North Central Idaho facts for kids
North Central Idaho is a special part of Idaho. It covers the middle section of the state. This area shares borders with Oregon, Montana, and Washington. It's the southern half of Idaho's "Panhandle" region. This means it's a narrow strip of land in the northern part of the state.
This region is known for its farms and many natural resources. Long ago, in 1805, famous explorers Lewis and Clark traveled through this area. They were on their way to the Pacific Ocean. They crossed Lolo Pass and used canoes to travel west on the Clearwater River. They came back through the same area the next spring.
The two main cities in North Central Idaho are Lewiston and Moscow. Moscow is home to the University of Idaho. Both cities are on the western side of the region, close to the Washington border.
Contents
Geography of North Central Idaho
North Central Idaho is made up of five different counties. A county is like a smaller division of a state.
Most of this region follows Pacific Time. This is the same time zone as places like California. However, the southern part of Idaho County is different. South of the Salmon River, starting at Riggins, Idaho uses Mountain Time.
Main Cities
- Lewiston: This city is an important inland port on the Snake River. A port is a place where ships can load and unload goods. Lewiston was also the very first capital of Idaho Territory in 1863.
- Moscow: This city is home to the University of Idaho. The university was started in 1889.
Important Roads
Highways are major roads that connect different towns and states.
Federal Highways
These highways are part of a national system.
- US-12: This road goes west to Walla Walla, Washington. It goes east to Missoula, Montana.
- US-95: This highway travels north to Coeur d'Alene. It goes south into southwestern Idaho.
- US-195: This road heads north to Pullman and Spokane in Washington.
State Highways
These roads are managed by the state of Idaho.
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Fun Places to Visit
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North Central Idaho has many interesting places to explore! Here are some of them:
| Attraction | City |
|---|---|
| Appaloosa Horse Museum | Moscow |
| Camas Prairie Railroad | Grangeville |
| Dworshak Dam and Fish Hatchery | Orofino |
| Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness Area | Riggins |
| Gospel Hump Wilderness Area | Elk City |
| Hells Canyon National Recreation Area | Riggins |
| Historical Museum at St. Gertrude | Cottonwood |
| Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail | Kooskia |
| Nez Perce National Historical Park | Spalding |
| Palouse Region | Moscow |
| Salmon River Canyon Area | Riggins |
| Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness Area | Lowell |
| Seven Devils Mountains | Riggins |
| University of Idaho | Moscow |
| White Bird Battlefield | White Bird |
| Wolf Education and Research Center | Winchester |
Lakes
- Dworshak Reservoir – This large lake was created by the Dworshak Dam on the North Fork of the Clearwater River.
Rivers
Rivers are very important for the environment and for people.
Forests
These large forest areas are great for nature and outdoor activities.
- Clearwater National Forest
- Nez Perce National Forest
- Payette National Forest
Parks
State parks offer places for recreation and enjoying nature.
- McCroskey State Park
- Nez Perce National Historical Park
- Dworshak State Park
- Hells Gate State Park
- Winchester State Park
