Your Essential Guide to Idaho &

ROAD TRIPS FIRST NATIONS THE GREAT OUTDOORS THE ROUTE OF THE HIAWATHA IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE MAAH DAAH HEY TRAIL

® DISCOVER THE UNEXPECTED

Places like Blue Heart Springs in the Hagerman Valley, Idaho, offer beautiful vistas with plenty of elbow room. Accessible only by water, social distancing is not a problem here.

Adventure awaits when the time is right. Contents IN ASSOCIATION WITH 06 INTRODUCTIONS 24 ® 10 MAP

12 IDAHO DISCOVERY Sometimes it’s the CEO & Group Editor places you know nothing about that make Cathy Wagstaff the biggest impression. [email protected]

Editor Helen Hayes 18 FRONTIER DAYS From cowboys to Sub Editors Julie Miller, Natasha Dragun hipsters, a North Dakota road trip is a

General Manager Tina-Louise Jackson journey of surprises.

Associate Publisher Cara Wagstaff 24 THE GREAT OUTDOORS The wide- Head Designer Gemma Kightly open spaces of Idaho and North Dakota Junior Designer Samantha Rowntree have something for every adventure.

Production Coordinator Lily McCoy 30 FIRST NATIONS FIRST The Native Digital Managers American history of these states makes for Samantha Rowntree, Eliza Velk, Lisa Wagstaff a truly fascinating tour. Guest Contributors Jac Taylor, Julie Miller, Lisa Perkovic Business Development Managers 36 GOING TO TOWN It’s easy to hop Colleen Hinch, Lisa Maroun, Nicola McClean, Virginia Shirley around the many attractions of these surprising states. Images Except where noted, all photos are courtesy of Idaho Tourism and North Dakota Tourism.

COVER IMAGE 40 STANDOUT PLACES TO STAY From Horseback riding in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Courtesy North Dakota Tourism. fire towers to yurts, Idaho and North Dakota have you covered. ABOUT IDAHO & NORTH DAKOTA ABOVE: Redfish Lake in the Sawtooths United Tribes International Idaho and North Dakota are two book-end states of the northwestern region of the USA best known 46 THE ROUTE OF THE HIAWATHA BELOW: as the Great American West. Idaho, the Gem State, and Legendary North Dakota are brimming with Pow Wow in Bismarck diverse scenic and pristine nature, from forests, waterfalls and trails to lakes, rivers and canyons. The Take beautiful scenery, add a disused backdrop for adventure, history and authentic Western culture, these states are the perfect canvas for railway track and some bicycles. exploration and discovery. 48 MAAH DAAH HEY TRAIL ABOUT VACATIONS & TRAVEL 30 Vacations & Travel is Australia’s longest-running travel magazine, creating inspirational lifestyle content The Maah Daah Hey Trail is North for more than 30 years. Dakota’s best-kept secret.

50 WINTER WONDERS From ice fishing to snowmobiling, these two states turn it on in winter.

54 FUN FACTS Surprising things you Published by Signature Media didn’t know about Idaho and North PO Box 1825 Chatswood NSW 2057 Australia Dakota. Foreword, Idaho

E LOOK FORWARD TO WELCOMING YOU TO IDAHO. A visit to our beautiful state is an adventure not to be missed! WIdaho is blessed with unmatched geological diversity – stunning mountain peaks, deep river gorges, thundering whitewater rapids, pristine lakes and more soakable hot springs than any other state. Idaho is home to National Park Service sites, more scenic byways than any other state, the country’s only International Dark Sky Reserve and more miles of designated wilderness areas than you’ll find anywhere else in the contiguous United States. One-of-a-kind natural attractions include Shoshone Falls, Hells Canyon National Recreation Area and Craters of the Moon National Monument, which remain uncrowded yet inviting and accessible. Virtually every kind of outdoor recreation imaginable can be found in Idaho: 18 ski resorts (including the United States’ first destination ski resort, Sun Valley) provide both winter and summer fun; outstanding trails traverse the state for hiking, biking, horseback riding and backpacking; and rivers tumble through timbered canyons for exhilarating jet boating and whitewater rafting. Idaho’s rich Western heritage and pioneer spirit are on display, with national trails and monuments, historical parks, natural and developed hot springs and cultural events telling our story. Vibrant urban centres and small towns showcase Idaho’s bounty with culinary offerings, including wines, craft beers, ciders and spirits. Local artists and musicians provide the perfect accompaniment to your senses. We are excited to welcome you and share the many facets that make up the hidden gem we call Idaho. Start planning your adventure now! Nany Richardson Nancy Richardson Senior International Tourism Specialist ABOVE: Goldbug Hot Springs, Idaho Tourism Salmon, Idaho © BVergely

6 } vacationstravel.com vacationstravel.com { 7 Foreword, North Dakota

RAVELLERS LOOKING FOR A DESTINATION THAT combines wide-open spaces, exciting year-round outdoor activities, breathtaking scenery and warm, inviting people will find all, and more, right here in North Dakota. Adventure-seekers hike and bike a vast trail system, including the renowned Maah Daah Hey Trail through the rugged Badlands of western TNorth Dakota. In the east, the North Country National Scenic Trail weaves through the state on its 7,400-kilometre journey to Vermont. In the winter, people shift gears to snowshoeing and cross-country skiing at one of our state parks and downhill skiing at one of four resorts. Our museums detail the story of North Dakota’s colourful past and its rich cultural diversity. Learn more about prominent Native Americans and European settlers who thrived on the Northern Plains at the North Dakota Heritage Center and State Museum in Bismarck. Marvel at the endless fields of crops in the pancake-flat Red River Valley in the east; the countless prairie lakes and potholes filled with nesting and migrating ducks and geese in central North Dakota; and the rough and rugged Badlands in the west. Legendary figures like Theodore Roosevelt, Sitting Bull, Custer, Sakakawea, and Lewis and Clark left an everlasting imprint here, and their contributions are kept alive at places like Theodore Roosevelt National Park, the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center and Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site. Drive through the north and south units of the national park for a close-up look at the eagles, deer, prairie dogs and large herds of bison that roam free. Wild horses also are a common sight in the south, bordered by the historic town of Medora. There, the Medora Musical and Pitchfork Steak Fondue are held nightly throughout the summer. For a time of quiet reflection, visit the International Peace Garden, which straddles the USA-Canada border. Stand in both countries at the same time and enjoy the many attractions dedicated to peace along the longest undefended international border in the world. Follow your curiosity, not the crowds, to North Dakota. Fred Walker Fred Walker Global Marketing Manager LEFT: Stars over Fort North Dakota Tourism Abraham Lincoln State Park

vacationstravel.com { 9 #MAP #NORTH DAKOTA Great #IDAHO American NORTH WASHINGTON DAKOTA MINNESOTA MONTANA West Bismarck

