759. ID Rather Drink This
Drive-by celebrating this long-awaited spot along the Oregon Trail in Soda Springs, ID

In the mid 19th century, the waters around here were eagerly anticipated by Oregon Trail pioneers, especially after all the alkali, polluted and sometimes even deadly waters of other venues along the way. Some folks referred to them as the "beer springs” while others said they were definitely an "acquired taste”. At any rate, by the late 19th century and well into the 20th, Idan-ha, bottled here, became probably the most famous mineral water in the world and even won top awards in Paris!

By 1931, however, things were changing. Attempts to turn the area into a hot springs resort failed when a drill struck a gas chamber, resulting in a geyser that had to be "turned off” so as not to disrupt "Old Faithful” many miles away! This now "captive geyser” is still set to go off every hour on the hour and is said to be the only human-controlled geyser of its type in the world!

Once you have visited and seen this phenomenal hourly outpouring, head south up the small hill to the little octagonal GOC post with its own bit of history. From the weathervane post, go 4 steps counterclockwise right to the second cement corner and look under the slightly protruding cement lip for a 1” black stone with its ID on back peeking out near a similar tan one. If you have time, you can visit several other of the these cool/hot mineral springs around town while you're here, too!

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