There is nothing greater than living in Idaho. As Idahoans, we are proud of the Gem State and are blessed to call it home. Even when we travel, there are certain things that remind us of home. We’ve put together a list of just nine things that will always make Idahoans think of our great state and how lucky we are to live here.

  1. Scenic Roads

Different_Brian/iStock Via Getty Images Plus Idaho is home to the best backroads. Whether you are traveling a historic route, scenic byway, or a simple country road, you are in for a journey filled with natural beauty.

  1. Alpine Lakes

Carson Lott/AllTrails There are more than 3,700 alpine lakes around the Gem State. While some of these are quite small, others are blue, vibrant, and breathtaking. One of our favorite ways to escape the crowds and spend some time outdoors is on a hike to an alpine lake — there’s really nothing like it.

  1. Cozy Cabins

photographer3431/iStock Via Getty Images Plus The best place to get away in Idaho? A cozy cabin. Whether you are in a cabin next to the lake, in the mountains, or even on a private ranch, cozy cabins bring peace, relaxation, and lots of memories.

  1. Beautiful farmland

Tetra Images/Tetra images Via Getty Images Do we need to say anything more?

  1. Unpredictable Weather

Steve Smith/Tetra images Via Getty Images The unpredictable weather may not be our favorite part about living in Idaho but it sure reminds us of home when we are away.

  1. Thick Forests

L. Toshio Kishiyama/Moment Via Getty Images From Island Park all the way to the panhandle, you will journey through thick, green, lush forests. Idaho is a great way to surround yourself with some of Mother Nature’s greatest creations.

  1. French Fries

Cavan Images/Cavan Via Getty Images Yes, we love our potatoes in Idaho and this love will carry with us no matter where we go. And while many states offer excellent French fries, there is just something special about hand-cut fries using Idaho potatoes.

  1. Charming Small Towns

Tetra Images/Tetra images Via Getty Images Small towns are the heart and soul of Idaho. From their delightful downtown areas to their many hidden gems, the small towns in Idaho are some of the best.

  1. Friendly Folk

Catherine Falls Commercial/Moment Via Getty Images While it is easy to find friendly folks all around the country, here in Idaho, it just seems to run in our blood. Drive down a country road and notice how many people wave even if they don’t know you.

What other features remind you of the Gem State? Anything you would add to this list? If so, let us know in the comments!

Different_Brian/iStock Via Getty Images Plus

Idaho is home to the best backroads. Whether you are traveling a historic route, scenic byway, or a simple country road, you are in for a journey filled with natural beauty.

Carson Lott/AllTrails

There are more than 3,700 alpine lakes around the Gem State. While some of these are quite small, others are blue, vibrant, and breathtaking. One of our favorite ways to escape the crowds and spend some time outdoors is on a hike to an alpine lake — there’s really nothing like it.

photographer3431/iStock Via Getty Images Plus

The best place to get away in Idaho? A cozy cabin. Whether you are in a cabin next to the lake, in the mountains, or even on a private ranch, cozy cabins bring peace, relaxation, and lots of memories.

Tetra Images/Tetra images Via Getty Images

Do we need to say anything more?

Steve Smith/Tetra images Via Getty Images

The unpredictable weather may not be our favorite part about living in Idaho but it sure reminds us of home when we are away.

L. Toshio Kishiyama/Moment Via Getty Images

From Island Park all the way to the panhandle, you will journey through thick, green, lush forests. Idaho is a great way to surround yourself with some of Mother Nature’s greatest creations.

Cavan Images/Cavan Via Getty Images

Yes, we love our potatoes in Idaho and this love will carry with us no matter where we go. And while many states offer excellent French fries, there is just something special about hand-cut fries using Idaho potatoes.

Small towns are the heart and soul of Idaho. From their delightful downtown areas to their many hidden gems, the small towns in Idaho are some of the best.

Catherine Falls Commercial/Moment Via Getty Images

While it is easy to find friendly folks all around the country, here in Idaho, it just seems to run in our blood. Drive down a country road and notice how many people wave even if they don’t know you.

If you are like many of us Idahoans, we are not only proud of our great state, but we will gladly defend it. Check out our list of seven controversial hills that every Idahoan is willing to stand on.

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