Table of Contents:
The Madison Library District in Rexburg, Idaho, is full of unplumbed
treasures just waiting to be discovered. One of its best-kept secrets is the
section devoted completely to Idaho. Here you can find books on Lewis and
Clark, the Grand Teton Mountains, Craters of the Moon, and even books about
quaint, little Idaho towns, like,
Ririe: You Just Thought You Were
Lost.
While most people think of potatoes when they think of Idaho,
there's a lot more to this beautiful state than just the Russets.
Southeastern Idaho is especially rich in unique and rather
unexpected sites to visit. Amongst the sagebrush and potato
fields are geological wonders and man-made
curiosities that are definitely worth exploring.
Rexburg, Idaho is a town divided between the born-and-bred
Idahoans and the come-and-go students at Brigham Young
University-Idaho. For those who are just becoming acquainted
with the beauties of Southeastern Idaho, this page will give
you a good starting point to begin your explorations. Since
you're going to be here for the next four, or five, or six
years, you might as well learn some of the history and see
some of the sites while you're here.
For those of you who have lived here your whole life and still
haven't been to visit Bone, or haven't been to Craters of the
Moon since that field trip when you were in elementary school,
this is your chance to read up on Idaho history and get out
and really discover the land you call home.
On this page you'll find websites with all kinds of fun
and useful information about Idaho. Also included are
various books designed to inform you on what's here to see,
enlighten you on the history, and provide pictures and maps
to lead you on your journey. Encyclopedias, periodicals,
and atlases are also included to really flesh out your
understanding of this great state. After delving into the
Idaho Collection and spending some quality time in the car,
whether you're a native or a newcomer, you should be an
authority on sights to see in southeastern Idaho.
Subject Headings & Browsing Areas:
The Madison Library District has a whole section completely devoted to
materials about Idaho. So, if you're looking to get started on your
exploration of Idaho, just wander over to the Idaho section and start
browsing the shelves. Of particular interest
are the 917 and 979 call numbers, where most of the guidebooks are.
If you're using the library catalog, searching under
Idaho - Guidebooks
will bring up lots of interesting books designed to help you see Idaho.
If you'd rather focus on Idaho's historical sites, you can search under
Historic sites - Idaho
.
To get a well-rounded view of Idaho you need to consult a variety of sources.
Included here are websites to help you get a feel for Idaho's attractions.
Most of these sites were developed to promote tourism, so they're packed
full of interesting information about just about everything. If
you're looking for something to see in Rexburg, check out their Chamber of
Commerce website. If you're curious about Preston, the home of Napoleon
Dynamite, check out Southeastern Idaho's page. And if you just can't
remember what the state bird or tree of Idaho is, visit accessidaho.org.
Idaho history, national parks, the famous Idaho potato -- you can learn about
all of these things by following the links below. Many of these sites are just
jumping-off points. They'll take you places you've probably never heard of
before. One of the main criteria for choosing these sites was that they all
have good links to more information. Also, they are mainly official websites
for reputable non-profit organizations, so the information is kept up-to-date
and accurate. Enjoy your exploration of Idaho -- you'll be surprised at what's out there!
www.idahoptv.org/productions/idahoportrait
"Idaho a Portrait" is a gateway to understanding the geology, people, and
history of Idaho. Through this website you can tour all of Idaho. There are
beautiful pictures and lots of information about the different areas.
There is also a section on exciting things to do in Idaho, including:
skiing, hunting, fishing, white water rafting, and hiking. And to top it
all off, you can download wallpaper, take a quiz on Idaho facts, and link
to a large list of other helpful Idaho sites. Idaho Public Television
sponsors the site.
www.visitid.org
This is the official Idaho travel and tourism guide, put together by Idaho
Commerce and Labor. Here you can explore Idaho by region. Not only can you
find information about interesting things to see and do, you can also get
information about how to get there and where to stay once you are there. And
if you're traveling in the winter, you'll be glad to know they have a link to
the official state road report.
www.accessidaho.org
Here at the official website of the State of Idaho you can find all kinds of
Idaho facts: census information, state symbols, history, why Idaho is famous,
etc. You can access Idaho State laws and even the Idaho Constitution. There is
also a link that will help you get birth, marriage, and death certificates.
