The four states of Idaho, Montana, South Daktota and Wyoming are regarded to be the “Real America”. As you will discover, the region is full of majestic beauty, friendly people, exciting outdoor activities, fascinating historic sites, and endless opportunities for true western adventures and hospitality. Whether you are interested in recreation, history, culture, wildlife or natural wonders, the Real America region has it all. Come and experience what makes the West such as great place to visit any time of the year. Here you can find Yellowstone, the Grand Tetons, Glacier National Park, Sun Valley, Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Jackson Hole, Devil's Tower, Buffalo Bill's Cody Country, dude ranches, American Indians, rodeos, outdoor adventure, world-class skiing, friendly people and America's frontier heritage.

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Hells Canyon is the deepest river gorge in North America and offers more than 70 miles of rugged river country. In 1975, Congress established the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area in west central Idaho and northeastern Oregon. Consider exploring this remote canyon in a jet boat or raft, or try a hike or trail ride. Nez Perce Indian petroglyphs and pictographs can be found in the caves and on rock walls in the canyon. The Pittsburg Landing hike, accessible all year, takes you up the river 5 miles to Historic Kirkwood Ranch. Hells Canyon Scenic Byway, which takes you to Hells Canyon Dam, is accessed by traveling north of Cambridge on Highway 71. You may want to check on conditions before you travel on these back roads. More about Idaho's Hells Canyon

The world's most famous dinosaur - "Sue," the gigantic T-rex at Chicago's Field Museum - was discovered in South Dakota. The Badlands National Park contains some of the world's richest Oligocene fossil beds, and archaeological sites across the state offer clues about early societies. The public is invited to observe paleontologists in action. Visitors can also view fossils of the ancient creatures on the Fossil Exhibit Trail. At Marine Fossil Dig, near Chamberlain, paleontologists are working to discover how the sea that once covered mid-America changed at the end of the Mesozoic Era. More about Archaeology & Paleontology in South Dakota

The Mammoth Hot Spring Terraces have been a popular feature in Yellowstone since the early stagecoach routes up the Yellowstone River Valley. The Terraces, first described by the 1871 Hayden Survey, were given the name of White Mountain Hot Spring. The Mammoth Terraces are constantly changing shape and color. Springs which were active one to five years ago may be dry and lifeless now, yet activity may later resume. Along with changes of thermal activity come changes in color. Fresh travertine is bright white in color and as it weathers it changes to gray. Bright colored cyanobacteria and algae mats which were dependent upon a stable temperature and a flow of water also change as the microorganisms die creating a stark, bleak landscape. More about the Mammoth Hot Spring Terraces

Much of the Montana landscape that Lewis & Clark crossed remains unchanged. From river canyons to mountain meadows. Montana's rivers and highways flow past scores of landmarks related to the expedition. Follow the route of the Corps of Discovery across Montana and take in the historical account of the historic journey as well as plan your own expedition to see and experience the same sites and sights that Lewis and Clark experienced 200 years ago. More about the Explore the Original Montana on the Lewis & Clark Trail

Parks, golf courses, and docks follow the majestic Snake River as it winds through the region – the steep canyon walls framing the setting for fishing, boating, rafting, and waterskiing. Small-town America lives on here with friendly faces meeting you at every turn. Discover antique stores, museums, fairs, and festivals. Urban delights amuse you. Enjoy gallery openings, wine tastings, concert halls, and jazz outdoors. Or shop-til-you-drop in retail centers and quaint stores. More about the South Central Idaho

In Montana, everyone has a few wild neighbors like antelope, elk, moose, mountain goats, bears, wolves, and more. In fact, Montana has a greater variety of wildlife than any other state in the lower 48. Think of Montana as a giant, natural animal preserve. Two of Montana's greatest opportunities for wildlife viewing are its national parks: Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park. Another great way to look at Montana's wildlife is to visit one of our many wildlife refuges. Visitors seeking a view of wildlife in their natural habitat will be rewarded at Montana's Wildlife Refuges. More about the Wildlife Wonders in Montana

The Idaho Potato Exposition offers dozens of fun and educational exhibits featuring the world's most popular vegetable and Idaho's most famous product. The museum features old farming equipment, several educational exhibits including 1600-year-old vessels made in Peru and a video presentation about the development of the potato industry. You can also view the world's largest potato chip and the Spud Cellar Gift Shop offers almost any potato gift imaginable including potato ice cream, potato fudge, t-shirts and, of course, fresh Idaho potatoes. Admission includes a free baked potato and toppings. More about the Idaho Potato Expo

Glorified in books, movies and television shows, The Pony Express is an icon of American history. Though it only lasted from April 1860 to October 1861, the riders of the Pony Express were revered for their ability to deliver the mail from St. Joseph, Missouri to Sacramento, California in ten days or less. In Wyoming, the Pony Express Trail follows the Oregon/California Trail to Fort Bridger, where it joins the Mormon Pioneer Trail for a short distance. Each year, the National Pony Express Association reenacts the famous ride with a 10-day around-the-clock re-run with more than 500 riders following (as closely as possible) the original, nearly 2,000-mile route. More about the Pony Express Trail

From rolling plains to majestic mountains, a diverse landscape decorates South Dakota. These magical lands also hold a diverse population. More than 62,000 American Indians live in South Dakota. Most of them are Dakota, Lakota or Nakota people, also known collectively as Sioux. This nation traces its roots to the "Oceti Sakowin" or "Seven Council Fires”. Tradition holds the forces of nature as holy and emphasizes the importance of balance among all things in the universe. This balance remains an instrumental piece of life. Experience a culture as vast, vibrant and enduring as the land itself. More about the Plains Indians