Legendary Figures from Idaho Who Changed the World
Nestled in the rolling landscapes of northern Idaho, Coeur d’Alene invites visitors to explore more than just its sparkling lake and forested hills. This charming city, about 30 miles east of Spokane, Washington, is the birthplace of Bing Crosby, the crooner whose smooth voice defined an era of American music. At the McEuen Park, named after a local family but beloved by residents and tourists alike, you can stroll along the scenic waterfront and imagine Crosby’s early years, where the natural beauty of the lake and woodlands may have inspired the warmth in his songs. Visiting in late spring or early summer enhances the experience, as the park blossoms with flowers and the lake’s surface mirrors the bright, open skies. The city itself celebrates Crosby’s legacy with occasional concerts and local tributes, making Coeur d’Alene a living tribute to one of Idaho’s world-changing figures.
Travel southwest to Boise, Idaho’s capital and cultural hub, where the Basque Block offers a tangible connection to the legacy of Frank Church. Church, a U.S. Senator born near Boise, was instrumental in wilderness preservation and environmental protection nationwide. The Basque Block, nestled in downtown Boise, is a vibrant district filled with traditional Basque restaurants, markets, and the Basque Museum and Cultural Center. Here, visitors dive deep into Idaho’s immigrant roots and the values that shaped leaders like Church, who championed the protection of wild places such as the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness—one of the largest contiguous wilderness areas in the lower 48 states. The museum’s exhibits, including traditional clothing, tools, and photographs, tell stories of perseverance and community, echoing the senator’s dedication to preserving Idaho’s natural and cultural heritage. Spring and fall offer the best times to explore Boise’s Basque Block when festivals celebrate Basque culture with dance, food, and music.
In southern Idaho, the town of Twin Falls, approximately 130 miles southeast of Boise, reveals the story of Evel Knievel, the legendary stunt performer and daredevil. Although Knievel was born in Montana, his roots run deep in Idaho’s rugged terrain, where he honed his skills. The nearby Shoshone Falls Park, often called the “Niagara of the West,” features a breathtaking waterfall that plunges 212 feet, higher than Niagara Falls itself. This dramatic natural backdrop embodies the spirit of risk and adventure that characterized Knievel’s career. Hiking the park’s trails offers stunning views of the Snake River Canyon, the very terrain Knievel famously attempted to jump. The best time to visit is late spring when the waterfall’s flow peaks with snowmelt, creating a roaring spectacle that symbolizes the boldness of Idaho’s legendary figures.
A visit to the Idaho State Historical Museum in Boise offers an insightful look into Sacajawea’s remarkable story. Although she was a Shoshone woman from the region now known as Idaho, her contributions to the Lewis and Clark Expedition changed the course of American exploration. The museum’s exhibits include artifacts and detailed narratives about her vital role as a guide and interpreter. Located just minutes from the city center, the museum presents Idaho’s rich indigenous history and celebrates Sacajawea’s enduring legacy. Spring and fall bring more comfortable temperatures to explore the museum and nearby Julia Davis Park, making it an ideal time to delve into Idaho’s foundational stories.
Northwest of Boise, in the small town of Grangeville, visitors can immerse themselves in the legacy of Ezra Pound, a poet whose work influenced modernist literature worldwide. Grangeville’s local library and the nearby Nez Perce National Historical Park, about a 40-minute drive north, provide context for Pound’s upbringing in Idaho’s rugged landscapes. The park’s hiking trails and interpretive centers offer insights into the Nez Perce tribe’s history, a culture that informed much of Pound’s poetic imagery and themes. Exploring the park’s trails during summer, when wildflowers paint the meadows in vibrant colors, deepens the connection to the land that shaped this literary figure’s vision.
Heading to northern Idaho near the town of Wallace, a mining and railroad hub about 75 miles northeast of Coeur d’Alene, the Wallace District Mining Museum captures the tale of Ernest Hemingway, who spent time in Idaho’s forests and mountains and found inspiration in its wilderness. The museum’s exhibits focus on the mining industry but also serve as a gateway to understanding the rugged setting that influenced Hemingway’s writing. Wallace’s preserved early 20th-century architecture complements the experience, giving visitors a sense of the frontier spirit that Hemingway admired. Fall, with its crisp air and colorful foliage, is the perfect season to explore this historic town and imagine the literary great wandering through its streets.
Further east, in Idaho Falls, about 90 miles southeast of Yellowstone National Park, the Museum of Idaho offers a window into the scientific achievements of J.R. Simplot, a pioneering agribusiness entrepreneur whose innovations transformed potato farming globally. The museum’s rotating exhibits often highlight Idaho’s agricultural heritage, featuring interactive displays about the Idaho potato’s journey from seed to table. Simplot’s legacy is especially evident in the museum’s agricultural galleries, where visitors learn about the technology and business foresight that positioned Idaho as the nation’s potato powerhouse. Visiting during summer’s longer daylight hours allows ample time to explore the museum and stroll along the nearby Snake River Greenbelt, a riverside park with walking and biking trails showcasing the region’s beauty.
Each of these Idaho places offers a portal into the lives of individuals whose influence extends far beyond state borders. Whether through music, politics, literature, or agriculture, the landscapes, museums, and cultural districts of Idaho allow visitors not only to witness breathtaking scenery but also to walk in the footsteps of those who changed the world. From the shimmering waters of Coeur d’Alene to the historic streets of Wallace and the innovative spirit found in Idaho Falls, the Gem State’s contributions to history and culture shine brightly, inviting travelers to discover stories as bold and enduring as the land itself.