You can find out how to contact your local representatives and what is going
on in the government. This is a great source for official Idaho government
information.
www.idahopotato.com
If you know anything about Idaho you know that it's famous for its potatoes.
But do you know why Idaho potatoes are so famous?
The Idaho Potato Commission has created a website where you can find the
answer to that question. They've also put together a database of scrumptious
recipes using good ol' Idaho
Russets. And for those younger Idaho potato fans they have the Spuddy
Buddy Fan Club! And of course, if you haven't gotten your Idaho Potato Pin
yet, you can order one here.
www.idahohistory.net
The Idaho State Historical Society's website is truly a goldmine of information
and links on Idaho history. Here you can take a virtual tour of the Oregon Trail
in Idaho, view pictures of Idaho license plates from as early as 1914, and find
links to museums and exhibits all across Idaho. And if you're wondering what's
been going on in Idaho for the past 14,000 years, you can check out their
Idaho timeline.
www.idahoparks.org
Have you ever heard of a yurt? Well, if you haven't you had better check out
the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation's website. There you'll find out
exactly what a yurt is and where you can find them in Idaho. You
can also learn about boating, skiing, snowmobiling, hiking, biking, and,
camping. They'll let you know where the state parks are located and the rules
and fees that apply. If you're planning on getting outdoors, this is a site
you shouldn't miss.
www.seidaho.org
Southeastern Idaho is an interesting area for many reasons. It has a very
interesting pioneer history, a rich Indian heritage, many unusual geological
features, and, of course, it is the home of Napoleon Dynamite. From this
website you can link to many different tours of the area: hot pool, winter,
pioneer, geological, scenic, etc. And, if you're lookin' to see a real live
Mountainman Rendezvous, or have a hankerin' for rodeo, this is the place to
get all the details.
www.resxcc.com
While you may not think there's that much of interest in Rexburg, Idaho, the
Rexburg Chamber of Commerce would beg to differ. Their website is full of
information about things to do and see, places to stay, and exciting events
in and around Rexburg. They provide information and links to local
attractions, such as: the Saint Anthony Sand Dunes, the Teton Dam museum,
Yellowstone Bear World, and the Madison County Fair. And for you Sunbirds
who are escaping the heat, they have a special section just for you.
www.idfishnhunt.com
If you're looking to do some fishing or hunting in Idaho, this is the website
to check out. Not only do they have interesting facts about the seven different
regions of Idaho, but they also have detailed information about various
fishing and hunting opportunities. They further break down both fishing and
hunting into smaller categories, so you can find specific information on the
fish or game that interests you. And they tell you about the rules and
regulations that Idaho has for fishing and hunting. They also have two on-line
magazines: Idaho Rod & Reel, and Idaho Afield.
There are many ways to experience Idaho. You can drive along her highways,
hike along her trails, ride across her fields, or view her from the air. These
video presentations will help you experience Idaho from many different
perspectives. The aerial productions afford a view of Idaho that most of
us rarely see.
American Road Trips: Montana, Idaho & Wyoming, Washington.
Chicago: Questar, 1999.
[VID 917]
This video adventure will lead you to places you've probably never been. You
can check out the Snake River Canyon where Evel
Knievel tried (and failed) to jump all the way across; visit Ketchum, the
death place of Ernest Hemingway; and of course, there is plenty about potatoes
and everything you can make with them - including ice cream.
Idaho: A Portrait. Boise: Idaho Public Television,
2000.
[DVD 979.6 IDA]
Take an aerial tour of Idaho's mountains, rivers, plains, deserts, and
canyons. Travel with the Snake River as it begins its journey in the
Tetons and stretches across the state.
Idaho: An Aerial Tapestry. Boise: Idaho Public Television,
1999.
[VID 917]
Discover the beauties of Idaho in this film that criss-crosses Idaho to
capture all of its unique geologic features.
Whether you want to know the history of Fort Henry, want to see real
bathtubs at a hot springs, or just want to take a drive to get away from it
all, these books will lead you on your way. They'll tell you where to go,
how to get there, and all kinds of fun information about wherever it is
you end up. Even if you've just got an afternoon, grab one of these
guides and go explore the wonder that is Idaho.
Conley, Cort. Idaho for the Curious: A Guide. Cambridge, ID:
Backeddy Books, 1982.
