Camas Lily Days & Sho-Ban Homecoming

Southern Idaho’s Camas Prairie experiences a magnificent bloom—a sea of purple lilies—in the spring (usually late May/ early June). The native Shoshone-Bannock and Paiute people once used the roots of the camas lilies as a food source, and some tribal members still come to the prairie to dig for camas bulbs today. The annual Camas Lily Days takes place the first weekend in June with live music, dancing and a camas lily ceremony held by the Shoshone-Bannock Tribe. 

Buffalo Soldiers Honored with Monument in Wallace for 125th Anniversary

Honor the brave service and historic contributions of the U.S. Army 25th Infantry—one of the all-African American regiments known as the Buffalo Soldiers. This June marks the 125th anniversary of one of the regiment’s most impressive accomplishments: riding from Fort Missoula, Montana, to St. Louis, Missouri—an arduous 41-day, 1,900-mile trip on 55-pound, one-speed military bicycles that inspired a nickname for the group, the Iron Riders. To celebrate the trip’s 125th anniversary, events will be held in Missoula and Wallace, Idaho, where the soldiers helped restore order during the mining wars of the 1890s and rescued residents from the Great Fire of 1910—the largest wildland fire in U.S. history. The Wallace event will be held June 17, featuring a monument dedication. 

Nez Perce Tourism

A new and authentic experience is available for visitors to connect with native culture through Nez Perce Tourism. Nez Perce Tourism provides an exclusive experience for guests to immerse themselves in the customs of Nimiipuu culture, where traditional and modern customs blend through interactive storytelling. 

Land and water excursions, food, song, drumming and dance combine for tours that give guests the opportunity to connect with the Nez Perce. A variety of tour options are available, including multi-day packages, visits to historical sites, jet boat tours and traditional dinners. 

Shoshone-Bannock Indian Festival Returns

After a two-year hiatus, the Shoshone-Bannock Indian Festival returns this summer, Aug. 11-14. The event will feature a powwow, arts and crafts vendors, an art show, Indian relay races, a rodeo, a traditional buffalo and salmon feast, a royalty contest, softball, hand game, golf, and a parade. Prior to the COVID-19 disruption, the event had been held annually since 1964. The festival is the largest cultural celebration in

southeastern Idaho and one of the most popular Native American gatherings in the entire Northwest. 

New Minidoka Visitor Center Expands Internment Camp Education

2022 marks the 80th anniversary of President Franklin D. Roosevelt signing Executive Order 9066, forcing nearly 120,000 Japanese-Americans living on the West Coast into ten prison camps around the country. One of these camps was located in southern Idaho, near Jerome, where 13,000 people were imprisoned during World War II. The Minidoka Historic Site opened a new visitor center in 2020, featuring several exhibits and a film showcasing daily life at the camp. Visitors can also explore the remains of the entry guard station, waiting room and rock garden. The visitor center reopens on May 27 for the summer season. 

Boise’s Basque Heritage

Boise is home to The Basque Block, a city street dedicated to preserving the rich culture and history of the area’s Basquecommunity. Experience the unique Basque language, history and customs at The Basque Museum and Cultural Center. Grab a spot on a patio and enjoy authentic Basque cuisine and drinks like house-made paella, Basque chorizo, pintxos (tapas), sangria and Kalimotxo (red wine and cola over ice). 

During Jaialdi, a six-day festival held every five years, the streets of the Basque Block in downtown Boise flow with food, drink, music and dance as locals and visitors honor and revive classic Basque traditions. Entertainment includes folk music, dancing, sports and more. The next Jaialdi takes place in 2025. 

Malad Valley Welsh Festival

Malad City in southeastern Idaho has the largest concentration of Welch ancestry outside of Wales. Each year, descendants of Welsh immigrants celebrate the customs and traditions of their culture at the Malad Valley Welsh Festival. Festival activities include Welsh heritage games, wagon tours, crafts and food.

Laurie McConnell
Tourism Communications Specialist
208.287.0781 | laurie.mcconnell@tourism.idaho.gov
visitidaho.org
@visitidaho