6 of the Most Charming Small Towns to Visit in Idaho
Approximately 40 percent of Idaho is covered by national forests, comprising over 20.4 million acres of recreational area, including mountain ranges, water sports, and ski resorts. Camping is the way of life in the summertime in Idaho, the PNW state, where Sandpoint epitomizes the region's inland bounty with filling mountain cuisine at restaurants in between art galleries.
The Challis Hot Spring occupies a spot within the beautiful wilderness, having risen from the earth’s crust. Nestled within Teton Valley, against the western side of the mountains, Driggs is a relaxed gateway town, with the Big Hole Mountains on the other side and the Snake River just south. Your next adventure awaits in the most charming towns in the Gem State.
Challis
Home to around 1,000 friendly locals, this lakeside town at the gateway to Yankee Fork State Park acts as the base for four seasons of outdoor fun. Not far from Stanley, its cute Main Street hosts local businesses, like Village Inn for Yankee cuisine and The Hub for thrifters, as well as great accommodations, including charming Redfish Lake Lodge. Across the Salmon River to the east, Challis Hot Spring occupies a spot within the beautiful wilderness, having risen from the earth’s crust.
The naturally occurring heated mineral waters offer two pools with particular rejuvenation benefits, or at least the feel of such, after a perfect soak in pleasant temperatures. The "Large Pool" is great for swimming in thermal waters at a constant 100-102 degrees Fahrenheit, while the unregulated "Therapy Pool" feels great in winter at about 105-107 degrees Fahrenheit. Whether you're seeking adventures or if relaxation is your top priority, from Challis Golf Course RV Park to White Cloud Outfitters, the riverside town offers recreation in the heart of Central Idaho, including festivals in the foothills against awe-inspiring surroundings.
Driggs
Nestled within Teton Valley, against the western side of the mountains, this relaxed small town near the border in the eastern part of the state is a getaway to some pretty big natural wonders. With the Snake River forming the southwestern border of the Big Hole Mountains on the other side, locals enjoy easy access to outdoor recreation, including fly fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and skiing in the winter. Visitors can learn about the natural and human history surrounding the beauty of the valley at the Teton Valley Museum, including the lifestyle of early settlers and Native Americans in the area. Teton Valley Cabins, a perfect stay this summer, offers log cabins with rustic vibes, where each cottage comes with a spacious, private hot tub!
Sometimes overlooked for the popular town of Jackson in the neighboring state, the quiescent feel surrounding this town, the "getaway to the Tetons," features a cozy downtown to explore without crowds. The charming district with a vibrant main street is filled with shopping to browse, boutiques, and golf, as well as Teton Arts and the Three Peaks Restaurant on Main, which is highly praised by the locals. Kids of all ages love the vast display of beautiful minerals from around the area at the Teton Geo Center. Don't miss the Teton Aviation Center for vintage aircraft and Driggs' history in flight, while Spud Drive-In, one of the US's last drive-in movies, is a great summer evening idea.
Garden City
Once a place with gambling houses and adult shops, the "sin city" of Idaho has since turned into a garden city with a relevant popular attraction, Garden City Pollinator Habitat, a botanical garden. Offering recent growth along the Waterfront District on the banks of the Boise River as well as a newly-found artistic flow, visitors can enjoy the outdoors, architecture, thriving restaurants, bars, and local wineries just off Chinden Boulevard. Wildlife and recreational opportunities abound along the clear, cold water of the wooded Boise River, like its greenbelt path along the south side.
Just a hop from Boise, with blended boundaries, the town feels like stepping into another realm. Remarkably peaceful and beautiful, there's nature to taste in tranquility, like fly fishing or the 1.5-mile nature walking path through wildlife habitats to Eagle Island on the north side of the river. River Club, just north, is one of the state's longest continually operating golf courses in Idaho, while the town's City Hall features an adjacent, award-winning Garden City Public Library. The admirable gardens attract big city dwellers, out-of-state photographers, and outdoor enthusiasts to commune with nature.
