2024's 8 Most Adorable Small Towns In Idaho
Although The City of Trees — as Boise is called — features a long list of cultural attractions, Idaho has more to offer than its famous capital city. Several small towns dot this Pacific Northwest state, many of which are sweet, endearing, and adorable. That is the reason one may want to skip Boise for these cute little gems known to provide a more authentic and intimate vacation experience. From Sun Valley to Sandpoint, discover below 2024’s eight most adorable small towns in Idaho. Just take them slow and easy, lest you miss their beat and rhythm.
Sun Valley
Drop your laptop, perhaps everything else, and enjoy some downtime in Sun Valley, an all-season destination that dabbles up as one of the most adorable small towns in the state. Sun Valley offers a world of outdoor adventure opportunities, from skiing to fishing to hiking to just about everything else. One can hit the slopes at the Sun Valley ski resort, often ranked among the best in the country, enjoy an air-bone ride around Idaho’s backcountry via the Sun Valley Heli Ski, the first heli ski operator in American helicopter skiing, or watch the pros spin at the Sun Valley ice rink, one of a handful year-round outdoor ice rinks in the United States. Sniff some fresh air on the Fox Creek Trail and grab a filling meal at Konditorei Restaurant before catching an evening show at the Opera House, a barn-like movie house built in 1937.
McCall
Some put it down to convenience (McCall is just two hours from Boise), others to good, old nostalgia — but McCall, in all fairness, is not just hanging on its romanticized glory days. There is much to love about the town, much to set the heart aflame. McCall rests on the southern shore of Payette Lake, a feature that partly lends the town its rustic charm and allure. Brundage Mountain, right in the town’s backyard, boasts the highest average snowfall in Idaho. The McCall Winter Carnival, which has lighted up the town since the 1960s, features snowshoe golf, snow sculpture tours, live music, and a fun-filled winter parade. One can hit up the trails that traverse the Ponderosa State Park and sit down with delicious shrimp po'boy at Frenchie's before getting a beautiful piece of art at Gallery Fifty-Five, located right on the waterfront.
Victor
Although some skip it on their way to the Grand Teton National Park or Jackson, Wyoming — Victor can hold its own against the most adorable small towns in Idaho. Considering its array of tasty restaurants, Victor is the ultimate foodie paradise. Funky culinary establishments line the streets, including local favorites such as the Brakeman American Grill, a deceivingly small place that serves the best burgers in town. Knotty Pine, just three steps from Brakeman, scores big on brisket sandwiches, ribs, and pulled pork. Patrons rave about its cowboy-style interior and live music. Cross the street to Wildlife Brewing, an upbeat taproom that offers tasty microbrews. Then there is Music on Main, an electrifying outdoor summer concert that takes place at Victor City Park every Thursday from 6 pm to 10 pm.
Driggs
Driggs, just 10 minutes north of Victor, deserves a space among the most adorable small towns in Idaho. It is near the Grand Targhee ski resort, and it is loved for its laid-back vibe and relaxed atmosphere. Like Victor, Driggs is in the picturesque Teton Valley, an area that boasts beautiful fly-fishing rivers and endless mountain trails. Agave, a solid Mexican restaurant on Main Street, serves tongue-tingling margaritas and fajitas, oftentimes hot and fast. Pick a keepsake for someone special at Fireweed Shop & Studios, and enjoy a scenic flight over the Tetons with Teton Aviation before participating in the Teton Valley Balloon Festival, a July 4th tradition that draws participants from practically every corner of the country.
Stanley
Secreted in the Sawtooth Valley, just under three hours from Boise, Stanley is encircled by more than 1,000 miles of breathtaking wilderness. Bright reds and cheery yellows cover the mountains in the fall, curating one of Idaho’s most magical natural sceneries. Fun outdoor venues just a hair out of town include Redfish Lake, a beautiful alpine lake that provides stunning views of the Sawtooth Mountains. Summer often sees the community gathering every Thursday in the evening on Ace of Dimond Street — just to enjoy the tunes and melody of live music. Then there is the Sawtooth Mountain Range, which frames the town: a well-established nature playground with a myriad of outdoor activities, rain or shine.
Wallace
Wallace is tucked away in the Idaho Panhandle, about 80 miles east of Spokane, Washington. The downtown area here is sprinkled with many red-brick buildings with an old-timey feel, such as the weirdly named Fainting Goat Restaurant and Bar, whose wine bar boasts an excellent selection of flavors. One can explore Wallace via a historic trolley ride, a fun activity that brings to light the area’s storied past. The trick is to combine this with the underground mine tour — if just to hear the evocative tales that only miners know. To sniff some crisp, fresh air amid a scenery that makes jaws drop, hit up the Historic Wallace Heritage Trail, the Pulaski Tunnel Trail, named for the hero associated with the Great Fire of 1910, or the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes, some of whose sections skirts the banks of Lake Coeur D Alene, considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Oasis Bordello Museum is a perfect snapshot of history for some good, old storytelling.
Hagerman
Adventure in Hagerman is built around the water. That should not come as a surprise; with waterbodies such as the Snake River and Billingsley Creek, there are many opportunities to enjoy the spectrum of outdoor recreation associated with the most important liquid. There is the Hagerman Wildlife Management Area, a clean, scenic area with a river-hugging trail; Billingsley Creek Wildlife Management Area, loved for its crystal-clear water; and the one-of-a-kind Hagerman RV Village, a lovely spot to spend a peaceful night amid the glint and glow of the midnight moon. The Visitor Center: Thousand Springs State Park & Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument displays thought-provoking fossil exhibits — besides being a prime starting point for exploring the two landmark attractions. Just don’t miss the Thousand Springs Scenic Byway if you just want to marvel at the area’s bevy of waterfalls.
Sandpoint
Sandpoint is a jumping-off spot to the famous Schweitzer Mountain Resort, the largest resort in Idaho and Washington. But even without this world-famous resort, Sandpoint may not lose much of its sheen and shine. Over 200 miles of awe-inspiring trails await first-time visitors at several breathtaking sites, including the Selkirk, Cabinet, and Bitterroot mountain ranges. There is the Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho’s largest lake, which provides a world of fun outdoor activities. The lake is best enjoyed at Sandpoint City Beach Park, a nice place to swim, lounge, and enjoy soul-moving views on every side. MickDuff's Brewing Company serves delicious food and boasts an exceptional selection of brews. That said, do not miss the Trailhead for Pend d'Oreille Bay Trail, a lovely trail that runs along the lakeshore.
The Takeaway
Idaho has much to offer — and one does not have to focus on Boise or any of its other big cities. One can go to Craters of the Moon, the largest of its kind in the coterminous United States; enjoy a small but mind-pending piece of Yellowstone, arguably the best-known national park in the United States, or amble through the many small towns that dot the state, enjoying their small-town feel and homey, laid-back allure. McCall, for example, has been the go-to vacation spot for many years. Today, several others are giving it a good run for its money, including Sun Valley, Victor, and Stanley.
