BEHIND THE STORIES

An Impressive Lineup of Shows
31,000 viewers watch Outdoor Idaho each week, with good reason.  More of this story

IN PRODUCTION

“Capitol of Light” to document the return to glory of Idaho’s State Capitol

Actor M.A. Taylor as John Tourtellotte.
“The great white light of conscience must be allowed to shine and by its interior illumination make clear the path of duty.” John E. Tourtellotte

Airs Thursday, January 7, at 7 p.m. Mtn/ 8 p.m. Pac.
Airs Saturday, January 9, at 6 p.m. Mtn/5 p.m. Pac.

Known affectionately as “the people’s house,” Idaho’s Capitol building will reopen its doors in January, after a restoration and expansion project that took more than two years and $120 million.

Designed by architect John Tourtellotte to be “a beacon for noble ideas,” the Capitol’s massive sandstone walls and stately dome have withstood nearly a century of use.  But inside, the people’s house was being asked to do the near impossible:  to accommodate 21st century demands while still maintaining its 19th century form.

Idaho State Capitol at night by Kevin Rank.When the Capitol officially re-opens on January 9, visitors will see a building that meets all modern safety codes while still retaining the charm and eloquence that the original architects envisioned.

“Capitol of Light” documents the excavation begun in 2007 to add two underground wings to the original structure. Exclusive access during construction also allowed our cameras to capture the painstaking efforts at restoration of some of the hidden gems of the building, like Statuary Hall on the 4th floor.

“Capitol of Light” also brings to life the remarkable John Tourtellotte, who teamed up with Charles Hummel, to create what one critic called “the best of America’s capitols.”

To learn more, visit www.idahoptv.org/capitoloflight/.

YELLOWSTONE’S CASCADE CORNER

Union Falls.

It’s a place of hidden fire and scalding steam, wild predators and rushing rivers. This amazing terrain called Yellowstone is one of the most beloved national parks in the world. While a small slice of the park is actually in Idaho, for residents on the eastern side of the state the entire park is well within reach and they love having this magnificent jewel in their backyard.

This program showcases both the highlights and the lesser known sights of the Yellowstone area. Much of the hour long production features the lush southwestern corner of the park that extends from Wyoming into Idaho. The two hundred square mile region is filled with huge meadows, twisting canyons and countless waterfalls. It offers a wonderful wilderness escape to hardy adventurers who are willing to go the extra mile. Most of the inspiring torrents of the aptly named Cascade Corner can only be reached on foot or by horseback and require multiple river crossings. Here visitors are few and natural beauty is plentiful. Join the crew of OUTDOOR IDAHO as they explore Yellowstone's Cascade Corner.


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