3 Fantastic Opportunities to Explore Historic Idaho on Your Next RV Trip

Idaho has only been a state for just over 130 years, but the history and heritage of this region go back much further. That’s why, if you’re interested in used motorhomes for sale that would be perfect for exploring the Gem State, you shouldn’t just settle for scenery. 

Traveling the state’s scenic byways in an RV is undoubtedly one of the top ways to immerse yourself in Idaho’s stunning outdoors. But if you aren’t taking the time to stop as you pass the state’s many historic sites, you might not be getting the full experience.

That’s why this helpful guide to three distinctive Idaho destinations can help you find stops brimming with history. Before you set out to discover Idaho in your new RV, check out this list of historic places and consider including at least one in your itinerary.

Take in the Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument

You could start your historical trip by going way back—say, three or four million years. That’s when the Hagerman Horse lived in the Snake River region. This national monument site near Hagerman is where Elmer Cook found the horse’s fossils in 1928, leading to the excavation of scientifically significant fossils that remain in the Smithsonian’s collection in Washington, D.C.

To visit the Hagerman Fossil Beds, plan a trip to the Thousand Springs Visitor Center outside Hagerman on Highway 30. You can see displayed fossils, hike the Emigrant Trail, and your kids can even become junior rangers, making this a superb family destination.

Admire Coeur d’Alene’s Old Mission State Park

Now that we’ve covered some pre-human history, let’s look at a more recent historic site. How about the oldest standing building in Idaho?

The Mission of the Sacred Heart was built between 1850 and 1853 by members of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe and Catholic missionaries in northern Idaho. The structure itself is intriguing, and it’s a beautiful place to learn about the dynamics of very different people living together in the mid-19^th century.

If you’ve recently browsed a selection RVs for sale Boise residents love, you should know there’s no camping at the park itself. However, it’s located just a few miles east of Lake Coeur d’Alene, with a plethora of RV camping opportunities in the vicinity.

Dig Up History at the Crystal Gold Mine

Take a trip to the Silver Valley. What would you expect to find here? Actually, you’re most likely to find gold—at the Crystal Gold Mine. It was originally worked in the 1880s and reclaimed in 1996 before opening as a tourist attraction.

Just off I-90, this destination is only 15 minutes east of the Mission of the Sacred Heart, so it’s a natural final stop for your tour of some fun Idaho historic sites. The mine features guided underground tours that the whole family can enjoy, plus an underground gift shop and gemstone panning.

This is an excellent stop if you started your Gem State adventure at the leading Idaho RV dealers, because it just so happens that you can book a night or two at the adjacent RV sites. They have full hookups, and pets are even welcome. Plus, it’s easy to get right back on the interstate when you’re ready to head home.

About DDRV

From breathtaking mountain vistas to pristine rivers and crystal-clear lakes, there’s no limit to the adventures your family can enjoy in Idaho. With a new RV, ATV, or boat, you can experience every Gem State excursion to its fullest. With more than 40 years in business, families find the key to adventure at DDRV, the largest RV dealer Idaho has to offer. To this day, DDRV remains a family-owned business, and you can count on their friendly team to treat you like a neighbor, not a number. At DDRV, you’ll get top dollar for your trade-in, a thoroughly inspected used inventory, and the most Master Certified service technicians in Idaho. For all your outdoor adventure needs, turn to the RV dealer Idaho trusts: DDRV.

Explore the Gem State in a new RV from Idaho’s most trusted RV dealer, DDRV, at https://ddrv.com/