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FriMay 17

National Idaho Day – May 17, 2024

National Idaho Day is celebrated every year on May 17. It celebrates the joyful day in 1863 when Idaho was recognized as the 43rd state by the union. Today, the state is best known for its industries, forest cover, and tourism. On this day, Idahoans celebrate the day by showcasing the Gem State’s treasured past, flourishing present, and promising future. Celebrations are led by the Idaho Historical Society and proud citizens of the state. Schools and universities, state agencies, and other organizations also join in the merrymaking!

History of National Idaho Day

National Idaho Day celebrates the momentous occasion when Idaho was declared as the 43rd state to join the union in the year 1890. Since then, the Gem State has witnessed a wave of miners, traders, and missionaries making their way to its cherished lands.

Idaho is a state known for its natural beauty. It is home to the Rocky Mountains range, Snake River, and some of the deepest river gorges in North America. Hells Canyon National Recreation Area and Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve are some of the most visited destinations in the state by tourists and Idahoans alike. Hagerman’s Fossil Beds in Idaho is a vast lava field that was formed from prehistoric ancient volcanic activity. Paleontologists often flock to these fossil beds to study the well-preserved fossils of the yesteryears.

Idaho is also home to several modern-day inventions. Everything from lists of patents for improving printing presses to railroad technology comes from here! It was also in Idaho where Philo Farnsworth invented the necessary technology to bring the television to the mass market. In recent years, Idaho has gathered fame as a tourism and an agricultural state, and its commercial bases also include science and technology industries, which have become Idaho’s biggest pride.

Idahoans are proud of their state’s history and many achievements, and we can fully see why!

National Idaho Day timeline

March 4, 1863
Idaho is Born

Idaho is created by President Abraham Lincoln.

July 3, 1890
Idaho Gains Statehood

Idaho becomes the 43rd state to join the union and, on this day, it is officially recognized as a state.

1910
Year of “The Big Blowup”

The Great Fire of 1910 burns three million acres in North Idaho and Western Montana.

2009
The Olympics Comes to Idaho

Idaho hosts the Special Olympics World Winter Games.

National Idaho Day FAQs

What are people from Idaho called?

People from Idaho are called Idahoers or Idahoans.

What is Idaho known for?

Idaho is best known for its potato crop.

When is National Idaho Day celebrated?

National Idaho Day is celebrated every year on May 17.

How to celebrate National Idaho Day

  1. Take a trip to the museum!

    Museums are custodians of our past, and what better way to learn about Idaho’s history than visiting a museum? It is also a great way to learn more about the state’s cultural and scientific achievements.

  2. Visit one of many attractions of the state

    Like we mentioned before, Idaho is home to some stunning vistas. Pack a bag and set off for a vacation in Idaho with your loved ones. An escape to the Rocky Mountains or a quiet retreat by the Snake River is a perfect way to celebrate National Idaho Day.

  3. Make an all-potato dinner

    Yep, it’s exactly what it sounds like! Idaho is famous for its potato crops and the state is responsible for a third of the nationwide yield. Boil, mash, fry, or roast the humble potato and enjoy a hearty meal, Idaho style!

5 Facts About Idaho That Will Blow Your Mind

  1. It is the 43rd state

    Idaho officially became the 43rd state of the union on July 3, 1890.

  2. Idaho has a nickname

    Idaho is also known as ‘The Gem State’ due to the massive varieties of gems that are found in the state.

  3. ‘Here We Have Idaho’ is the state song

    ‘Here We Have Idaho’ is the state song of Idaho — it was created by Albert J. Tompkins, McKinley Helm, and Sallie Hume-Douglas.

  4. Boise is the capital city of Idaho

    Idaho has several great cities but the honor of being the state’s capital city is held by the city of Boise.

  5. The mountain bluebird is the state bird

    The state bird of Idaho is the mountain bluebird, which is a common sighting in Idaho.

Why we love National Idaho Day

  1. It is an important part of our history

    National Idaho Day celebrates the day when Idaho was first recognized as a state in 1890. National Idaho Day celebrates a key moment in American history when Idaho became the 43rd state of the United States of America.

  2. Because we love Idahoans!

    This is also the day when you tell the Idahoans in your life how much you love and appreciate them. You only have to do something as simple as sending them a text wishing them a happy National Idaho Day!

  3. It celebrates diversity

    Like any other state, Idaho is diverse in its cultures, geography, and food. National Idaho Day also celebrates the colorful diversity of this wonderful state.

National Idaho Day dates

YearDateDay
2024May 17Friday
2025May 17Saturday
2026May 17Sunday
2027May 17Monday
2028May 17Wednesday

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