Shadow Butte Development Corp

The Seat of Gem County, Emmett features Freezeout Hill's majestic views and the Payette River's clear winding waters. Located only 35 minutes from the state capitol, Boise, Emmett is nestled at the base of the scenic Squaw Butte.

Emmett was originally settled in the early 1860's after the gold discoveries of the Boise Basin. Railways and river transportation provided for expansion and opportunities to prosper in Martinsville (later named Emmett). Farming, ranching, fruit-growing and forest products transformed this rural community. Clean air, tranquil sunsets, ample water supply and community friendliness are just a few of the advantages of living in Emmett.
The closure of the Boise Cascade Plywood, Planer and Dry Kilns Departments in 2001 found Emmett economically stressed. Gem County is actively seeking businesses to provide employment for its citizens as well as give new businesses a friendly, cost effective place to begin or expand. The City of Emmett (population 5,500) is a vibrant, growing, friendly community. With a total population of 15,181, Gem County still has that small town feeling we have kept over the years. Our crime rate is very low and we are proud of being a safe community. We are excited that you have decided to take the time to look us over. We are sure you will be pleased with our outgoing business people, great schools, infrastructure, and the character of our community.

The Gem County Museum has a replica of an early day school house, a Victorian house, a blacksmith shop, and an array of early ranching tools with a natural history exhibit. The museum strives to display and educate the public on the heritage of our community and of the early pioneers.
Picture Of Library Here?	The Emmett City Library offers an array of library services, including books, videos, meeting room and Internet access. The library has over 50,000 items available for use and works cooperatively with other libraries to obtain special need items.
Gem County Fair Grounds provides a wonderful public place for many different events. Horse racing in the spring, horse shows throughout the summer and a wonderful fair and rodeo in August provide our citizens a place to go and observe or participate in the many areas offered. From 4H members to private citizens we all have the chance to share our photography, cooking skills, gardening and canning abilities or enter any of the other judged classes offered	Picture Of Fairgrounds Here?

Gem County has an abundance of outdoor recreation.

Gem County is very proud of it's 57 acre recreation facility located along Payette River, walking distance from downtown Emmett.
The park has 8 baseball fields, 2 soccer fields, basketball courts, and a paved walking path. Operated and maintained by the Gem County Recreation District it is a wonderful facility for the whole family.

Black Canyon Reservoir
Just 5 miles from town, the reservoir offers picnic facilities, boat docks and ramps, fishing and water sports. The dam built in 1928 provides irrigation water to the valley as well as major recreation opportunities for the community.

Emmett City Park
Right in the middle of town features a Community swimming pool, lighted tennis courts, band-shell, playground, horseshoe pits and picnic areas. This great city park offers our town a place for many of the events scheduled throughout the year.

Bogus Basin Ski Resort
A 1 1/2 hour drive brings you to the winter sports area offering several chair lifts, lodging, sleigh rides, meals and rental equipment. They also provide summer mountain biking with the use of the chair lifts.

White Water
Some of the best White Water in the Nation is found 45 minutes from Emmett. Kayaking, rafting and tubing are all a part of this great Idaho resource.

Firebird Raceway
offers the extreme side of recreation activities. Firebird is an official quarter mile drag strip, offering races throughout the summer months.

Emmett City Golf Course and Airport
is located just 2 miles from town the 9 hole course and restaurant are a great way to spend an afternoon.

Little Gem Cycle Park
Little Gem Cycle Park is a free community cycle park. Two miles from town with acres of open hillsides. Little Gem Cycle Park offers hours of motorcycle trails and hill climbing.

Civic Organizations
Gem County has many civic organizations including: Lions Club, Optimist, Rotary Club, Kiwanis Club, Jaycees, Gem Community Playhouse.

Youth Activities
Big Brothers-Big Sisters, 4-H, Scouts, Clogging, Music Lessons, Organized Sports, Church Activities and Youth Bowling are just some of the activities offered to our youth.

Senior Citizens Services
Gem County Senior Citizens Center serves our seniors well. Meals on Wheels, Dancing, Transport Van, Pinochle, Bingo, Dinners, Exercise Class, Foot Care and Blood Pressure Testing as well as planned excursion trips are just a few of the activities provided through this great organization.