Exploring the State of Idaho

This week we have embarked on a family adventure.

My husband is on a working trip around the State of Idaho while we have joined to explore the rich history and scenery all around us!

A Photo at the State Line on Highway 12, Lolo Pass

Earlier this summer, we finished up a study of Idaho. Sarah has studied and worked to put together a time line of history by reading books and studying various articles and video presentations on the subject. Now we are visiting the historical sites specific to the history we have studied!

We have begun our driving adventure making our way to North Central Idaho via highway 55. We enjoyed a lovely drive up the Payette River Scenic Byway through McCall and up US highway 95 up to Grangeville. We made special stops to explore Whitebird pass. There, we read about the Battle of Whitebird, marking the beginning of the Nez Perce War of 1877. We learned that the United States was pressured to break it's treaty to accommodate the many early settlers and miners (who were driven by their lust for gold) interested in living on the ancestral homelands that has been set apart for the Nez Perce.

We finally made our way to our destination for the evening, Lewiston, Idaho.

Thomas on the Snake River, Lewiston, Idaho

Lewiston, along with it's neighboring city, Clarkston, were named after the famous explorers, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, that found a trans continental water route through to the Northwest in 1804-1806. They were commissioned by Thomas Jefferson, who was interested in establishing a major commerce route to the west. Here is where they made their way via the Clearwater River which empties into the Snake River... and where they eventually made there way down to the Columbia and eventually to the Pacific Ocean. The two cities sit across from each other at this point on the Snake River.

View of the Snake River from Hells Gate State Park

We spent the day at the Hells Gate State Park, enjoying the Lewis and Clark Discovery Center, where we got an overview of the trip of Lewis and Clark as well as a comprehensive understanding of the Nez Perce nation and their ancient beliefs.

Sarah and Thomas exploring a hollowed out Canoe...
similar were made and used by Lewis and Clark
and their party to navigate down the river
through the Northwest Passage.

We also visited the Jack O'Connor Hunting Heritage and Education Center. We learned about establishment of animal and nature conservation in the State as well as viewed an amazing wildlife collection from all over the world.

A Camp Stove similar to what might have been used by Lewis and Clark

Later, we headed up to Moscow (to visit with Aunt Ruth for dinner) as well as, taking a short detour to explore the Appaloosa Museum.

Sarah at the Appaloosa Museum in Moscow, Idaho

The Appaloosa is a legitimate breed famous in the State of Idaho. The Nez Perce were influential in creating the breed and building it's population. The museum was filled with lots of rich history and information on the breed and horsemanship throughout the mid 1700's to modern day. This stop was a highlight for Sarah!

Can't seem to keep our girl out of the saddle!