Island Park
Island Park, a truly one-of-a-kind Idaho town, is a little famous, having starred in its own TV show. Home to the longest main street in the nation for its size, it is both a destination and a favorite stop on the way to Yellowstone National Park, teeming with adventures for all levels of activity. From a falltime stroll through the historic Harriman State Park just south to the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway that summits at the scenic waterfalls under 50 minutes away, there's a fair share of camping, including dozens of rustic wooden lodges and sites for every comfort level. Other nearby natural wonders include one of the largest volcanic calderas, Lake Mesa Falls, and Big Springs and Big Springs Coffee Pot Rapids, both just 15 minutes away.
The volcanic soil fosters rich agriculture with produce and farm-to-table eating done right, always fresh and delicious, through restaurants and cafes, in between boutiques and shops along the long thoroughfare. High Mountain Adventures has what you forgot for your best adventure: fabulous fishing, horseback riding, and mountain biking this summer. Or just come hunt with a camera along the scenic walking trails and reserve in advance a cozy stay at the most popular Island Park Cabins or Yellowstone Cabins. The area attracts wintering birds for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.
Riggins
With the Salmon River running right through the heart, Riggins is a classic Idaho small town with a friendly atmosphere and an outdoor spirit. As the Whitewater Capital of Idaho, the accolades speak to hikers, anglers, and rafting fans. With plenty of local restaurants for every taste, like Seven Devils Bar & Steakhouse, visitors can enjoy shopping for unique gifts and crafts, old-fashioned saloons, and rustic cafes for breakfast and casual bites. Enjoy camping in the area, or snag a room at the reputable Salmon Rapids Lodge or the highly-rated Swiftwater Cabins.
Nestled at the gateway to breathtaking nature, the nearby Hells Canyon National Recreation Area is home to one of the state's most popular natural landmarks. See where the hiking trail takes you, or enjoy a simple picnic while soaking up the spectacular scenery. Riggins is the premier base for thrilling whitewater rafting, with many guides and outfitters in town, like Salmon River Drifters. Ready to take any group on an adventurous paddle, it is ideal for families to bond over a new skill. For waterside relaxation, Riggins City Park offers secluded spots along the river's edge with a bathroom and all other amenities nearby.
Sandpoint
Sandpoint, a beautiful town in the northern part of the state on Lake Pend Oreille, is one of the most popular places to visit in the PNW. Offering all that the entire region has to offer in between three mountain ranges, visitors can get a feel of wilderness in the Most Beautiful Town in America, according to USA Today. Perfect for outdoor adventure in all seasons, Sandpoint caters to relevant attractions at its heart as a lively arts community against a beautiful mountain backdrop, with many restaurants, boutique shops, and charming accommodations. Attracting skiers in the winter to the nearby Schweitzer Mountain ski resort and the Selkirk Mountain Range, mountain bikers enjoy downhill riding after the snow melts.
The Bonner County History Museum chronicles local life in the past with a big yellow caboose on the front lawn. Replete with family-owned businesses, the historic downtown area has something for everyone, like local artwork through Hen's Tooth Studio, Art Works Gallery, and the Lisa V. Maus Studio. For more post-adventure options, the Panida Theater offers live theatrical performances, while the Pend d'Oreille Winery Tasting Room is highly rated with a rustic interior and delicious food pairings like pizza. Home to a lovely beach on the lake, visitors can enjoy water sports and scenic lounging or cruising just in time for the summer concert series during the annual Festival at Sandpoint, with Jason Mraz set to perform this year. The Hydra Steakhouse offers to indulge in surf and turf in an upscale dining setting, while Baxters On Cedar is a relaxing place for brews and burgers.
No wonder Idaho is the "Gem State" in the US for all the pretty towns that host a quiescent environment to enjoy a mountainside, riverside, or lakeside retreat in between the boundless outdoors. Island Park features the largest volcanic caldera, Lake Mesa Falls, and Big Springs, where the volcanic soil fosters rich agriculture with produce and farm-to-table eating done right, always fresh and delicious.
Garden City, just a hop from Boise, is home to the Garden City Pollinator Habitat, an admirable botanical garden, as well as the award-winning Garden City Public Library, City Hall-adjacent. Riggins, the premier base for whitewater rafting along the Salmon River, offers thrills and scenery down the rapids for all.
