7 Eclectic Small Towns In Idaho
A part of the famed Pacific Northwest region, the Gem State of Idaho is undoubtedly a treasure waiting to be discovered, where stunning natural settings and fascinating American history can be found in abundance. Sharing a border with Montana, Utah, Wyoming, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, and the Canadian province of British Columbia, Idaho is also the 14th largest State in the nation. While major cities like Boise remain the best known, the Gem State is also home to a number of smaller yet equally captivating towns. Here, the best of Idaho can be found, and those who love the outdoors, stories from the past, or old-fashioned Americana will not be disappointed. So come see Idaho on a trip to these eclectic small towns and discover the true hidden wonders of the Gem State!
Bonners Ferry
Seat of Boundary County at the tip of Idaho Panhandle, Bonners Ferry is a lovely community that lies just some 27 miles from the border with Canada. Established during the late 19th-century gold rush, today, just over 2,500 residents call this scenic place home that is beautifully framed by the Cabinet, Purcell, and Selkirk Mountains. Add in the splendid Kootenay River that flows through, and there is never a shortage of natural beauty to be encountered here. Enjoy activities such as fishing, swimming, sailing, camping, and ice skating in a climate characterized by hot summers and cool winters.
Do not forget about the special Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge, featuring an assortment of pretty waterfalls, scenic hiking trails, and plenty of chances to see wildlife in their habitats. Add in cute local eateries like The Rusty Moose Tavern & Grill and shops like Selkirk Northern Treasures, and you will encounter a true sense of friendly Americana.
Driggs
Near the border with the state of Wyoming, Driggs is picturesquely situated within Eastern Idaho’s Teton Valley. Founded in the 1880s, today, this seat of Teton County is home to just over 1,800 residents who can all attest to their town’s splendid natural allure. Featuring hot summers and cool winters, guests will find majestic views of the Teton River and the Teton Mountain Range in abundance here, while outdoor activities like cycling, hiking, camping, and mountain climbing are always popular.
Meanwhile, Driggs’ cultural charm is also evident, and visitors of all ages can enjoy several inviting events held throughout the year. These include the Teton Valley Balloon Rally in the summer, the Driggs Snowscapes sculpting festival, and even Shakespeare in the Park, amongst others. And with such cute businesses as The Velvet Moose and the Royal Wolf Restaurant, all the charm and warmth of small-town USA come to life for visitors, young and old.
Moscow
Home to the University of Idaho (1889), the mid-sized town of Moscow is one of Northern Idaho’s most inviting communities. With a moderate population of just under 26,000 inhabitants, this seat of Latah County in the Panhandle Region is a great place to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors and a quieter pace of life. Featuring upwards of 17 scenic park areas, guests can enjoy relaxing days by cycling, hiking, and picnicking in a climate known for its mild winter and hot summer temperatures.
Trek to the top of Moscow Mountain (peaking at some 5,000 feet) and marvel at the awesome city panoramas and its breathtaking array of multicolored foliage. Meanwhile, at the Columbia River Plateau, activities like rock climbing and even horseback riding are the perfect ways for the true adventurist to spend a day. Even just a casual stroll through the beautiful campus of the University should not be overlooked. Take in the pleasing college ambiance while events, including the Renaissance Fair and the Jazz Festival, fulfill the cultural needs of any traveler.
Wallace
Situated in the Silver Valley region of the Idaho Panhandle, the town of Wallace is a beautiful historic place with loads of intrigue and natural splendor. Seat of Shoshone County and founded in the 1880s, today a very humble population of just under 800 residents call this unique community home. Located along the Coeur d’Alene River, Wallace boasts warm summers and cool winters and guests can enjoy time spent along the water and marvelling at the green and snow capped peaks of the local mountain range.