Boise SOUTH DAKOTA Minneapolis OREGON IDAHO WYOMING IOWA NEBRASKA New York NEVADA Salt Lake City Denver San Francisco UTAH COLORADO

CALIFORNIA USA Los Angeles Dallas Most Australians would fly into one of the main international hubs, then fly to Boise, Idaho or Bismarck, North Dakota. You can also go by train with Amtrak or hire a car and drive.

10 } vacationstravel.com vacationstravel.com { 11 N THE DRIVE TO VICTOR, Idaho, my head and heart are full of the sights I have just seen. I have been in OYellowstone National Park for three days and seen grizzly bears and black bears and bison and elk and scenery that blew my mind as often as Old Faithful blows its top. Victor is under two hours’ drive from Yellowstone’s west entrance, and the journey is spectacular, with the striking Grand Tetons soaring majestically above the rich green farmland. We stay at the Teton Springs Lodge & #IDAHO #ROADTRIP Spa, which delights with all Idaho the luxury accoutrements, as well as two golf courses. discovery Guests here are spoiled for choice, with fly fishing in the Snake or Teton Rivers, hiking Sometimes it is the places you don’t on the doorstep of the lodge in the Caribou-Targhee National know anything about that make the Forest or on the scenic trails biggest impression. Idaho is one of at Grand Targhee. Not to those places for Helen Hayes. mention wildlife-spotting in Grand Teton National Park, which is just mind blowing.

12 } vacationstravel.com vacationstravel.com { 13 Beauty Cave, the wildflowers marmots grazing on the grass that give bursts of colour and find the monument to from the ashen grey, and the Evel Knievel who tried – and SURPRISING ARCO many hikes around the area. failed – to leap the canyon in Our next leg is from Teton a rocket-powered motorbike. Springs to Twin Falls, a place FALLING FOR Then, in true Evel spirit, we I know zip about. The drive is TWIN FALLS watch heart-in-mouth as BASE grand, sweeping through lush Driving over the bridge into jumpers leap off the Perrine farmland before turning into a Twin Falls, we do a double-take Bridge – the only place in the more desolate, isolated, open as we marvel at the spectacular USA where it is legal to do so landscape. We are driving on Snake River Canyon below. At without a permit. On the top of the Peaks to Craters Scenic the base in pretty Centennial the rim there are 30 kilometres Byway, one of 31 in Idaho, and Park, we watch kayakers on of hiking and biking tracks, the diversity of the landscape the tranquil Snake River, take but we choose to take in the is marked. In the middle of countless shots of the Perrine view from the Elevation 486 nowhere, we stop for lunch at Coulee waterfall that falls restaurant, toasting the sunset the quirky Pickle’s Place diner like Rapunzel’s hair down with a good glass of white. in the little town of Arco. We the ramrod-straight cliff, ooh The prettiest sight of all is find out that Arco was the first and aah over the cute little Shoshone Falls, which are 275 place in the world to be lit by atomic power back in 1955. You can learn all about it on a visit to the Experimental Breeder Reactor 1 Atomic Museum. We also learn that Pickle’s Place has amazing burgers and love their homemade spices so much we buy several bottles of the ‘redneck’ blend to take home. The area around Arco has more surprises in store when we explore the Craters of the Moon National Monument. This weird landscape is an ocean of lava flow from volcanic eruptions between 2,000 and 15,000 years ago. The area was thought to OPENING SPREAD: resemble the moon so much Shoshone Falls at Twin Falls that NASA astronauts visited TOP: The Perrine Bridge makes a stunning entrance the area in 1969 before to Twin Falls. ABOVE: A flying off to the real thing. marmot snacks near Twin It is a fascinating place with Falls LEFT: Perrine Coulee highlights including the view Falls RIGHT: The Indian from the top of the Inferno Tunnel at Craters of The Cone, the Indian Tunnel, the Moon National Monument

14 } vacationstravel.com vacationstravel.com { 15 LEFT: On top of the dune at Bruneau Sand Dunes State Park RIGHT: A map showing Idaho’s highlights

COEUR D’ALENE ROUTE OF THE WALLACE HIAWATHA we ride electric scooters on the 40-kilometre Boise River USA Greenbelt, over pretty bridges and through parks, with cotton from the cottonwood trees floating snow-like through NEZ PERCE the air. We visit the haunted HISTORIC PARK Old Boise Penitentiary that hosted four Australian “guests” during its many hard years, marvel at the tracks left from wagon wheels on the Oregon Trail, and admire the glistening Capitol building MCCALL – the only one in the USA heated by geothermal heat. HELLS CANYON Boise has a rich Basque IDAHO We ride electric metres wide and 64 metres history, with the Basque block high. Surprisingly, that makes featuring a museum and a SAWTOOTH MOUNTAINS scooters on the them higher than Niagara Falls. host of Basque restaurants. No wonder even the pioneers Boise also has the Jaialdi 40-kilometre on the Oregon Trail detoured Basque Festival, the world’s Boise River to witness this natural wonder. largest celebration of Basque Green Belt, over culture, next scheduled KETCHUM SUN VALLEY ONE FOR THE BOISE for late July 2022. BOISE ARCO After a too-short stop at the The World Center for Birds HAILEY pretty bridges IDAHO FALLS impressive Bruneau Dunes of Prey is another incredible CRATERS OF and through State Park – home to the tallest find. Home of the Peregrine THE MOON BRUNEAU freestanding sand dune in Foundation and the world’s NATIONAL JACKSON HOLE parks ... DUNES MONUMENT North America – we hotfoot biggest falconry archive, (WYOMING) it to Boise. From the first we learn how the peregrine view over the city from the falcon was saved from old Boise Depot, it was love extinction, and about the at first sight. From our base current fight to save several at the Hotel 43 in the CBD, other endangered species. TWIN FALLS

