture in the area. Expression of Basque Country culture is evident in the language, food, dance, and art celebrated by the region. When visitors travel to the Basque Block the first thing they notice is the variety of architectures, vivid colours, its charm and diversity. The Basque Block has four restaurants, with several neighbouring ones, the Basque Museum and Cultural Center, The Basque Center and the Basque Market. Be sure to pop into the Museum as its tours will help gain a greater appreciation of the area’s rich culture and traditions.
Freak Alley Gallery: Boise is home to the largest outdoor gallery in the Northwest. Freak Alley Gallery connects local artists, giving them space to create a collective masterpiece extending along the walls of an alley in downtown Boise.
The Old Idaho Penitentiary: Built in 1870 of hand-cut sandstone, it housed inmates for more than a century before turning into a museum and state historic site. "Old Pen," includes 30 historical structures and educational exhibits. Visitors can tour the facility to see jail cells, the Gallows, and the Solitary Confinement area. The Old Idaho Penitentiary also hosts events throughout the year, including paranormal investigations and cemetery tours.
Did you know?
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| Wildlife at Hells Canyon, credit Idaho Tourism |
When it comes to Idaho there is definitely more than potatoes! Get your travel trivia facts about this great state here:
For more information on Idaho, visit VisitIdaho.org.
- Idaho has the official nickname ‘the Gem State’ thanks to the 72 different precious and semi-precious gems have been discovered here.
- The State Capitol Building is the only one in the U.S. heated by geothermal energy. The source of the heat is the hot springs located 3,000 feet underground.
- Idaho became a territory on its own in 1863 and in 1890 was named the 43rd state.
For more information on Idaho, visit VisitIdaho.org.
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