Idaho

Though the name Idaho might inspire thoughts of potatoes, the "Potato State" is a wealth of beautiful parks and nature reserves. Idaho boasts a mountainous area larger than all of New England, and is part of the Rocky Mountains. It's no surprise that snow capped mountain ranges, tumbling rapids and waterfalls, expansive lakes and deep canyons inspired famous Idaho natives novelist Ernest Hemingway and poet Ezra Pound.

A state since 1890, Idaho has plenty to offer. Original home of the Nez Pierce tribe as well as the Shoshone, Idaho offers a chance to learn at Native American reservations. Famous for their feathered headdresses and Sacajawea of the Lewis and Clark expedition, the Shoshone Tribe can be visited at the Fort Hall Indian Reservation or at Duck Valley Reservation in Owyhee. Travelers can also visit the Nez Pierce Reservation at Lapwai.

Visitors can also check out an abundance of American historical museums such as the Lewis and Clark Discovery Center in Lewiston, or the Idaho State Historical Museum in Boise, the capital and largest city. When visiting Boise, vacationers will see sweeping mountains rising around the city's edges. The beauty of Idaho is visible everywhere and with over 20 lakes, 30 state parks and reserves, and a handful of wildlife refuges, visitors can find outdoor adventure almost anywhere.

Idaho is a fisher's paradise. Famous for its fishing, the lakes and rivers of Idaho feature 10 world-class blue-ribbon wild trout streams throughout the state. The variety of natural lakes provides both warm and cold-water fishing, and since most Idaho fishing waters are public domain, access is free! Idaho is also the only western state with ocean-run salmon and steelhead. State records include a 54 pound salmon!

Other sites to visit include Shoshone Falls in southern Idaho. Falling from heights greater than Niagara, Shoshone is a beautiful sight and the lake complex surrounding it makes for great hiking, picnicking and swimming. Hells Canyon is another stunning sight. Carved by the Snake River through western Idaho, and with no roads going over it, it's truly a natural beauty and a worthwhile adventure.

If visitors are looking for family-oriented fun in Idaho, don't miss the Silverwood themepark – the Northwest's largest theme park. Other fun spots include Roaring Springs Waterpark in Boise, Zoo Boise, Pocatello Zoo and Tautphaus Park Zoo in Idaho Falls.

Don't stress about booking the hotel for your Idaho vacation, Hotels.bz will see you through with a great list of budget hotels and luxury hotels with more in the middle, too!

For the best budget hotels try these gems:

Candlewood Suites Boise - Starting at $61 a night this hotel is near Boise Towne Square Mall and Hillcrest Country Club. Plus don't miss Boise State University and Idaho State Capitol Building.
Southern Fork Inn - Starting at $59 a night with easy access to Idaho Falls Idaho Temple, Colonial Theater, and Museum of Idaho. Take care to visit the nearby Tautphaus Park Zoo, too!
GuestHouse Lodge Sandpoint - Starting at $76 a night this hotel is near Panida Theater. Plus, the lodge offers easy access to Schweitzer Mountain Resort.

For mid-range hotels try these great hotels:

Oxford Suites Boise - Starting at $99 a night. Notable points of interest include Boise Towne Square Mall, Hillcrest Country Club, Idaho State Capitol Building and Boise State University.
Holiday Inn Idaho Falls - Starting at $118 a night this Holiday Inn is near the Tautphaus Park Zoo, Museum of Idaho, and Colonial Theater.
Schweitzer Mountain Resort - Starting at $149 a night and featuring great amenities like tennis courts, a bar, and an outdoor pool

If you're taking out all the stops, try these amazing luxury hotels with amenities to make you feel on top of the world: Hotel 43 Boise - Starting at $138 this downtown Boise hotel is near Boise Center, Idaho State Capitol Building, and Boise State University. Sports fans should check out Taco Bell Arena and Bronco Stadium
Hilton Garden Inn - Starting at $129 this hotel features easy access to Idaho Falls Idaho Temple, Colonial Theater, Museum of Idaho and Tautphaus Park Zoo.
- Starting at $225 a night and close to the beach in Dover, local attractions include Panida Theater. Easy access to Schweitzer Mountain Resort.