16 } vacationstravel.com #ROADTRIP #NORTHDAKOTA N 1883, THE LIFE OF he would later say; today, the an asthmatic, bespectacled legacy of the ‘conservationist 24-year-old New Yorker was president’ lives on in more transformed during a hunting than 93 million hectares Frontier Days trip to North Dakota, as the of wilderness he formally future President of the United protected during his tenure. IStates, Theodore Roosevelt, Standing on a windswept From lonesome cowboys of the Wild West to funky fell in love with the American bluff in the national park urban hipsters, a road trip through North Dakota is frontier and embraced his inner established on his former cowboy. “I have always said I ranch and named in his a journey of surprises, writes Julie Miller. would not have been president honour, I, too, find myself had it not been for my falling under the spell of this experience in North Dakota,” haunting landscape. Herds

18 } vacationstravel.com vacationstravel.com { 19 of bison and wild horses graze on waving golden grasslands – in the distance, the sculpted peaks and troughs of rugged Badlands are painted by shifting light, their desolate beauty described by Roosevelt as ‘looking like Edgar Allan Poe sounds.’ Divided into two units spanning 285 square kilometres in western North Dakota, Theodore Roosevelt OPENING IMAGE: The Badlands in Theodore Roosevelt National Park National Park epitomises ABOVE: Riding at Black Leg Ranch RIGHT: the American West: wild, Hiking on the Maah Daah Hey Trail TOP free and lonesome. During RIGHT: Bison traffic jam BELOW: Medora my two-day visit, I barely as it gets – but irresistibly farmland featuring some myself in the veritable big fun in a knee-slappin’, toe- of the world’s largest scrap smoke – North Dakota’s capital encounter another tourist, tappin’, rootin’-tootin’ way. metal sculptures. Created by of Bismarck. With a beautiful, despite it being the peak of Just south of Medora is artist Gary Greff to attract 19-storey art-deco State Capitol summer – it’s certainly a the jumping-off point for traffic and breathe life into building at its centre, the state’s fitting introduction to my road the Maah Daah Hey Trail, a his struggling hometown of second-largest city takes pride trip across the fourth-least- 232-kilometre hiking, biking Regent, the highway features in government institutions. populated state in the US. and horseback track Still, this urban area is that traverses prairie Theodore Roosevelt also pleasantly green, SHOWTIME AT and Badlands, following surrounded by parks and MEDORA the Little Missouri National Park epitomises trails along the Missouri At the gateway to the South River and connecting the American West: wild, River, which Lewis and Unit of the national park is the south and north Clark paddled up during Medora, a city famed for its units of the Theodore free and lonesome their exploration in 1804. historic wooden shopfronts Roosevelt National Park. and a quirky outdoor theatre seven whimsical sculptures, SADDLE UP event, the Medora Musical. ENCHANTED HIGHWAY including a flock of geese, The lure of the great outdoors An unashamed ode to With limited time, we giant grasshoppers, a tin is irresistible, however, and patriotism, Teddy Roosevelt head east to the town of family and, of course, Teddy it’s time for me to release my and the great American Dickinson before detouring Roosevelt on a rearing horse. inner cowgirl. Half an hour’s West, this dinner show on the Enchanted Highway, Looping back to the drive from Bismarck is Black under the stars is as cheesy a 51-kilometre route through Interstate 94, I suddenly find Leg Ranch, a working cattle

20 } vacationstravel.com vacationstravel.com { 21 and buffalo ranch that has INTERNATIONAL been run by the Doan family PEACE GARDEN for six generations. With his Brad Pitt-esque good looks, Dakotan drawl, low-strung GRAND FORKS Stetson and painted pony, FORT UNION MINOT North Dakota Cowboy Hall TRADING POST of Fame inductee Jay Doan THEODORE ROOSEVELT certainly channels every NATIONAL PARK NORTH UNIT Hollywood stereotype as he saddles my mount for the day, NORTH DAKOTA a beautiful black quarter horse KNIFE RIVER MAAH DAAH INDIAN VILLAGES Jay Doan HEY TRAIL THEODORE ROOSEVELT certainly NATIONAL PARK SOUTH UNIT channels every MEDORA

Hollywood ENCHANTED MANDAN BISMARCK JAMESTOWN FARGO HIGHWAY stereotype as he FORT ABRAHAM saddles my mount LINCOLN for the day

named Chance. On horseback, Jay and I explore hidden corners of the 6,880-hectare experience. Located right on ranch, including old wagon the border of Minnesota, Fargo trails, railroad relics and even is the largest city in the state, USA a long-abandoned ghost town and is surprisingly progressive that paints a vivid picture of with a strong hipster vibe just how harsh pioneer life and a lively entertainment was in these northern realms. scene based around a Later, in a rustic yet grand revitalised Downtown hub. century-old log lodge, I break Fargo’s slogan, ‘North of five years of a vegetarian diet Normal’, gives some idea to indulge in a home-grown of what to expect – the steak (admittedly delicious, unexpected. Odd and offbeat and justified by being ethically are worn with pride here, with produced) before retiring, a slew of creative endeavours exhausted, to a bed made from including street art, cool lodge poles. I’m soon dreaming galleries and funky restaurants TOP: The Enchanted Highway. about final frontiers… including Vinyl Taco, where TOP RIGHT: A map showing innovative Mexican cuisine is North Dakota’s highlights NORTH OF NORMAL served with a soundtrack of ABOVE: Broadway area of Fargo My last destination, however, old-fashioned vinyl tunes. It’s RIGHT: Wild horses in Theodore gives a completely different certainly a fitting finale to a Roosevelt National Park take on the North Dakota road trip full of surprises.

22 } vacationstravel.com #ADVENTURE #WILDLIFE 22 things to do in the great outdoors

To escape the crowds, enjoy beautiful wilderness areas and get your fill of adventure, head for Idaho and North Dakota.

24 } vacationstravel.com vacationstravel.com { 25 In winter, the Sawtooths 7 also have has sledding, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, heli-skiing, ice fishing, snowshoeing and ice skating. Skiers and snowboarders head for Sun Valley.

