Idaho's rich history dates back more than 14,000 years when Native people called the state home. The state's rich history is only part of the reason traveler's journey to Idaho. Many come to create a memorable vacation by volunteering to make a difference in the lives of others.

A century before the state joined the union on July 3 in 1890, Sacajawea was born in what is now eastern Idaho around 1790. She was the Shoshone Indian guide and interpreter for explorers Lewis and Clark on their famous expedition of 1805. She was also a highly skilled horse trader and just recently named Idaho's first-ever business woman by the Idaho Federation of Business and Professional Women.

In 1890 Governor George Shoup served as Idaho's first governor after Idaho became the 43rd state in the Union. Six years later Butch Cassidy and his Hole in the Wall gang made headlines by robbing a bank in Montpelier in 1896. In 1900, Idaho's population approached 162,000. After the turn of the century, commerce exploded as the Milner Dam brought valuable irrigation water south of the Snake River near Twin Falls and the largest sawmill in the country opened at Potlatch.

With such a rich history it's no wonder traveler's skip the traditional vacation to share a unique getaway experience by volunteering their time to help others. For these traveler's give something back to society and the communities they visit as part of their travel experience is priceless. This experience is known as VolunTourism, which combines the best of arts, culture, geography, heritage sites, the natural environment, and recreation with the opportunity to serve and enhance the people, places, and things at a select destination. Add all this together and you have a great way to have a holiday AND actively contribute to the destination you are visiting.

Building Stronger Idaho Communities Through Voluntourism

Ernest Hemingway once said "...a lot of state this Idaho, that I didn't know about...". When you visit Idaho and give your time you help enhance the communities, attractions and amenities of the state for everyone. 

Plan Your Trip

There are plenty of volunteer opportunities at events, campgrounds, archeological digs, trail crews and many other destinations. To learn more about VolunTourism visit www.visitidaho.org/voluntourism, or www.Voluntourism.org.

To view current events, travel news and plan your getaway to Idaho visit www.visitidaho.org for more details.

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