[ID 917.96 CON]
Highway by highway this guide leads you through Idaho. Here you can find
information on the origin of Idaho names, Idaho history, famous historic
trails, ghost towns, and so much more.
Derig, Betty B. Roadside History of Idaho. Missoula, MT:
Mountain Press Pub., 1996.
[ID 979.6 DER]
As part of the Roadside History series, this book takes on the different
parts of Idaho: southeastern, central, southwestern, and northern. From there
the state is further divided into towns and regions, thus giving the user
easy access to information about all different parts of Idaho.
Fanselow, Julie. Idaho: Off the Beaten Path, a Guide to Unique
Places. Guilford, CT: Globe Pequot Press, 2004.
[ID 917.96 FAN]
Even if you were born-and-raised in Idaho, this book will expand your
knowledge of some of Idaho's unique little treasures. No matter where you
are in Idaho, this book will fill you in on the best places to visit,
sleep, eat, etc. So, if you think you've seen it all, check out this
book and find out what you've been missing.
Potucek, Martin. Idaho's historic trails: from Lewis and Clark to
railroads.
Caldwell, ID: Caxton Press, 2003.
[ID 979.6 POT]
Many groups, travelers, and peoples have traveled through Idaho, each leaving
a trail and a history. Over 200 years ago, the Lewis and Clark Expedition left
their mark on Idaho as they journeyed to the Pacific. After them came the
miners, explores, soldiers, and eventually the railroads. The stories
associated with these various groups are collected in this book, along with
directions on how to visit their historic trails today.
Rivers, K. E. Idaho's Scenic Highways; a Mile-by-Mile Road Guide.
Ketchum, ID: Great Vacations! Inc., 1997.
[ID 917.96 RIV]
This guide to the "Heart of Idaho" covers everything you need to know to have
a successful road trip through central Idaho. With information on wildlife
viewing, scenic viewpoints, campgrounds, National Historic Trails, hot springs,
and more, you're sure to find more places to visit than you thought was
possible.
Robertson, R.G. Idaho Echoes in Time: Traveling Idaho's History and
Geology. Boise: Tamarack Books, 1998.
[ID 979.6 ROB]
The first part of this book looks into how Idaho was formed: the waters and
the mountains. The second part covers how the people were formed: the history
of the Indians and early settlers, as well as stories about some unique
characters in Idaho history.
Encyclopedias are full of facts. And these particular encyclopedias are
full of Idaho facts. They are a great reference source to answer all kinds
of questions about the lovely state of Idaho.
Encyclopedia of Idaho. Santa Barbara: Somerset Publishers,
2001.
[R 979.6 ENC]
This encyclopedia is part of a series of encyclopedias on the United
States. It contains not only geographical and historical information
about Idaho but also political. In the back are two dictionaries about
places in Idaho, a copy of the Idaho Constitution, and a bibliography.
The
Idaho Encyclopedia. Caldwell, ID: Caxton Printers, 1938.
[ID 979.6 FED]
While this encyclopedia is rather dated, it still contains useful
information about Idaho, especially historic information. It was put
together by the Federal Writers Project of the Works Progress
Administration.
There aren't many periodicals dedicated specifically to Idaho. But, if
you're interested in southeastern Idaho history, Snake River Echoes
is a great magazine to read. It's produced right here in Rexburg and has
all kinds of great historical information.
Snake River Echoes. Upper Snake River Valley Historical Society:
Rexburg, ID.
An Idaho historical magazine that is published bi-annually by the Upper
Snake River Valley Historical Society in Rexburg, ID. Includes articles
on various historical figures and events in Idaho history.
When planning a road trip, an atlas is always a good thing to consult.
Whether you want to see what Idaho looks like today, or what it looked like
in the past, you can find what you need here.
Idaho Atlas & Gazetteer. Yarmouth, ME: DeLorme, 2002.
[R912.796 Idaho]
For traveling around Idaho today, this is a good atlas to consult. It
will show you the back roads as well as the main freeways and highways,
where BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land is, and how much of the
state is still owned by the state.
Preston, Ralph N. Early Idaho Atlas. Portland, OR: Binford & Mort,
1978.
[979.6 PRE]
If you want to visit the Idaho of the past, this is the atlas for you. It will
point you to old Idaho gold mines, forts, stage routes,
and Indian battlegrounds.