The Central Idaho 8 Dark Sky Reserve is located between Ketchum and Stanley. It is the first and only Gold Tier International Dark Sky Reserve in the USA.

Ride the Route of 9 the Hiawatha, one of the most scenic rail trails in the USA.

WATCH

Pick your idaho Seek out one of adventure here. 10 Idaho’s 130 soakable springs, including Blue Heart IDAHO Springs near Hagerman, Kirkham Hot Springs near Go whitewater rafting The City of Rocks Boise, Goldbug near Salmon 1 or jetboating in Hells 4 National Reserve near and Frenchman’s Bend Hot Canyon, the deepest river Almo is known for its rock Springs near Ketchum. gorge in North America. climbing and hiking. Idaho has more whitewater Bird lovers will Idaho has more to paddle than anywhere Redfish Lake is popular 11 want to make a else in Continental USA. 5 for sailing, waterskiing, beeline to Morley Nelson whitewater to swimming or llama trekking. Snake River Birds of Prey paddle than Take to the Salmon River Yep – llama trekking. These National Conservation Area 2 for rafting, floating or beautiful animals carry your near Boise. It has the world’s anywhere else in kayaking. The Salmon is one gear for you on multi-day treks. densest populations of nesting Continental USA. of the longest free-flowing eagles, hawks and falcons. rivers in the country. Strap in for a host of 6 activities in the Sawtooth OPENING SPREAD: Camping Go kayaking or stand- National Recreation Area, with at Elephants Perch near Stanley. 3 up paddleboarding hiking, boating, mountain Pine Flats Hot Springs TOP LEFT: at Shoshone Falls and up climbing, biking, fishing and ABOVE: Rafting near Stanley in the the Snake River Canyon. horse riding all available. Sawtooth National Reserve LEFT: A bear in Hells Canyon

26 } vacationstravel.com vacationstravel.com { 27 NORTH DAKOTA Go fishing on Lake Visit the International 6 Metigoshe, Devils Lake, 9 Peace Garden in the Wildlife-watching is part For a different kind of the and Lake Turtle Mountains on the 1 of the deal when you 4 activity, visit a dinosaur Sakakawea – the latter is US-Canada border. Its 930 go horseback riding, hiking, dig site or actually join a also excellent for boating. hectares boast 155,000 plants, biking or driving around dig yourself. See one of only two lakes, hiking trails and its Theodore Roosevelt National six mummified dinosaurs showstopping Formal Garden. Park. You’ll see bison, elk, in the world at the North Saddle up for a horseback deer, eagles and wild horses. Dakota Heritage Center. 7 ride through the Badlands with Medora Riding Go exploring at the North Dakota is all Ride, hike or go Stables or sign up for a full 10 Knife River Indian 2 about wide-open spaces. 5 for a drive through cowboy experience at Black Leg Villages National Historic There are 13 state parks, the Badlands, which also Ranch, where you can go ridin’, Site, then go for a hike on 63 wildlife refuges and 10 includes part of the Maah ropin’ and stay at the ranch. the Two Rivers Trail. scenic byways and backways. Daah Hey Trail. The longest The Killdeer Mountain Four single-track mountain Get into the swing of golf Lake Sakakawea is the Bears Scenic Byway is just biking route in the United 8 by playing all 20 courses 11 trailhead for the North one of the scenic drives, States, it caters to everyone on the Lewis and Clark Golf Country National Scenic Trail, allowing visitors to hike, ride from novices to experts. Trail, which follows the route a 7402-km-long trail that will horses, kayak and visit some of the 19th-century explorers. take you through eight states historic sites along the way. from North Dakota to Vermont, with plenty of scenic and Turn on paddle power historic sites along the way. 3 by kayaking, canoeing or stand-up paddleboarding on the Little Missouri River, the Sheyenne, Pembina or Red rivers. WATCH See what the locals love about North Dakota here.

TOP RIGHT: A majestic elk in Theodore Roosevelt National Park FAR RIGHT: Go cowboy at Black Leg Ranch RIGHT: The Killdeer Mountain Four Bears Scenic Byway by Ben Gumeringer

28 } vacationstravel.com vacationstravel.com { 29 #FIRSTNATIONS First Nations first Keeping a focus on the Native American history of North Dakota and Idaho makes for a truly fascinating tour of these two stunning states.

N THE WESTERN states of North Dakota and Idaho, Native American history comes alive through a wonderful landscape of places to visit and experiences to try. They offer quite distinct and Idiverse histories and traditions, worth taking a little extra time to understand and imagine with the help of a raft of fantastic museums and tours.

30 } vacationstravel.com vacationstravel.com { 31 405,000 hectares, roughly the shore of Lake Sakakawea. half of which is owned either Inside individually or communally State Park, On-a-Slant Indian by tribal members. Famed Village replicates a 400-year- explorers Lewis and Clark old Mandan village, which stayed with the Mandan tribe thrived for at least 200 years. through the winter of 1804- Touring its earth lodges gives 1805, most probably sheltering a very effective peek into in their earth lodge homes, Mandan tribal life, hunting and it was here that guide and and farming these lands. interpreter Sacajawea (also For a glimpse into more known as Sakakawea) joined recent history, the historic sites OPENING SPREAD: their expedition. Her role in of Fort Abraham Lincoln and Pow wow at New Town helping the explorers was General Custer’s House provide © Jason Lindsay RIGHT: The United Tribes Pow so great that her image now more than a slight shiver. The Wow BOTTOM RIGHT: Fort graces the United States’ dollar Custer House is a perfect and Abraham Lincoln FAR RIGHT: coin. The Three Affiliated detailed reproduction on the Fort Union Trading Post Tribes Museum and the new original site, taking you back MHA Interpretive Center in in time to 1875 thanks to an New Town are both helpful informative guide dressed and informative visits, as is the in period costume talking NORTH DAKOTA Earth Lodge Village nearby on you through prairie life.

