Pocatello Travel Guide, Idaho

Pocatello is a prosperous city located in Idaho, USA. Although Pocatello metropolitan area has a total of approximately 80, 000 inhabitants, the city’s favorable location and its enterprising citizens have contributed to its transformation into an important economical centre. Located on the legendary Oregon Trail, Pocatello has played its role in the history of the West. The city got its name from a Shoshoni chief, who agreed to let the railway cross the lands of his tribe. Due to the fact that it is home to Idaho State University, Pocatello is also recognized as the core of the region’s cultural life.

Pocatello Travel Guide – Geography and Climate

Located at the point where the Portneuf River starts crossing its way through the Snake River Plain, Pocatello is an ideal place for agriculture. Its climate is especially favorable to the growth of potatoes, Idaho’s most cultivated plant. Most Pocatello travel guides will tell you that summers here are warm, with only few rainy days. The average temperature during winter months is 35.4˚F. Pocatello is only few hours distance from major touristy attractions like Salt Lake City, Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park or Jackson Hole.

Pocatello Travel Guide – Transportation

The two major highways that cross the city, I-15 and I-86, facilitate an easy access from any part of the country. The Pocatello Regional Airport is served by two commercial airlines. A network of public buses links the city to its suburbs. The closest cities in Idaho are Idaho Falls and Twin Falls.

Pocatello Travel Guide – Economy

Pocatello economy is mostly based on agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, mining and retail. Several national corporations have their headquarters in Pocatello, like ON Semiconductor, Premier Technologies and Positron Systems. The Idaho Environmental & Engineering Laboratory, focused on research and the production of nuclear reactors is the region’s biggest employer. Pocatello also represents a favorable medium for the development of small business, and has been included by Forbes magazine in the list of ‘Best Small Places for Business and Career’.

Pocatello Travel Guide – Interesting Facts and Figures

Any official or unofficial Pocatello travel guide will list the city as the United States’ Smile Capital: it was the only city in the world where smiling was encouraged by law, and its citizens remember those days every year when they celebrate the Smile Festival. The city’s name is pronounced like “poke-uh-tello”. Pocatello is situated in the proximity of Fort Hall Indian Reservation, which has been inhabited by the Shoshone and Bannock people since 1863. The reservation was founded as a consequence of the Bear River Massacre, when 200 Native Americans were killed by the US Army.