Idaho is a fascinating state with a rich history and beautiful landscapes. It’s also the source of many puzzling riddles! Here are 39 riddles about the Gem State, along with their answers.
Riddles about Idaho Cities and Towns
Let’s start with some riddles about the cities and towns of Idaho:
1. What Idaho city’s name means “sun mountain” in Shoshone?
Answer: Sun Valley
2. I’m the capital of Idaho, located in a namesake valley. What city am I?
Answer: Boise
3. I’m Idaho’s oldest city, located along the Snake River. Lewiston is my sister city across the border. What historic town am I?
Answer: Idaho City
4. This north Idaho town shares its name with a Confederate general. It’s also known for its scenic lake and resorts. What is it called?
Answer: Coeur d’Alene
5. I’m a small railroad town in Idaho’s Silver Valley. My name comes from the Shoshone word for “swift water.” What town am I?
Answer: Kellogg
Riddles about Idaho Geography
How well do you know the lay of the land in Idaho? Try these geography riddles:
6. I’m Idaho’s highest mountain peak, located in the Lost River Range. What am I?
Answer: Borah Peak
7. We’re two large lakes located in northern Idaho near the city of Coeur d’Alene. What are we?
Answer: Lake Coeur d’Alene and Lake Pend Oreille
8. I’m Idaho’s largest lake, popular for boating and fishing. My name comes from the Sahaptin word for “sky blue water.” What lake am I?
Answer: Lake Pend Oreille
9. I’m a National Park located in central Idaho, home to pine forests, wild rivers, and the Sawtooth Mountain Range. What am I?
Answer: Sawtooth National Park
10. We’re twin falls located on the Snake River. Shoshone Falls is higher, while I’m wider. What am I?
Answer: Twin Falls
Riddles about Idaho Symbols
Every state has official symbols that represent its values and culture. How well do you know Idaho’s symbols?
11. I’m Idaho’s state gemstone, a bluish-purple variety of garnet only found in Idaho. What am I?
Answer: Star garnet
12. I’m Idaho’s state flower, known for my pink and white blooms. Cowboys call me “shake pink.” What flower am I?
Answer: Syringa (mock orange)
13. I’m Idaho’s state tree, a type of pine valued for my straight, sturdy trunk. Lumberjacks call me “white pine.” What am I?
Answer: Western white pine
14. I’m Idaho’s state vegetable, though technically I’m a root. I have creamy white flesh and a brown, scaly skin. What am I?
Answer: Potato
15. I’m Idaho’s state animal, the largest member of the deer family. I’m notable for my huge antlers. What am I?
Answer: Elk
Riddles about Idaho History
Idaho has a rich history as a frontier. Test your knowledge of Idaho history facts with these riddles:
16. I’m a Native American tribe indigenous to Idaho. My people historically fished for salmon along the Snake and Clearwater Rivers. Who am I?
Answer: Nez Perce
17. I’m an Oregon Trail stop located in present-day Idaho. Pioneers could float across the Snake River here. What am I?
Answer: Three Island Crossing
18. We were two pioneering wagon trains led by Alexander Majors and James Coulson in 1862. We opened the Oregon Trail to the north side of the Snake River. What expeditions were we?
Answer: The Majors and Coulson expeditions of 1862
19. I’m a Native American woman who guided Lewis and Clark through Idaho and aided in negotiations. I rode 600 miles pregnant to meet them! Who am I?
Answer: Sacagawea
20. I’m Idaho’s first territorial capital, which served from 1863 to 1865 before the capital was moved south to Boise. What city am I?
Answer: Lewiston
Riddles about Idaho Wildlife
With diverse landscapes ranging from mountains to rivers to desert, Idaho is home to abundant wildlife. Test your knowledge of Idaho’s animals with these riddles:
21. I’m Idaho’s state raptor, a large bird of prey recognizable by my white head and tail. Golden eagles are my close cousin. What am I?
Answer: Bald eagle
22. I’m Idaho’s state fish, found in most clear, cold waters across the state. I put up a good fight when caught on a line. What fish am I?
Answer: Cutthroat trout
23. I’m the state mammal of Idaho, the largest rodent in North America. I build dams that create wetlands. What am I?
Answer: American beaver
24. I’m a unique type of trout found only in Idaho’s Payette Lake. I’m identifiable by my smaller mouth and golden belly. What trout am I?
Answer: Mackinaw trout
25. We’re the official state horse and popular pack animal of Idaho. We’re a surefooted breed that often has spotted coats. What are we?
Answer: Appaloosa horses
Riddles about Famous Idahoans
Idaho is home to many noteworthy people. Can you identify these famous Idahoans from their accomplishments?
26. I was an aviator born in Kuna, Idaho who disappeared mysteriously over the Pacific Ocean in 1937. Who am I?
Answer: Amelia Earhart
27. I’m a writer and environmental activist born in Boise, best known for my novel The Monkey Wrench Gang. Who am I?
Answer: Edward Abbey
28. I’m an actress born in Twin Falls, Idaho best known for playing Princess Leia in Star Wars. Who am I?
Answer: Carrie Fisher
29. I’m a harmonica virtuoso and influential blues musician born in Albina, Idaho. My stage name is Harmonica Frank. Who am I?
Answer: Frank Floyd
30. I’m an inventor born in Idaho Falls best known for advancing television technology. I have over 600 electronics patents. Who am I?
Answer: Philo Farnsworth
Riddles about Idaho Culture
Idaho has distinctive culture and traditions. How familiar are you with Idaho’s cultural quirks?
31. I’m a city in Idaho famous for its Basque culture and festivals like Jaialdi. What city am I?
Answer: Boise
32. I’m Idaho’s oldest rodeo, held annually in my namesake central Idaho town. What rodeo am I?
Answer: St. Anthony Idaho Rodeo
33. I’m an Idaho delicacy made from sliced, fried potatoes. What dish am I that you’ll find in school cafeterias statewide?
Answer: Tater tots
34. I’m a festival held in trees near Boise featuring hot air balloons and night glows. What colorful event am I?
Answer: The Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic
35. We’re a conservative Christian group with roots in Idaho. We’re known for our modest, pioneer-style dresses. What group are we?
Answer: The Plain People
Funny Riddles about Idaho
Think you know Idaho trivia inside and out? Try these silly riddles just for fun:
36. What do Idahoans do on couches? …Ida-ho!
37. Why can’t you hear a pterodactyl using the bathroom? …Because the P is silent!
38. What do you call someone who immigrated to Idaho from Asia? …An Idaho-ho!
39. Why don’t mountains get cold in Idaho? …Because they wear snow caps!
Conclusion
There you have it – 39 riddles ranging from serious to silly to test your Idaho knowledge. How many did you get right? Idaho is a state rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Learning more about its symbols, places, and people through these riddles hopefully increased your appreciation for the Gem State!