Making up about five per in North Dakota is very Knife River Indian Villages cent of the state’s population, much alive and present. National Historic Site gives a five federally recognised Each tribe possesses its better understanding of this WATCH Native American tribes have own distinct customs, from key tribal trade centre and unmistakably influenced the language to history and even farming and hunting ground. Meet Loren Yellow Bird and rich cultural traditions and origin, which makes a tour The site’s walking trails hear about his North Dakota. atmosphere of North Dakota. of North Dakota’s important meander through the easy, Nearly 40 per cent of these First Nations sites and festivals flat landscape; take the two- 30,000-plus First Nations North especially enriching. The hour North Forest Trail or the Dakotans are aged below 30, United Tribes Technical College slightly longer Two Rivers Trail. giving fresh innovation and International Pow Wow offers vibrance to their cultural a chance to witness the tribes contributions. For visitors at their proudest and most interested in attending both exciting. Each September, Sacajawea special events and historic this weekend event invites a true heroine places with ties to the tribal singers and dancers in full nations of Spirit Lake Nation, tribal regalia to represent the Travellers are very welcome to Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, living traditions of their tribe. visit the Fort Berthold Indian Three Affiliated Tribes of the At any time of year, a Reservation, home of the Three Fort Berthold Reservation, number of historical locations Affiliated Tribes (the Mandan, Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate are available to visit to tell Hidatsa and Arikara Nation), and the Turtle Mountain the stories of the Plains situated right on the banks Band of Chippewa, it is clear Indians. Exploring the of the Missouri River. The that Indigenous culture prairies and waterways of the reservation itself holds almost

32 } vacationstravel.com vacationstravel.com { 33 IDAHO

Six First Nations peoples call Indeed, this is the birthplace Idaho home: the Coeur d’Alene, of one of the United States’ Kootenai of Idaho, Nez Perce, most celebrated horse breeds, Shoshone-Bannock, Shoshone- the Appaloosa, with strong Paiute and Lemhi-Shoshone. ties to Idaho’s Nez Perce Although these tribes make up tribe. You can learn all about BOTTOM LEFT: a much smaller percentage of these spotted equine beauties The Cataldo Mission the state’s population here than at the Appaloosa Museum LEFT: Nez Perce in North Dakota, their cultural in Moscow, from its self- tribal members near influence remains ever-present, guided exhibits and theatre the Appaloosa Museum with four federally recognised to its interactive kids’ area BELOW LEFT: The tribal warrior sculpture tribal reservations here. and multimedia archive. at the Veterans Memorial Idaho’s very diverse To learn more about the geography also makes for Nez Perce, visit the Nez Perce fascinating touring, from National Historical Park Salmon River country and Visitor Center in Spalding, the mountains through to the part of the massive Nez Perce Great Plains and the Great National Historical Park Basin. It’s no surprise that this that is spread across no less differing landscape also shaped than four states. Not only WATCH its different tribal settlers’ can you enjoy the museum Learn about the heart and traditions and histories. exhibits here, but you can creativity of the Nez Perce

also get a trail map to enable Garden, artifacts and scenic of a tribal warrior on horseback further exploration of the walking trails through the hoisting a peace pipe, with surrounding historic district. lovely 28-hectare parklands. nearby stones holding the Lewis and Clark’s famous For visitors wanting to names of the many tribal guide and interpreter take in even more of Idaho’s members who served in battles. Sacajawea was, in fact, a stunning great outdoors, the For those with a little Lemhi-Shoshone woman. Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes less time to spare, a visit to Idaho’s celebrated First Nations gives a perfect opportunity. Idaho’s oldest building, the daughter is accordingly This is a point-to-point rail trail Cataldo Mission in Coeur honoured at the Sacajawea stretching just over 112 kms d’Alene’s Old Mission State Interpretive, Cultural and for hiking or cycling through Park, is illuminating. The Educational Center. More than forest, lakes and prairie, with Jesuit church, parish house a museum, this is a real centre campgrounds for the intrepid and the accompanying for activity surrounding the and wildlife spotting a must in museum exhibits do much Lewis and Clark Historic Trail this gorgeous area. It is worth to illustrate the complicated area of Idaho. At the Center stopping at the trailhead to pay relationship between European itself, there are Heritage your respects at the Veterans settlers and one of Idaho’s Community Gardens, the Kids’ Memorial - a striking sculpture most famed tribes.

34 } vacationstravel.com vacationstravel.com { 35 #CITYLIFE IDAHO It may have earned its nickname as the ‘gem state’ Going to town from the rich natural resources found within its state lines, The cities and towns of Idaho and North Dakota but Idaho has plenty of other reasons to be considered make it easy to hop around the many attractions a precious place to visit. of these surprising states, writes Lisa Perkovic. You’ll find Boise, Idaho’s capital city, on plenty of ‘top places to live’ lists, with Americans seeking out its mixed bag of culture, history and clean, fresh air. Visit the Basque Museum and Cultural Center for a history lesson on the city’s European community, get decked out in the colours of the Boise State Broncos for a match during LEFT: Boise skyline. ©Boise Convention & Visitors Bureau A BOV E: football season, or join joggers The Big HItch is part of Wagon Days Parade in Ketchum. © Carol Waller and bike riders on the 40- km Greenbelt trail that runs alongside the Boise River. the town’s Queen Anne-, Art Water, water, everywhere Living history Deco- and Arts-and-Crafts- It’s all about lake life in Coeur The old railway town of style properties are dripping d’Alene, with fishing, kayaking Ketchum’s motto is ‘small in country charm. If they look and boating on the 129-sq-km town, big life.’ In winter the familiar, it’s because they hit lake the name of the game big drawcard is Sun Valley the big screen in the 1997 film, in summer. And then there ski resort, just four minutes Dante’s Peak. The town also are the 55 other surrounding down the road. In summer, holds the self-proclaimed title glacial lakes to keep you busy! it’s golf, hiking and biking of ‘Centre of the Universe,’ The name Twin Falls says it in the spectacular Sawtooth a claim that is celebrated all. Standing in the shadow of National Recreation Area. every year by proud locals. the mighty Shoshone Falls, this Summer is also when the Whatever the season, the town is made for thrillseekers. famous Wagon Days Parade historic logging town of McCall Kayak to the base of the falls, rolls into town - it is the has an outdoor activity on zipline through the Snake longest non-motorised parade offer. Whether you’re hiking River Gorge, or be brave and in the Pacific Northwest. to Goose Creek Falls, rafting base jump off the I.B Perrine WATCH Silver mining put Wallace the Payette River or skiing Bridge – the only bridge in Discover epic Idaho on the map, and a beautifully Brundage Mountain, there the USA where this is legal. preserved downtown has are only 3,500 residents, locations here. kept it there. Listed on the so you can expect plenty National Historic Register, of space to yourself.