Furthermore, as a historic center built around gold and silver mining, the history-minded tourist can certainly appreciate Wallace's old-fashioned ambiance. Featuring a Historic District that was listed in its entirety on the National Register of Historic Places, guests can experience the 19th and early 20th centuries through an exploration of various preserved buildings and landmarks. Visit the Wallace District Mining Museum, the Sierra Silver Mine Tour Co., and the Barnard Stockbridge Museum for insightful looks into the growth of this once-bustling town. Meanwhile, with cute restaurant options, including the Fainting Goat, a delightful slice of quintessential small-town America is close at hand.
Sandpoint
One of Idaho’s most popular alpine sports destinations, Sandpoint is a nature lover’s dream, even outside of the winter season. Seat of Bonner County and home to nearly 9,000 residents, the town was incorporated in the 1890s in the Idaho Panhandle, and it continues to attract tourists from across the country looking for great fun in the outdoors. Home of the Schweitzer Mountain Resort founded in the 1930s, some of the best ski and snowboard slopes can be enjoyed here, sure to please the amateur and professional alike. Additionally, for those who look forward to summertime, Sandpoint is also a great spot. Swimming, sailing, and fishing along Lake Pend Oreille while camping, hiking, biking, and rock climbing are always attractive options.
For a close encounter with the region's best native plant life, be sure to visit the Kinnikinnick Native Plant Society Arboretum and its relaxing vibes. Finally, do not forget about the Selkirk Loop Scenic Byway, offering some of the best mountain views in Idaho while driving in the comfort of your vehicle. Add in great local restaurants and shops in town, like Spuds Waterfront Grill and the Cedar Street Bridge Public Market, and Sandpoint will surely stand as one Idaho locale one will want to visit time and again.
Challis
Challis lies right in the heart of central Idaho, where it serves as the seat of Custer County. With a very modest population of just under 1,000 permanent residents, this historic town, with its foundational roots in the 1870s, remains a most charming place of quiet reflection. Known for its hot summer and cool winter temperatures, the outdoors lover can certainly appreciate Challis, and activities like fishing, biking, hiking, and camping are always popular. One can even take a soak in the local Hot Springs while admiring the peaks of the Lost River Range. From there, head on over to the Land of the Yankee Fork State Park, which, in addition to the scenic views, offers guests insights into the history of mining in Idaho.
Finally, many historic landmarks in Challis are also listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which transports guests back in time to the 19th and early 20th centuries. Amongst the edifices of note include the Twin Peaks Sports Building (1909), the I O O F Hall (1896), and the Bill Chivers House (1900). Finishing the day with a meal at the Village Inn Restaurant while browsing through the selections at The Front Porch Antique Store makes for the perfect conclusion.
Lewiston
Named after Meriwether Lewis of the famous expeditionary pair of Lewis and Clark, the town of Lewiston can trace its modern roots to the 1860s. Today, just over 34,000 residents call this seat of Nez Perce County home, which is scenically located where the Snake and Clearwater Rivers meet. Spend time along the Rivers’ edge, while natural attractions like the Modie Park Conservancy and the Hells Gate State Park are great places to simply immerse oneself in the outdoors.
Additionally, as a historic mining town, guests can find plenty of historic intrigue in Lewiston, and museums like the Nez Perce County Historical Society are truly fascinating spots of discovery. Learning more about the Native American people of Idaho while browsing through a collection of landmarks listed on the National Register of Historic Places creates a special sense of traveling to the past. Add in fun cultural events like the annual Dogwood Festival and Hot August Nights series of music concerts, and there is always reason to smile and be entertained in this eclectic Idaho town!
When traveling through the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, be sure not to overlook the great State of Idaho and its rich natural and cultural heritage. Also known as the Gem State, there are plenty of treasures to find in Idaho, and a visit to its eclectic range of small towns is a wonderful way to experience the very best the state has to offer. From the historic character of Challis and Wallace, the natural beauty of Sandpoint and Driggs, and the delightful college ambiance of Moscow, these pretty Idaho towns are the ideal spots for a vacation that all ages of guests can come to appreciate.
