13 Gorgeous Idaho Towns To Visit In 2023

With true wilderness and solitude in nature, historical remnants of the Wild West, or creative artsy communities, Idaho has a small town for you to visit. The "gem state" is aptly named for this abundance of natural beauty, and it does not disappoint. From the forest and lake-rich northern panhandle to the imposing jagged mountains of central Idaho to the deserts, canyons, and dunes of the southwest, this state is full of spectacular and diverse views and experiences that are best accessed by staying in the gorgeous small towns dotted across the landscape.

Ketchum

Gorgeous at any time of year, Ketchum, Idaho, is particularly delightful in winter, when the expanses of valleys and hills are covered in fluffy snow and become a playground for cross-country skiers and snowshoers alike. Grab some snowshoes or skis at Galena Lodge and trek out to one of their beautiful yurts for a cozy winter camping experience under the dark, starry skies. For a more luxurious experience, head to nearby Sun Valley, a resort town made famous by Ernest Hemingway in the 1930s and where modern celebrities like Oprah, Tom Hanks, and Bill Gates have owned properties throughout the years.

Almo

From spring through fall, the tiny town of Almo becomes a hotbed of activity, as rock climbers from far and wide gather to climb the unique rock formations at City of Rocks. With over 600 routes ranging from 30-600 feet and varying in difficulty, it's clear why this area has become so popular. But it's not just climbers who will appreciate the massive granite spires and steeples that rise seemingly out of nowhere across the open landscape. Any nature appreciator will be awed by a simple walk through the park. Sleep amongst the spires and stars at the City of Rocks campground, or try out the western-themed Almo Inn and Outpost Steakhouse for hearty meals and an old-timey feel. Stock up on gas and groceries at the charming historic Tracy General Store, running since 1894, making it the oldest store in Idaho.

Salmon

At the edge of the vast Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness (one of the largest contiguous wilderness areas in the lower 48), Salmon, Idaho, offers wild and rugged adventures that make the state of Idaho so special. Although the name might be a bit intimidating, the River of No Return (also known as the Salmon River) is definitely worth the raft trip of a lifetime, led by certified local guiding companies that will keep you safe and thrilled. With a history of ranching in the region, horses are a huge part of the culture and beauty of Salmon. Get up close and personal with these long-time residents by taking a horseback ride across meadows, forests, and mountain vistas without having to trek them on your own two feet.

Fairfield

Set against the 7,000-foot Soldier Mountain on the horizon, and abutting the Sawtooth National Forest, Fairfield, Idaho, is a local favorite for outdoor adventuring by foot, mountain bike, or skis. After a long day of adventuring, you can relax in the natural hot springs at Baumgartner Campground, or if you still have energy and prefer some privacy, trek out to the more secluded waterfall-fed Skillern Hot Springs. The number one thing you must see while visiting Fairfield is the spectacular Camas Lily bloom. In late May through mid-June, the valley turns into a purple-blue sea of these beautiful flowers, giving the illusion of rivers and lakes rippling across the fields, and creating the perfect stop for a picnic and photography.

Buhl

Idaho is rich with hot springs, from backcountry hike-in springs to cushy resort springs. Miracle and Banbury hot springs in Buhl provide a nice middle-ground. The hot springs are enclosed in man-made pools, and you only need to park and walk for seconds to get to them. Make your stay here complete with a night or two in the unique glamping domes. And if you want to get a little closer to nature, rent a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard to traverse along the river right past impressive waterfalls and little inlets of turquoise blue waters. Take in the slow pace of the town itself, with a stroll downtown, where you’ll find antique shops like the Nehemain (housed in a historic barn).

Silver City

One of the best-preserved ghost towns in America, Silver City offers visitors a time-travel experience like no other. A booming town of gold and silver mining in the 1800s, the population dwindled to nearly nothing when the deposits dried up and mining operations ceased in the 1940s. Tourists should be prepared to rough it in this off-the-grid town, but there’s no better way to experience rugged Idaho. Walk down the dusty, mostly abandoned roads amongst the 75 remaining historical structures that put this destination on the National Register of Historic Places, or stop in to support one of only three businesses in town. The Idaho Hotel, a historical building restored in the 1970s, is a definite must-stay.

Stanley

No list of gorgeous Idaho towns would be complete without mention of the adorable little town of Stanley, dwarfed against the enormous jagged Sawtooth Mountains. For those looking for a starting point for backcountry adventures, Stanley, Idaho, is the ideal destination. Hike up challenging mountainous terrain, such as the tallest local mountain – Thompson Peak, or take an easier route on one of the smaller mountains and through the valleys. Regardless of which trail you take, the reward of pristine alpine lakes and mountain vistas will be well worth the effort. And the town of Stanley will receive weary hikers with open arms, offering pub and grub and an enchanting hot springs hut at the Mountain Village Resort.