vacationstravel.com { 37 NORTH DAKOTA Missouri River back in 1804, If you’re looking for wide- and today you can join a Urban Arts open spaces and big sky, paddlewheeler steamboat on Fame has certainly found look no further than North the river before heading to Fort Fargo, but the town’s distinct Dakota. Its cities and towns Abraham Lincoln State Park personality outstrips its are blessed by easy access to to wander the reconstructed namesake movie and TV the great outdoors alongside historic villages and check shows. Fargo movie lovers their own special charms. out Custer’s Cottage. Save should make a beeline for History buffs will be busy time for a trip to the North the Fargo-Moorhead Visitors in Bismarck, North Dakota’s Dakota Heritage Center and Center, where the woodchipper capital city. Expeditioners State Museum, nicknamed the prop is displayed in all its Lewis and Clark paddled the Smithsonian of the Plains. gory glory. Meanwhile, art lovers are well looked after in Fargo: visit Rourke Art Museum’s substantial collection OPPOSITE PAGE: of American modern art The North Dakota Heritage Center and State Museum before hitting the streets, TOP: The Medora Musical where you’ll find murals RIGHT: Fargo around every corner. Find your way to Fargo Brewing Co., where you can whet your thirst with a Woodchipper IPA or a Yoga on Tap class. a history lesson, then head to Sabir’s Buffalo Grill to The Wild West continue your education. The small town of Medora off Interstate 94 lends its name Northern Roots to the Medora Musical, an Vikings are probably not annual open air summertime what you’d expect to find spectacular bringing the Wild in Minot, but each autumn West to life since the 1960s. the town is overrun by them Stick to the theme with a visit when the Norsk Hostfest, a to the North Dakota Cowboy celebration of North Dakota’s Hall of Fame before heading Nordic heritage and culture, off on your own adventure in takes over. Year-round, you Theodore Roosevelt National can visit the Scandinavian Park. Heritage Park, home to a full- You might have been to size Stave Church replica. the Big Banana back home, Home to the Grand Forks Air but have you been to the Force Base and the University WATCH World’s Largest Buffalo? of North Dakota, Grand Josh Duhamel, who is a native of Dakota Thunder is nearly eight Forks, which sits pretty on the Minot, North Dakota, spent the metres tall and makes for a banks of the Red River, has a night at the North Dakota Heritage fun stop when you’re visiting burgeoning brewing scene. The Center and State Museum in Jamestown, a town that’s Rhombus Guys brewpub has Bismarck. Check it out here! big on buffalo. Check out the given the town’s historic Opera National Buffalo Museum for House a new lease on life.

vacationstravel.com { 39 #PLACESTOSTAY Standout places to stay

From cities to the wilderness, there is a great selection of weird and wonderful places to stay in Idaho and North Dakota, writes Jac Taylor.

RIGHT: Stay in a chuckwagon at Downata Hot Springs in Idaho. ABOVE: Black Leg Ranch, North Dakota

40 } vacationstravel.com NORTH DAKOTA North Dakota has its share of quirky places to stay, including a choice of cosy yurts and tipis at Cross Ranch State Park, in medieval comfort at the Enchanted Castle in Regent, and one for the twitchers – Pipestem Creek Garden Lodging for bed and birding in Carrington. Here are some of our favourites.

Rough Riders in Medora This is the Wild West come to life. Named after the volunteer cavalry unit headed by US President Theodore ‘Teddy’ Roosevelt, this building is brimming with history. Roosevelt is rumoured to have delivered one of his famed speeches from a balcony here, and the extensive private library has a plethora of books either on or written by him. Dine by the fire in Theodore’s Dining Room and put aside some time to visit the Wild West Museum just down the road.

Black Leg Ranch Hotel Donaldson in Fargo Chew some beef jerky or bison, sample the micro- If you come to Fargo expecting the chaos of the brews at the resident Black Leg Brewery and enjoy eponymous film, you’ll be pleasantly surprised with a stay in a timber-clad lodge at this all-ropin’, the classy, art-filled Hotel Donaldson. Located in the all-ridin’ ranch. The motto of Black Leg Ranch is city’s thriving dining, entertainment and arts centre, ‘preserving the prairie,’ a philosophy that enhances the ‘HoDo’ brings its artistic flair to everything the ambience of this fifth-generation cattle ranch from room décor to artisanal cuisine. Pair a stay and homestead. Both bison and cattle are ranched here with a visit to Fargo’s Plains Art Museum, or here, and you can tag along with real-life cowboys just take in the many exhibits, performances and on horseback, and try your luck at ropin’. events featuring local artists at the hotel itself.

Coteau des Prairies Lodge It’s hard to imagine a better spot from which to take in the full splendour of the North Dakota prairies. This stunning log lodge perches on the ridge of the Coteau des Prairies, a 320-kilometre- TOP LEFT: Coteau des Prairies Lodge long plateau rising above the flatlands of the state imbued with folklore and local pride. There are LEFT: Hotel Donaldson in Fargo only 13 bedrooms here, owned and stewarded by TOP R IGHT: a local family of ranchers who ensure your stay Black Leg Ranch contains as much adventure as you could wish for.

vacationstravel.com { 43 IDAHO In a place as filled with character and interest as Idaho, it makes perfect sense that a stock-standard hotel room doesn’t always cut it. Indeed, Idaho offers several wonderfully quirky places to stay, including inside the world’s biggest beagle at Dog Bark Park Inn. You’ll literally be in the dog house! You can also stay in a replica chuckwagon at Downata Hot Springs Resort. Here are four other unique places that are Idaho through and through.

