10 Most Historic Small Towns to Visit in Idaho

Idaho's rich history, preserved in its several well-maintained small towns, is a testament to each town's unique stories. The earliest-formed communities offer visitors a glimpse into the past with their silver and gold discoveries, historic railroad formations, and a famous trail from Missouri to the Oregon Territory. From the gold rush era to conflicts with Native American tribes, these historic towns in Idaho vividly depict lives and times long ago.

Pierce

Pierce, one of Idaho's oldest mining communities, has a fascinating history that dates back to the early 1860s and encompasses logging and mining traditions. Historic sites include the Pierce Courthouse, the oldest government structure in Idaho, constructed in 1862. The J. Howard Bradbury Logging Museum, which has a substantial collection of mining, logging, and Chinese historical artifacts, is another place to explore Pierce's history. During Pierce's annual 1860 Days event, locals and visitors come together to honor its rich past, including Pierce's contribution to the start of the Idaho Gold Rush and the establishment of the first mining town in Idaho.

Idaho City

Founded as Bannock, Idaho City grew into one of the Pacific Northwest's biggest towns. It was established in late 1862 during the Boise Basin Gold Rush, the biggest gold rush since the California Gold Rush 12 years prior. Because of the plentiful water supply, the town near the Elk and Mores Creeks confluence displaced many nearby communities in the basin. As its population grew, the new Idaho Territorial Assembly renamed the town Idaho City to differentiate it from Bannack in southwest Montana. A part of Idaho City's history is still present today. Historic buildings include the Boise Basin Museum in the former Pinney Post Office, which features a collection of artifacts from the mining era. The Masonic Temple, another iconic landmark, is the oldest in Idaho and is still in use.

Wallace

Wallace, located in the center of the Silver Valley, has traditionally been a boom-bust town. With 1.2 billion ounces of silver produced since 1884, Wallace and its surrounding area are known as the world's most prosperous silver mining zone. Many mining tours within Wallace allow visitors to explore its fascinating history. On the Sierra Silver Mine tour, experienced miners guide visitors through the main drift of a real underground silver mine. The Crystal Gold Mine tour is the only authentic 1880s underground gold mine tour in the Northwest. The Northern Pacific Railroad Depot Museum also details Wallace's rich history. While there, step into a re-creation of an early working railroad station to check out historic exhibits and displays.

Salmon

Salmon has a diverse past, as Lewis and Clark encountered the Salmon River during their 1805 journey through Idaho, which is particularly close to what is now known as Lemhi Pass. Relive those moments by exploring the sagebrush area where Lewis first came into contact with the Lemhi Shoshone or taking a guided driving tour of the Lewis & Clark Back Country Byway. Even more impressive is the Sacajawea Interpretive, Cultural, and Educational Center, a seasonal attraction that celebrates the life and legacy of American explorer Sacajawea. The Lemhi County Museum is another site to visit. It houses a collection of artifacts and memorabilia that showcase the history and culture of Lemhi County.

Lewiston

Lewiston became the first capital of the territory when it was founded in 1861, at the start of the Idaho Gold Rush. Since ancient times, the Nimiipuu, known as the Nez Perce Tribe, have inhabited this region. Discover their history and customs at the Nez Perce County Historical Society, which features interactive displays and exhibits. Explore more history on the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail, which stretches beyond Idaho's eastern and western borders, and follow in their footsteps. Visit Hells Gate State Park's Lewis & Clark Discovery Center to uncover more about Lewiston's past. While in Lewiston, visit one of the local vineyards with a history of producing award-winning wines from before Prohibition in 1872.

Bonners Ferry

Bonners Ferry, considered the entry point to northern Idaho, is less than 30 miles from the Canadian border. Visitors interested in local history can visit the Boundary County Museum, which uses displays, exhibits, historical rooms, and original relics that tell the narrative of the Kootenai people. The Wild Horse Trail Scenic Byway, which travels north along the eastern flank of the Selkirk Mountains, became more than just a pathway in 1863 when gold was found at Wild Horse Creek. Before the gold rush ended around 1880, the trail became a primary freight line for the Northern Pacific Railroad.

Sandpoint

Sandpoint in northern Idaho on Lake Pend Oreille is renowned for its terrain parks and ski slopes at Schweitzer Ski Resort. In addition to being a famous resort town, Sandpoint is rich in history. Visitors can explore the historic town's past at Bonner County Historical Museum in Lakeview Park, which has displays that explore everything from the ice period to the railroad era. Panida Theater is another historic site in Sandpoint. Located in downtown Sandpoint, the theater was built in 1927 as a vaudeville and movie theater. It's one of the town's most treasured gems and continues to entertain locals and visitors today.

Silver City

Owyhee County's Silver City is known for its gold and silver mining history. The Poorman Mine, whose rocky remnants remind tourists of a once-thriving mining community in the 1860s, is a must-see to learn about its rich past. The Owyhee County Historical Society Museum & Library in nearby Murphy details what life was like for miners, ranchers, and farmers in its early days. Once inside, explore historical records, documents, site buildings, and artifacts from Owyhee County. Visitors can stay at the Idaho Hotel, established in 1863. The historic hotel offers insight into 19th-century life with antiques and some modern amenities. Silver City is also home to Our Lady of Tears, Idaho's third-oldest surviving Catholic church.

Montpelier

Montpelier is a small town in the Bear Lake Valley region of southern Idaho with a long history. Take a trip to the National Oregon/California Trail Center to return to the days when pioneers trekked from Missouri to the Oregon Territory across the uncharted American West. The center features a gun shop, a mercantile store, costumed interpreters, and covered wagon rides. Other historical ties to Montpelier include the Bank of Montpelier, which was robbed by Butch Cassidy and his gang in 1896. Today, the site of the original bank building is now the Butch Cassidy Museum, where artifacts and elements from that infamous part of history are displayed. The breathtaking Bear Lake is just a short distance from the town to explore outdoor recreation.

McCall

McCall, which sits on the banks of breathtaking Payette Lake and serves as the anchor for Valley County's north end, is rich in adventure and history. It's widely known as a famous ski resort town, as Finnish immigrants brought cross-country skiing, alpine skiing, and ski jumping to the area in the 1920s. The historic Hotel McCall, a bed-and-breakfast-style inn that has welcomed guests since 1904, sits along the lake. To learn more about McCall's past, visit the Central Idaho Historical Museum, a four-acre complex of eight buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum has displays and exhibits on Smokey the Bear, the McCall Mill, fire lookouts, forestry, logging, and local history.

Discover These Historic Towns In Idaho

Idaho's historic towns offer a unique glimpse into the state's rich past, from gold rush settlements and Native American heritage to stories of exploration and frontier life. Whether it's the mining history of Silver City, the pioneer spirit in Montpelier, or the scenic charm of McCall, each town provides visitors with a chance to connect with Idaho's vibrant history. These preserved communities celebrate the resilience and ingenuity of their early settlers, making them must-visit destinations for history lovers and adventurers alike.