Butte County is located in the southeastern corner of Idaho, and is bordered by Blaine County to the north, Camas County to the east, Jefferson County to the south, and Gem and Ada Counties to the west. The county encompasses an area of 1,061 square miles and has a population of approximately 9,000 people.
According to psyknowhow.com, the county was established in 1917 and was named after Butte Creek which flows through it. The county seat is Arco which is also its largest city with a population of around 1,500 people. Other cities in Butte County include Atomic City, Basalt, Howe, Mooreville and Riverside.
Butte County has a rich history that dates back thousands of years with evidence of human habitation dating back 12000 years ago when Native Americans lived in the area. Later on it was explored by fur trappers who arrived in 1810 before being settled by miners during the gold rush era of the 1850s.
Today, Butte County is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities with visitors able to enjoy activities such as camping, fishing, hiking, biking and horseback riding throughout its scenic landscapes. Popular attractions include Craters Of The Moon National Monument & Preserve which features a unique volcanic landscape as well as hot springs that are ideal for soaking in after a day’s exploration.
Famous people associated with Butte County include former US president Ronald Reagan who visited Arco during his presidential campaign in 1980; astronaut Gordon Cooper who grew up in nearby Atomic City; actress Jane Fonda who filmed parts of her film “Klute” there; and musician Ben Harper who hails from Mooreville.
Butte County offers something for everyone – from outdoor enthusiasts looking for some adventure to history buffs wanting to learn more about this unique corner of Idaho. With its natural beauty and fascinating past – it’s no wonder why so many people flock here each year.
Climate and weather in Butte County, Idaho
According to andyeducation.com, the climate of Butte County is classified as semi-arid, with hot summers and cold winters. The average annual temperature is about 48°F (9°C), with an average high of 83°F (28°C) in July and low of 22°F (-6°C) in January. The area tends to experience heavy snowfall in the winter months, while summer months are relatively dry but can become quite hot.
The county is also prone to strong winds, due to its location on the Snake River Plain, which can reach up to 30 mph at times. This is especially true during the spring and summer months when thunderstorms are common.
Rainfall is relatively sparse throughout the year, averaging just 12 inches (304 mm) per year with most of it occurring between May and August. However, due to its elevation, there may be some snowfall each winter as well as occasional hail storms that occur during the spring and summer months.
Butte County also experiences wide temperature swings throughout the day, with temperatures dropping significantly after sunset and rising quickly during the day. This can make for pleasant days but chilly nights so it’s best to dress in layers if you plan on spending any time outdoors.
Transportation in Butte County, Idaho
Butte County, Idaho is served by a variety of transportation options. The most common form of transportation is by car, as the county is connected to nearby cities and towns by a network of highways and roads. The main highway running through the county is Interstate 15, which connects Butte County to Boise in the south and Missoula in the north.
In addition to highways, Butte County also has several state routes that connect its various communities to one another. Public transit is also available in some areas, with buses connecting cities such as Arco, Atomic City, Mooreville and Howe.
For those looking for air travel, there are two airports located within the county: Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA) and Arco Municipal Airport (AFO). Both airports offer regular flights to major US cities such as Denver, Salt Lake City and Las Vegas.
Those who prefer rail travel may take advantage of Amtrak’s Empire Builder line which runs through Butte County on its way from Chicago to Seattle. There are several stops along the way including Pocatello, Idaho Falls and Arco.
Finally, there are a number of taxi companies operating throughout Butte County offering convenient door-to-door service for those who don’t have their own car or prefer not to drive themselves. Taxis can be found at all major hotels and other locations throughout the county.
Cities and towns in Butte County, Idaho
Butte County, Idaho is home to a variety of cities and towns. The largest city in the county is Idaho Falls, which is located on the Snake River and serves as the county seat. This city offers a wide range of amenities including shopping, dining, entertainment and a vibrant downtown area.
Other cities in Butte County include Arco, Atomic City, Howe and Mooreville. Arco is located at the intersection of Interstate 15 and US Highway 20 and is known for its hot springs. Atomic City is located near the Idaho National Laboratory and offers access to outdoor recreation such as hunting, fishing and camping.
According to Countryaah, Howe is a small town located on the Snake River just south of Idaho Falls with plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities. Finally, Mooreville is situated on US Highway 20 between Arco and Howe with access to nearby fishing spots as well as hiking trails in nearby national forests.
In addition to these larger cities, there are several smaller townships throughout Butte County including Basalt Creek, Egin Bench, Felt Butte Ranchos de Taos and Fish Creek Station. These communities offer more rural settings with easy access to nature’s beauty such as mountainside views or lakeside living.
Whether you’re looking for an urban lifestyle or something more rural, Butte County has something for everyone. With its diverse array of cities and townships, there’s sure to be something that fits your needs.