Bingham County, Idaho
Bingham County was established January 13, 1885, with its county seat at Blackfoot, from the east and north parts of Oneida County. Named by Territorial Governor William M. Bunn for his friend Henry Harrison Bingham, a Pennsylvania Congressman, or the name was determined by a race from Blackfoot to Boise between two citizens of Blackfoot and Eagle Rock (now Idaho Falls). The contender to reach Boise first in the race the government officials had ordered, would have the honor of selecting the county seat and have the county named for him. The winner was Blackfoot's Elisha E. Bingham a native fo Riverside, Utah who homesteaded in Blackfoot in 1883. Mrs. Ada Katseanes, a daughter of Elisha Bingham, recalls hearing her parents talk of the race having been made with a team of horses.
County Clerk 501 N. Maple #205 Blackfoot, ID 83221-1028 Phone: (208) 785-8040 Fax: (208) 785-4131
Bingham County's cities are: Aberdeen, Basalt, Blackfoot, Firth, Grandview, Moreland, Pingree, Shelley, Sterling, Springfield. The total population for the county in 2000 was 41,735.
Idaho Potato Expo - Museum
Located in the old Oregon Short Line Railroad Depot you’ll discover the world of Idaho’s Famous Potatoes®. The Idaho Potato Expo is a unique museum which appropriately showcases Idaho’s Famous Potatoes®. The rich graphics showcasing the history of the potato will lead you through the revolution of the potato industry. From the original potato planted in Idaho, to the largest potato made by the Pringle’s Company in Jackson, TN. You’ll be intrigued as you stroll through the Expo which was built in 1912. Once a bustling flurry of activity, the stone depot represents significant ties between the railroad and the potato industry. The Potato Expo provides information on potato history, the growing and harvesting process, nutrition, trivia and educational potato facts. Watch a short video presentation on how the potato industry has developed.
Bingham County Historical Museum
On the outside, this 15 room mansion looks like a southern plantation home. On the inside, it houses an historic collection of classic dolls and Native American artifacts. Wood and iron Victorian ornamentation adds to the building's interest. Guided tours are available.
Blackfoot- Bingham County Seat
Blackfoot, Idaho stands as an oasis in the desert with many attractions, and facilities for its citizens, and visitors. First named Grove City because of the abundance of trees, Blackfoot is still a city of trees, and parks including: Jensen Grove Park, (with its 2 mile Greenbelt Path around the lake), the Airport Park, and the Old Courthouse Square. A challenging 18 hole golf course, considered one of the best in the state, lies next to Jensen Grove Lake, and the airport . The community swimming pool, and hot tub are located on the southeast side of town, and open year round. Blackfoot is also home of The Eastern Idaho State Fair which attracts thousands of visitors during the first week of September. Along with its base of agricultural, and commercial exhibits come a fascinating variety of entertaining night shows, horse races, and a carnival.
Hells Half Acre National Landmark
This interesting interpretive nature trail takes visitors though an incredible 5,200 year-old lava flow with paved walkways and 25 engraved signs on the hike identifying aspects of the lava flow's unique ecosystem.
The Hells Half acre lava flow, which emerged from a shield volcano, is one of many basalt flows on the Snake River Plain. It is relatively young, and it has only been partially colonized by vegetation. It is also a very large and mostly roadless flow. Nevertheless, it is near the population centers of Idaho Falls and Blackfoot, and Shelley, Idaho (less than ten miles). Interstate highway 15 cuts through a small portion of the flow. At rest stops on the Interstate, there are short paved walks providing an interpreted trail across the very rough surface.
Blackfoot River Canyon
For a great backcountry scenic drive, check out this portion of the Blackfoot River Canyon. It's a smaller version of the Snake River Birds of Prey Area. Steep canyon cliffs, aspen and cottonwood trees support nesting golden eagles, prairie falcons, red-tailed hawks, great horned owls and other raptor species. Use turnouts along the road for parking and walk approximately 200 yards to the rim for viewing. A few road spurs provide access to the canyon bottom.
Winter Sports
Wolverine Canyon
Wolverine Canyon
Located just northeast of Blackfoot, Wolverine Canyon is a year-round recreational center, offering hiking, whitewater rafting, and fishing during the summer, and cross-country skiing and snowmobiling during the winter.