Idaho City

There is something special about the rustic beauty of the Wild West, and Idaho City has this aesthetic in spades. Another old boom-and-bust mining town, the old homes, jail, trading post, and courthouse are just some of the charming refurbished wooden buildings you’ll encounter on the Simply Fun Historic Walking tour led by an experienced and entertaining guide who will regale you with the town’s history. The Sarsapirallia Ice Cream Parlour is hard to miss in this teeny town, and it definitely should not be missed. In addition to ice cream, this local gem serves coffee, pastries, old-fashioned sodas, and small-town charm with friendly staff.

Bruneau

A departure from the alpine mountains, forests, and lakes that comprise much of central and northern Idaho, Bruneau gives a little taste of the deserts, canyons, and sagebrush steppe that characterize southwestern Idaho. The teeny town is mostly known for the Bruneau Dunes State Park, home to the breathtaking and tallest single-structured sand dune in North America. Rising 470 feet, this dune looks like it belongs in the Namib Desert rather than in small-town Idaho, but there it stands. Walk up the shifting sands and watch the wind blow new patterns and terrain onto the surroundings. Take a quick way down by renting a sandboard and sliding down like a big sand ski hill. For all-day dune views and amazing stargazing in the absence of light pollution, the park camper cabins are a fantastic place to lodge down for the night.

Sandpoint

Surrounded by the Selkirk, Cabinet, and Bitterroot mountain ranges and located on Idaho’s largest lake, the 43-mile Lake Pend Oreille, Sandpoint is a stunning destination to take in the wild natural scenery Idaho has to offer. With world-class hiking trails in the Idaho Panhandle National Forest and surrounding mountains, scenic drives along the International Selkirk Loop, and luxury cruises on Lake Pend Oreille, anyone from avid outdoors people to those who want a taste of nature will find something to love. And Mother Nature isn’t the only artist in town. Sandpoint is home to a thriving art scene with over a dozen art galleries and a popular week-long outdoor music festival (Festival at Sandpoint).

Idaho Falls

Close to Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park, Idaho Falls is the perfect jumping-off point to explore these world-renowned outdoor meccas. Join the more than 3 million visitors that flock annually to Yellowstone, the oldest and most famous national park in America, to see the geysers and spot the Big Five: grizzly bears, elk, bison, moose, and wolves! Or head to the slightly lesser-known Grand Teton National Park to explore the rugged terrain and wild beauty of the snowcapped mountains and glacial lakes. Rest your weary legs post-hike (and get a great photo opp) by taking a seat on one of the many decorative benches in downtown Idaho Falls, part of the "Art You Can Sit On" initiative.

McCall

The ultimate summer vacation destination, McCall, Idaho, is popular with locals and tourists alike, who descend upon the town en masse when the summer heat calls for a lakeside escape. Whether you want to dip your toes, take a swim, paddle a kayak or paddleboard, or enjoy a classic wooden boat ride, there are a multitude of ways to enjoy the beautiful Payette Lake. If you’d rather whet your whistle than wet your toes, head out on the McCall Ale Trail to try fantastic local craft beers at 10 different locations, get stamps in your Ale Trail Passport, and potentially win fun prizes for all that "hard work."

Moscow

Despite being home to the University of Idaho, one of the premier research institutions in the state, the population is still small, at a modest 25,000 people. This ultra-walkable and bikeable town makes it easy to explore the town’s coffee shops, farmer’s markets, and booming art scene. Known as the "heart of the arts" and voted one of the "Best 100 Small Art Towns in America," Moscow offers a unique array of public art installations from vinyl-wrapped utility boxes, storm drain murals, and bus shelters as well as sculptures on campus. Easily escape the city into the Moscow or Hoodoo mountains for hiking and mountain biking adventures, and come right back for wood-fired pizza at Maialina Pizzeria Napoletana or authentic Mexican food at La Casa Lopez.

Idaho may seem a vast, uninhabited wilderness, but this Rocky Mountain state has been inhabited and stewarded for thousands of years by Indigenous peoples, and as such, has retained much of its natural splendor that draws in wanderlust tourists and makes locals want to stay forever. Each small town tells a story of how the landscape and resources shaped the culture historically and today, from gold and silver mining of the mineral-rich earth to logging of the abundant forests, to protection and preservation of the natural beauty that gave the Gem State its nickname. Visit these gorgeous small towns to experience the splendor firsthand.