A picturesque main street in the historic mining town of Wallace, Idaho. Image Credit via Kirk Fisher.

6 Whimsical Towns to Visit in Idaho

Are you looking to add some new and interesting flavors to your road trips or maybe experience something beyond the mainstream? Idaho is a landlocked state that shares a border with Canada in the north, with a population of almost 2 million. Although Idaho joined the United States in 1890, evidence suggests that humans have been present there for around 14,500 years. Being a Rocky State, this land enjoys unspoiled natural scenery with incredible potential for the avid shutterbug. Whether you are going camping, skiing, hiking, or—a slightly different approach—whitewater rafting, Idaho always has something to offer for the curious traveler. If that did not pique one’s interest, here are some whimsical destinations that are sure to offer a new adventure and create a niche experience.

7 of the Most Hospitable Small Towns in The RockiesPeople who live in the Rockies tend to share a love for outdoor recreation, adventure, and nature.

Wallace

Bank Street, the main street through the historic town of Wallace, Idaho. Image Credit Kirk Fisher via shutterstock.
Bank Street, the main street through the historic town of Wallace, Idaho. Image Credit Kirk Fisher via shutterstock.

A small town of less than a thousand, Wallace sits at the bottom of a gorgeous green valley in northern Idaho. Great things come in small packages, and this humble slice of paradise has many small traditions that set it apart from the rest of the competition. Take the Center of the Universe Manhole Cover as an example: this manhole on 6th Street claims that the downtown intersection is the center of our universe, adding a bit of whimsy to our journey through the town. Wallace also has a good bit of history behind it; the town has a lengthy relationship with mining operations, and the Sierra Silver Mine itself offers its own little tours where the guides dress up in mining attire.

Garden Valley

Flower Field In Garden Valley, Idaho. Image Credit Peter Milota Jr via shutterstock.
Flower Field In Garden Valley, Idaho. Goats graze the area which keeps the land lush. Image Credit Peter Milota Jr via shutterstock.

Carved at the foot of the Hawley and Packer John Mountains, Garden Valley is an aptly named town with its unique method of protecting its greenery: goat grazing. These gorgeous fields are also home to the Starlight Mountain Theatre, a small outdoor theater where musicals take place. Speaking of the outdoors, this landscape is home to several natural hot springs, some of which are hidden away along Garden Valley’s river banks. You will also find that Western culture is fervently celebrated here, with events like the annual "Garden Valley Cowboy Poetry & Music Festival." You are always poised to find something new in these hills.

Island Park

Water wheel at Johnny Sack Cabin near Big Springs, Island Park, Idaho. Image Credit T.Schofield via shutterstock.
Water wheel at Johnny Sack Cabin near Big Springs, Island Park, Idaho. Image Credit T.Schofield via shutterstock.

One of the smaller communities in Idaho, this interesting destination of less than 200 people claims to have the longest "Main Street" in the world, which may well be the case. Island Park is curiously shaped, with its borders stretching only 500 feet wide yet 33 miles long. You will find much to do on your journey up and down that 36.8-mile road. The Valley View RV Park & Camping is a good place to start if you are on a road trip or just looking to sleep under the stars and take in the sights. After that, Flat Ranch Preserve is your go-to for an even more refined view of Idaho’s gorgeous natural landscape.

Aberdeen

Aberdeen Idaho; Farmers and field hands use farm machinery in the field harvesting potatoes. Image Credit B Brown via shutterstock.
Aberdeen Idaho; Farmers and field hands use farm machinery in the field harvesting potatoes. Image Credit B Brown via shutterstock.

Within this 1 square mile lies the wholesome community of Aberdeen. A local exporter of potatoes, it is famous for the "Grown in Idaho®" seal and provides tours around Pleasant Valley Potato for anyone interested in discovering what makes these farmlands so popular. What started as a dry land farming area in the early 1900s, Aberdeen is now a perfect choice for those looking for something new on their journey through Idaho, like the potato harvest tours. The town also has a rich religious history—one might also enjoy passing through The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and hearing the tale of when this charming countryside chapel was first established.

Homedale

A printing pressed from 1874 that now rests in Homedale, Idaho. Image Credit Tamanoeconomico via Wikimedia.
A printing pressed from 1874 that now rests in Homedale, Idaho. Image Credit Tamanoeconomico via Wikimedia.

Homedale: the town whose name was selected by drawing from a hat at a community picnic. Built along the Snake River, this vibrant community bears hidden fruit. With the Homedale Event Center right in the middle of Snake River, the island is a splendid sight to see for rafters or fishing enthusiasts. A 2-minute boat ride away is the Owyhee County Fair Board, where all the town’s biggest events take place such as rodeos, demolition derbies, and motorcycle rallies. With a history of Austrian residents, Homedale also displays a visible influence of European culture. The town holds Basque Festivals, and visitors would be remiss not to pass by Homedale Art in the Park as well.

Rexburg

Aerial view of Rexburg, Idaho, at night above a large temple. Image Credit JoshuaPaulWilson via shutterstock.
Aerial view of Rexburg, Idaho, at night above a large temple. Image Credit JoshuaPaulWilson via shutterstock.

Known as “America’s Family Community,” Rexburg is sure to pique one’s curiosity with a great number of interesting amusements. Named after its founder, Thomas Edwin Ricks, the town is best seen through the lens of its rich history, starting with the Musem of Rexburg. The famous Rexburg Stake Tabernacle is a must-see for both the avid traveler and those who want to make their trips count. One thing is for certain: whichever time of the year one is visiting Rexburg, there will always be something interesting to do there, be it the Rexburg livestock show & auction or attending the snow sculpture festival.

6 Towns in The Rockies with Unique Traditions Imagine celebrating a hot air balloon festival in Idaho while being flanked by the Teton Range or joining a rodeo in Colorado against the backdrop of the continental divide.

Final Thoughts

It is important to change things up every once in a while. The average travel destination can be so commercialized that it fails to give you that bang for your buck—when the road is less traveled, it is often the one hiding the most precious possibilities. Many places are not given the light of day or are simply overlooked in favor of other, more familiar locations. If one is truly interested in adding a distinct flavor to their journey, then one should stop looking through the lens of the commercial and start peering through the historical, the unfamiliar, and the untraveled— and Idaho is the perfect place to start.

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Hisham Daou September 18 2024 in Places

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