6 Most Inviting Towns in Idaho
More than 20 million tourists flock to Idaho every year and each receives a warm welcome in a state known for its stunning scenery, charming small towns, and friendly people. Stunning mountain ranges overlook lush forests, winding rivers, rocky canyons, and wide plains — all untouched and unspoiled. With so much natural beauty on their doorstep, it’s no wonder Idaho inhabitants are always eager to show visitors the best of their state. From legendary winter festivals to thriving art communities and from whitewater rafting to wine tasting, Idaho’s small towns offer something for everyone.
Stanley
Known as the gateway to the great outdoors, Stanley is a tiny town in the Sawtooth Valley with a population of just 119, according to the 2020 US Census. Nestled at the foot of the Sawtooth Mountains and on the banks of the Salmon River, Stanley’s beautiful location is one of the town’s major attractions and has made it a firm favorite of nature-seeking tourists eager to explore the 1000 miles of unspoiled wilderness that surround the town. The summer tourist trade comes to hike, bike, camp, and river raft, while winter visitors enjoy cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and snowboarding. When the sun goes down, the party continues with weekly street parties in the warmer months. In February, the main attraction is Stanley WinterFest, which takes place over the President’s Day weekend and includes white water raft rides, pick-up hockey, and turkey bowling — yes, you read that right, pack your turkey if visiting in Winter.
Salmon
A visit to Salmon feels like stepping back in time to the heyday of the American West. This former mining town is proud of its past and welcomes visitors to walk in the footsteps of those early explorers. Start by calling the Lemhi County Historical Society and Museum downtown, where you’ll find fascinating artifacts and exhibits that bring Salmon’s rich history alive. From there, visit the Discovery Hill Recreation Area to the north of the town. This popular hiking spot contains trails originally traversed by the Corps of Discovery Expedition in the early 1800s. For more wilderness, head to the sprawling Frank Church - River of No Return Wilderness Area, an untouched paradise covering over 2 million acres of jagged mountains, deep canyons, and rushing rivers.
Sandpoint
Most people think of mountains and plains when they think about Idaho, but the state is also home to some breathtakingly beautiful lakes, such as Lake Pend Oreille, on the northern shores of which you’ll find the small town of Sandpoint. This lakeside town isn’t just a nature lover’s paradise; it’s also a vibrant arts and culture hub. For two weeks in the summer, the town hosts one of the biggest summer concerts in the Northwest, the Festival at Sandpoint. Past performers at this legendary event include Johnny Cash, ZZ Top, and the Beach Boys. It’s not the only landmark event on Sandpoint’s calendar. The town is also home to the family-friendly Schweitzer Fall Fest and the fun-filled Sandpoint Winter Carnival. If you miss the festivals, don’t worry; there’s plenty of live entertainment year-round at the historic Panida Theater, or you can browse the many art galleries and boutique shops downtown.
Garden City
Garden City is a small community just a short drive from Idaho’s capital, Boise. Lush and lively, this trendy town has invested heavily in its local artists, developing a ‘Live, Work, Create’ district to showcase their talents to visitors and locals. This eclectic neighborhood contains the Visual Arts Collective where you can take in a play or a live arts performance as well as numerous art galleries and music venues. Located near the Boise Whitewater Park, there’s also lots of opportunities for waterside strolls, kayaking, and board surfing. While in town, don’t forget to check out Garden City’s craft breweries and wineries, most of which offer tastings and tours.
Lewiston
With over 34,000 inhabitants, Lewiston is a big town with a lot of character. This historic destination is one of the oldest-founded settlements in Idaho and boasts a beautiful downtown marked with wide leafy streets and historic architecture. Welcoming and friendly, Lewiston hosts a weekly event, especially for visitors, known as ‘First Fridays.’ Every first Friday of the month, the downtown core stays open late and hosts special events with different themes such as ‘Wine Weekend’, ‘Improv Night’, and ‘Taste of Main. Located in the heart of the Lewis-Clark Valley, Lewiston has plenty to keep you busy outside of town, too. Go fishing at Hells Canyon or try a tasting at Clearwater Canyon Cellars, named 2020 Pacific Northwest Winery of the Year by Winepress Northwest magazine.
Wallace
One of Idaho’s most picturesque small towns, Wallace is ringed by deep forests and the towering Bitterroot Mountains. Aside from this jaw-dropping backdrop, Wallace has one of the prettiest downtowns in the state — every single building along the main street is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. From riding the world-famous Hiawatha trail to chilling out at the Wallace Blues Festival, there’s never a dull moment in this town. Yearly events include the Idaho Panhandle Film Festival, craft beer festivals, and the Leadman Triathlon at Silver Mountain Resort. This resort, located 20 minutes west of Wallace, is perfect for vacationing families with an indoor waterpark and ski mountain gondola.
Enjoy an Idaho Welcome
With acres of pristine wilderness to explore and frontier-era towns to discover, Idaho invites you to step back in time and discover your inner pioneer. This state is the ideal playground for outdoor enthusiasts who are looking for the perfect spots to hike, bike, raft, or climb. For those who prefer the buzz of town life, there’s lots to discover among Idaho’s historic communities. Visit in summer to enjoy world-class mountaineering or lazy days sipping craft beer by the Salmon River. Plan your trip in winter to explore the winter wonderland on skis or check out the live entertainment at Sandpoint Winter Festival. You’ll tick all the boxes on your vacation wishlist in Idaho’s inviting small towns.
