In Idaho Falls, in 1951, a nuclear reactor testing station generated electricity from atomic power for the first time. Department of Energy. The mountain regions of Idaho became very popular in the 1970's and 1980's, resulting in a big boom in tourism. The Sun Valley Ski Resort built the world's first chair lift in 1936. Economy Idaho's economy relies on tourism, mining, agriculture, and manufacturing.
Tourism is a very important industry in Idaho.
Lots of people come to Idaho to visit the mountains, rivers, lakes and ski resorts. Hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, boating and skiing are all very popular recreations in Idaho. Idaho's biggest industry is manufacturing. They manufacture chemicals, lumber products, non-electric machinery, paper, electronic equipment, metal products and printing. Idaho grows potatoes, sugar beets, hay and wheat.