The most underrated, fun adventure to have in Idaho and why it’s worth a stop on your next road trip.
They say good things come in small packages, and that's true for visitors who stumble upon the Idaho Potato Museum, in Blackfoot Idaho. You can boil em, mash em, or even stick em in a stew. Keep reading as to why this staple vegetable deserved its very own museum.
Pop In For Potatoes
When in Idaho, one goes to the Idaho Potato Museum. No doubt about that. I have to admit, on a recent family roadtrip down south with my parents from Canada, this museum was not on our list. And to be honest, we didn't think about it or notice it until we seen an advertising sign on the Idaho interstate highway. A museum... all about potatoes? We had to stop in and I'm so very, very glad that we did. You will be too. If the absolute GIANT baked potato roadside attraction doesn't excite you, do not read on.
A Potato Lover's Paradise
Before you even enter the museum, you are greeted by potentially the world's largest mashed potato. I'm sure the locals are used to out of town guests as we received a few honks and waves from passerby's. We paid a fair and rather cost effective admission and headed on in. I was ecstatic.
The museum is full of fun facts, memorabilia and interactive displays. From virtual reality headsets to a kids hands-on potato lab to learn about the heroic history of this hearty vegetable. They even have a mini film screening area and an actual tractor on display.
As you wind through the gallery, an assortment of beautifully coloured potato peelers sitting at rest in a display case will catch your eye. This case is proud to show off the multi purposeful use of this staple kitchen tool. Different styles, colours, sizes and materials.
To help convince the people of France to farm and eat the potato, Marie Antoinette often put potato blossoms in her hair.
World's Largest Potato Crisp
From cups and comic books to gloves and Idaho's biggest grown potato, there's something for everyone, at any age. But you haven't seen it all until you've seen the world's largest potato crisp. It was created by a team of food engineers in 1991. the crisp measures 25" by 14" and weighs 5.4 oz. It also contains 920 calories... the equivalent of 80 regular Pringle's potato chips. Now I love Pringle's, but I could never eat that many. Or maybe I could? I'll get back to you on that. Upon exiting the museum, visitors are presented with the ultimate mega wall of potato mashers. Every colour, every material, it's there. And boy is that wall beautiful!
Potato Station Cafe
But wait, there’s more! Potato paradise doesn’t end at the museum, but rather begins at the Potato Station Cafe. A cute, quaint, and cozy countryside themed cafe with walls adorned with potato themed curtains, bags, and fine collectibles. Here, you’ll be served up fresh, hot dishes of the potato in every lovely form it was meant to be. How do you like to have your potato?
Potatoes this way, potatoes that way, potatoes any way.
Add Pizazz to Your Potatoes
Using locally grown russet potatoes, the Potato Station Cafe has a fully loaded potato bar that features a special topping of the day.
CHOOSE YOUR OWN POTATO ADVENTURE:
POTATO SOUP, FRIED WAFFLE FRIES, POTATO CUPCAKE, FRESH CUT FRIES, GOLDEN TATER TOTS, CRISPY TATER DOLLAR, BAKED POTATOES & POTATO BAR
ORDER THE CRISPY TATER TOTS WITH
SHREDDED CHEESE, GREEN ONION, FRESH CRUMBLED BACON, SOUR CREAM, CHERRY TOMATOES, CHIVES
My mom and I opted in to share crispy tater tots with tons of toppings while my dad kept it classic with their fresh cut fries and a little bit of salt and malt vinegar. Just like you'd find at the fair or from a potato chip truck.
Potato Tokens To Go
Potato everything galore. How could you not be in your glory? The Idaho Potato Museum has you covered to take your very own potato token to go. From potato peelers and shot glasses to potato themed friendship bracelets, seasonings and spices. Potato jelly beans, potato hand lotion, shirts and assortments of souvenirs. Chips and keychains, the list goes on, just to name a few from the Idaho Potato Museum Gift Shop.
Quite possibly the best souvenir? The gift bags from the museum... are actual potato bags. Talk about potato re-purposing.
Your next fun family filled adventure comes in the most unexpected, tasty package. Kids will love it, you'll remember this unique adventure and you'll never not have great go-to conversation around the dinner table.
Comments