6 Storybook Towns In Idaho

If delicious potatoes come to your mind when you think of Idaho, you are not alone. However, there is so much more to this great state, and it makes the perfect storybook vacation destination year-round. Nicknamed the "Gem State," Idaho really is a jewel with its three beautiful, distinct geographical regions: The Rocky Mountains region, the Columbia Plateau, and the Basin and Range Province. Nestled into all of these scenic areas are sweet, charming small towns where you can write the next chapter of your life story while discovering all of the things that make Idaho unique, such as its rich Oregon Trail and Native American heritages. So, pack your bags, load your car, or board a flight and check out these six fairytale-worthy towns.

Sandpoint

Your storybook-inspired getaway begins in scenic Sandpoint, a charming town nestled on Lake Pend Oreille, one of the country's deepest and largest lakes. Visitors flock to Sandpoint from all over to go skiing and snowshoeing at the Schweitzer Mountain Resort, Idaho's largest ski resort. If you love winter sports and other types of activities, time your visit with the Sandpoint Winter Carnival, which takes place over two weekends in February and features snow sculpting, ice fishing, and arts and crafts.

During the warmer months, spend a day exploring the Idaho Panhandle National Forest, where you can go fishing, boating, or just enjoy an al fresco waterfront lunch. If staying warm and cozy inside is more your thing, catch a live show or a classic film at the stunning Panida Theater, which dates back to 1927. When strolling through Sandpoint's quaint and historic downtown, fuel up at local eateries such as The Fat Pig or The Bank.

McCall

Although the sweet alpine town of McCall is small, it's located just two hours north of bustling Boise, giving you the best of both worlds in one vacation. McCall has a storybook setting on the shore of pristine Payette Lake and is surrounded by Brundage Mountain. Whether you crave a summertime adventure or are a winter thrill seeker, you will find what you desire in McCall. During the summer months, you can go fishing, kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and boating on the lake while taking in the breathtaking mountain view.

Ponderosa State Park is available for hiking and even camping if you want to sleep in a rustic setting. Winter visitors are treated to skiing and snowshoeing on the highly revered Brundage Mountain Resort slopes. If you are visiting the town during February, party it up at the McCall Winter Carnival, a themed festival offering a beer garden, live music, a parade, elaborate snow sculptures, and exciting ice skating competitions.

Driggs

Situated under the majestic Teton Mountains at an impressive elevation of 6,000 feet, pretty Driggs is the place to make your fairytale getaway dreams come true. A sweet mountain town, Driggs is the ideal vacation destination for those who want a peaceful respite from city life. Although Driggs is best known for its snowboarding and skiing opportunities during the snowy winter months, the quiet town is an outdoor lover's paradise all year long.

Your storybook adventure awaits at the Targhee National Forest, where you can go hiking, biking, and bird and wildlife-watching. After working up an appetite, enjoy a meal at the cozy Knotty Pine Supper Club or the Tatanka Tavern. If you are lucky enough to visit Driggs during early July, don't miss the annual Teton Valley Balloon Rally, where colorful hot air balloons fill the sky for four days.

Stanley

A storybook-inspired getaway begins in scenic Stanley, a small town of just around 100 people. Located at the base of the stunning Sawtooth Mountains, what Stanley lacks in population it more than it makes up for with natural beauty, world-class outdoor recreational opportunities, and a warm, welcoming vibe. Make your first stop at the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, nature's year-round playground. In the snowy winter months, you can go cross-country skiing or snowshoeing through this natural respite and hiking, biking, and birdwatching during the spring, summer, and fall.

If you prefer adventures on the water, take a short 15-minute trip to Redfish Lake, the ideal place for kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and fishing. Wander through Stanley's historic small town, stopping in iconic eateries like the nostalgic Mountain Village Restaurant Saloon and the Sawtooth Hotel Restaurant. Local annual events include the Sawtooth Mountain Mamas Craft Fair and the Sawtooth Valley Gathering.

Arco

Arco is another charming town of under 1,000 residents that is just waiting to host your next fairytale vacation. Due to the Idaho National Laboratory, the town's claim to fame is being the world's first community to be powered by atomic energy. Arco's interesting background has drawn in science and history buffs since the middle of the 20th Century. If exploring nature is more your thing, don't miss the one-of-a-kind Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, which is home to volcanic craters and lava flows.

The monument's breathtakingly rugged landscape makes it worth the 20-minute drive from Arco. Visitors can go fishing, swimming, boating, hiking, and biking at the pretty Ferris Slough or the Arco Canal, a Big Lost River tributary. An easy and fun way to immerse yourself in everything the town offers is by attending the annual Atomic Days Festival, which offers rodeos, parades, and other family-friendly events.

Wallace

Dubbed the "Silver Capital of the World," wild and lovely Wallace is situated in the Idaho Panhandle's Silver Valley mining district. The quaint town pulls in visitors from all over with the Wallace Historic District, the perfect setting for a Wild West-inspired storybook. Downtown Wallace is full of historically significant buildings featuring a variety of eye-catching architectural designs.

Today, these structures house popular attractions such as the Wallace District Mining Museum, the Crystal Gold Mine, the Oasis Bordello Museum, the Barnard-Stockbridge Museum, and the Northern Pacific Railroad Museum. After exploring the town's unique history, spend some time hiking or biking one of the area's trails, including the Tail of the Coeur d' Alenes and the Route of the Olympian. Depending on when you visit, don't miss the Craft Beer Fest, the Fall for History Festival, or the Wallace Blues Festival.

Make your fairytale vacation dreams come true during a trip to beautiful Idaho, a state filled with jaw-dropping mountain ranges, crystal-clear lakes and rivers, and numerous state parks just awaiting your exploration. If you fantasize about a getaway destination where you can appreicate rich regional and local history, Idaho won't disappoint as it boasts sites and landmarks dating back to the infamous Wild West days, as well as an impressive collection of historic districts and buildings that will make you feel as though you stepped back in time.