Big Idaho Potato Inn at 500 Capitol Somehow, we know you won’t be astonished to find This chic and very hip boutique hotel in the heart of out this is the only potato hotel in the world. What Boise has something for everyone. Amongst its lush may surprise you, however, is the interior of this rooms, you can try the dog-themed Best Friend room, six-tonne concrete, steel and plaster replica vegetable the moody Egyptian Theater room, the Boise Art is very tastefully done. After a seven-year tour of Museum room, the film-buff Flicks Room and even the country promoting Idaho’s spuds, it has retired the Farmers’ Market room, complete with a metal in tiny-house form, complete with air-con, just 32 rooster ‘crowing’ at the head of the bed. Unlike some km outside Boise. The bathroom is in a nearby silo themed-room hotels, these rooms are done with all and features a fireplace and a luxe whirlpool. the style and grace of the rest of the establishment.

Crystal Peak Lookout Teton Springs Lodge and Spa Thanks to a beautiful recent remodel of one of Located in Victor, near the border with Wyoming, northern Idaho’s forest fire-spotting towers, you this is your gateway to big-ticket sights such as can now play treehouse in Crystal Peak’s cedar- Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks, as well filled mountainside. You have a full five hectares as Idaho’s fantastic ski fields. The lodge itself is an to spot bluebird nests in spring, pick huckleberries upscale construction of cosy timber, with separate CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Crystal Peak is a former fire-spotting tower; Teton in summer and, in winter, track moose in the mountain log homes providing more individual Springs Lodge & Spa; The Big Idaho Potato; The snow, take a ride in the vintage 1960s snowcat cabin-style accommodation amongst the mountains interior of the bathroom at Crystal Peak. vehicle (the best way to access the property) and providing easy access to the golf course. and, at night, enjoy the wood-fired sauna.

44 } vacationstravel.com vacationstravel.com { 45 LEFT AND ON THE TRAIL TRAIL HOW-TOS BELOW RIGHT: There are seven trestle The Route of the Hiawatha starts Stop off at the Lookout Pass Ski bridges on the Route at the Lookout Pass Ski Area on the Area, where you can hire mountain of the Hiawatha Idaho-Montana border and follows bikes, helmets and lights and pick the Bitterroot Mountains between up a complimentary bike rack to the two states. The mostly downhill put on your car to drive to the trail takes riders through 10 tunnels trailhead. Most riders choose to – the longest of which is the 2.7km start at the East Portal by the Taft St. Paul Pass Tunnel – also known Tunnel as that means you are riding as the Taft Tunnel. You’ll definitely downhill the whole way. Don’t need bright headlamps as it is as worry – there is a shuttle bus to black as pitch inside. At the western take you back to the parking lot end of the tunnel, there is a waterfall at the top. If you don’t have a car, providing a great photo opportunity. it is possible to organise a tour – As if that is not adventurous check with your accommodation. enough, the trail also takes riders The best place to stay to access over seven trestle bridges up to 70 the trail is in the historic town of metres high. As you can imagine, Wallace. The whole town is listed the views are spectacular. on the National Historic Register The trail takes you past soaring and also has quirky elements snow-topped peaks, lush forests of such as a self-proclaimed title spruce, pine and fir, and gurgling of ‘Center of the Universe.’ creeks below, and gives the After taking in the beauty chance to spot wildlife including of the Route of the Hiawatha, The Route of the Hiawatha is one of squirrels, mule deer, moose and you just might agree! the most scenic cycle tracks in the the occasional bear. You might USA, taking you over 24 kilometres even see deer IN the tunnels! of the now disused Milwaukee Railroad track in northern Idaho. The trail is held in such high regard that it was named as a ‘Hall of Fame’ trail by the Rails-to-Trails #RAILTRAIL Conservancy, along with the 117- km Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes. Route of the Hiawatha

Take beautiful scenery. Add a disused railway track once referred to as ‘the best darn railroad in the world’ and some bicycles. The end result is a spectacular adventure. 46 } vacationstravel.com The Maah Daah Hey Trail is a 230-kilometre adventure playground in western North Dakota. It starts near Amidon and finishes south of Watford City, connecting the north and south units of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park and running through the Little Missouri Grasslands and the rugged Badlands, the area Theodore Roosevelt fell in love with back in the 1880s. The trail gets its name from the Native American Mandan language, and means ‘grandfather’ or ‘something that will be around for a long time.’ The symbol used on trail signage is a turtle, adopted from the Lakota Sioux Indians TACKLING If you don’t fancy long and representing patience, THE TRAIL stretches of hiking or determination, fortitude and The trail system consists of biking, you can stay in protection – things that will nine segments, ranging from Medora and drive to some help anyone tackling the the 250-metre Overlook to of the more scenic spots entire length of the trail. the 30-kilometre Buffalo Gap visible from the road. The landscape along the section. There are 18 trailheads trail is diverse, covering the from which to access the trail, SIGHTS TO BEHOLD artistic formations of the as well as 12 campgrounds. The Maah Daah Hey Trail #ADVENTURE The Badlands shaped by millions Mountain bikers come attracts nature-lovers, of years of wind, rain, erosion, from near and far to ride this photographers, birdwatchers fire and the meandering Little now-famous trail, the longest and people who just love being Missouri River. Then there are single-track mountain biking in the wild. The China Wall, Maah Daah grassy ridges, endless prairies, route in the United States. Hanson Overlook, Midway majestic views and wildlife- Most experienced riders will Marker and Devil’s Pass will spotting along the way. do it over four or five days, all have you reaching for the either carrying their own camera, while other places of camping gear or organising interest include the Ice Caves Hey Trail someone to take it for them. If and Theodore Roosevelt’s you prefer to go with a group Elkhorn Ranch, accessed LEFT: The Maah Daah Hey and not worry about whether from the Elkhorn Trailhead. The Maah Daah Hey Trail is North Dakota’s best- Trail is a mountain biker’s dream. TOP RIGHT: Hiking you are going the right way, Only the foundations remain, kept secret – a wonderland of landscapes for on the Maah Daah Hey Trail. organise a ride through but the view is the same hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking. © North Dakota Tourism Dakota Cyclery at Medora. one he fell in love with. 48 } vacationstravel.com vacationstravel.com { 49 SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING It might surprise people to know that Idaho has one of the best ski resorts in the USA. and the fun vibe of nearby Sun Valley has everything Ketchum – including its you could possibly want in famous Pioneer Saloon. a ski resort, and also has There are lesser-known serious Hollywood credibility, resorts in northern Idaho, promoted in its infancy by including Schweitzer Mountain Ernest Hemingway as a Resort in Sandpoint, Silver getaway for the stars. Sun Mountain in Kellogg and Valley has two mountains, Lookout Pass near Wallace. Dollar and Bald, and opened North Dakota also has places new terrain in late 2020. The to strap on your skis, including luxurious star-studded Sun Frost Fire Mountain, Huff Hills Valley Lodge is stunning, as and Bottineau Winter Park. Fishing on are the gorgeous European- Cross-country skiers are not FAR LEFT: Redfish Lake, Idaho A BOV E: style on-mountain lodges forgotten, with Cross Ranch Snowshoeing near Victor, Idaho State Park offering magnificent BELOW: The Northern Lights trails. Afterwards, warm up or even stay in a yurt.

WATCH UNDER THE STARS Winter will wow It might come as a surprise to you in Idaho know that North Dakota is a great place to see the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). These #WINTER #ADVENTURE spectacular lights dance across a black background in vivid green, purple and blue, and compete with a background of a zillion stars. Not to Winter wonders be outdone, Idaho’s night skies are just as bedazzling, The states of North Dakota and Idaho with the Central Idaho have a lot to offer in the winter months. Dark Sky Reserve lighting up the crisp winter nights over the towns of Ketchum, Hailey and Sun Valley.

vacationstravel.com { 51 LEFT: Stay in a yurt in the snow near Idaho Falls Snowmobiling at Island Park, Idaho BELOW: RIGHT: Fat tire biking at Lake Metigoshe, North Dakota WATCH

Discover winter in North Dakota.

EVENTS Fargo, North Dakota, has the Frostival Festival, an event that celebrates the cool of ADVENTURES winter in a typical ‘North of ON SNOW Normal’ way. Frostival has Sun Valley’s Nordic and a range of outdoor events, ON THE ICE Snowshoe Center is the base concerts and family-friendly Ice Fishing is a thing, and in for a vast array of trails that activities over six weeks. North Dakota one of the best take you around the scenic In Idaho, the McCall spots is Devils Lake. Go out valley. Afterwards, head for Winter Carnival is a 10- with a guide and fish in a Ketchum’s Sawtooth Brewery day celebration at the end cosy tent or cabin on the ice. or the Warfield Distillery & of January that includes For a more active adventure, Brewery for a beverage or two. the Mardi Gras Parade, lace on your ice skates and In North Dakota, fat biking the Children’s Torchlight make like Torvill and Dean is popular at Lake Metigoshe Parade, live music and at one of the many ice rinks, State Park with oodles of trails. traditional snow sculptures. such as Town Square in Snowmobiling is really Not to be outdone, Lava downtown Grand Forks, popular in North Dakota’s Hot Springs has the Fire & Fargo, and at Icelandic State Turtle Mountains, with 284 Ice Winter Fest, with one of Park. In Idaho, the best rink kms of trails that link up with the most popular and crazy is at Sun Valley, where you trails at the International events being the Polar Float can skate all year round; in Peace Garden. In Idaho, peak Parade, where locals dress summer, watch champions snowmobiling action can be up in costume and float of the sport in action at the found in Bear Lake, Island down the freezing waters famous Sun Valley Ice Shows. Park and Lake Cascade. of the Portneuf River.

52 } vacationstravel.com Fun facts VT North Dakota

There are a lot of notable golf courses in 1 North Dakota, including the scenic Bully Pulpit course in the Badlands, King’s Walk, the championship Arnold Palmer Signature course in Grand Forks, and the Bois de Sioux Golf Club – the only public golf course in the nation to have LEFT: Starry skies nine holes in one state and nine holes in another over Hell Roaring Lake (the front side in Wahpeton, North Dakota, and in Sawtooth National Recreation Area, Idaho the back side in Breckenridge, Minnesota.)

Medora will be home to the 2 Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in 2025. Idaho is the home of the Appaloosa 6 (spotted horse). The Appaloosa Museum The town of Rugby is the geographical The Enchanted Highway boasts the largest and Heritage Center is located in Moscow 3 centre of North America. 6 gathering of “Larger than Life” roadside art. Idaho (not that Moscow – the one in Idaho). North Dakota is home to more Fargo is home to the infamous woodchipper NASA astronauts visited the 4 national wildlife refuges 7 that was featured in the movie Fargo. Hells Canyon is the deepest 7 Craters of the Moon National (63) than any other state. 1 canyon in America. Yep – deeper Park before they flew to the moon. One in three North Dakotans has than the Grand Canyon. Enough wheat is grown in North Dakota 8 Nordic heritage, the highest percentage The world’s largest English language 5 to make 15.5 billion loaves of bread; in the US. The Scandinavian Heritage Idaho’s Central Idaho Dark Sky 8 falconry library is in Boise’s World enough soybeans to make 483 billion crayons; Park in Minot (rhymes with “why not”) is 2 Reserve is home to the nation’s Center for Birds of Prey. enough potatoes for 171 million servings of the only outdoor museum in the world to first and only International Dark Sky French fries; and enough canola to fill the feature all five Nordic countries: Norway, Reserve – one of only 18 in the world. The name of Owyhee honours three North Dakota State Capitol building 17 times. Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Iceland. 9 Hawaiians who joined the North West In Soda Springs, you can find Company’s Snake expedition and made it from TOP RIGHT: Bison Nearly 90 per cent of North Dakota’s 3 the largest captive geyser in the the Pacific coast into southwestern Idaho. BELOW: Bully Pulpit Golf Course, Medora 9 land area is in farms and ranches. world – it erupts every hour on the hour, reaching heights of over 33 metres. The mayor of the town of Jamestown, also known as Buffalo 10 Wallace declared it to be the 10 City, houses the ‘World’s Largest There are over 130 soakable “Center of the Universe’ and put signs and Buffalo.’ The statue is 7.9 metres tall, 14 4 hot springs in Idaho. a manhole cover in place to promote it. metres long and weighs 54 tonnes.

Idaho has 72 types of precious and 5 semi-precious stones, which is why it is known as The Gem state. IDAHO TOURISM NORTH DAKOTA TOURISM

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