7 Friendliest Towns to Visit in Idaho in 2024

Idaho is one of the beautiful mountain states in the US famous for its outdoor appeal, laid-back demeanor, and interesting history. In the early 1800s, Europeans began visiting the area for expeditions and trade and soon began settling. In a few decades, some of the first organized towns were founded, and by 1853, it became a territory that eventually joined the union on July 3, 1890, as the 43rd state.

Today, Idaho (nicknamed the Gem State) is home to numerous towns made up of friendly people originating from English, German, Irish, African, Basque, Chinese, and other ethnic groups around the world. These towns are also peaceful, with low crime rates, and feature plenty of natural and historic endowments to excite everyone. Whether for vacation, retirement, or business, a trip to these towns in 2024 promises to be a welcoming and fun-filled experience.

Priest River

Priest River is a serene and friendly town located at the mouth of the Priest River as it joins the Pend Oreille River. This river town charms visitors with its scenic namesake river, where fishing, paddling, boating, camping, and sightseeing activities can make one lose track of time. The river can be accessed from several locations, including Bonner Park and Priest River Recreation Area.

History-minded visitors can learn about the town’s first sawmill at the Priest River Museum and Timber Education Center. And for a fine dining experience, visitors are invited to The Settlement Kitchen, where every taste hits the right spot. For more adventures, take a short trip to the Priest River Research Experimental Forest and hike the trail up Gisborne Mountain for spectacular views of Priest Lake and the surrounding greenery.

Paris

Paris is a small town nestled on the western end of the Bear Lake Valley, where visitors will be welcomed with warmth and impressive scenery. A typical first port of call in this town for visitors is the historic Bear Lake Tabernacle, built between 1884 and 1889 and featuring impressive Romanesque architecture and red sandstone scenery.

For outdoor recreation and sightseeing, visitors are welcome to the Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge, overlapped by the iconic blue Bear Lake, and framed by the mountains. The refuge is just three miles outside town and is home to thousands of birds, especially migratory waterfowl. Back in town, visitors can enjoy delicious meals at Cody’s Gastro Garage and then head to the historic Old Bear Lake Market to shop for local goods and crafts.

Bonners Ferry

Bonners Ferry is a scenic town sandwiched between Sandpoint and the Canadian Border. The Kootenai River runs through it, and three mountains occupy its skyline. While the river sets the stage for fishing, boating, kayaking, and paddling adventures, the Boundary County Museum is on its banks. History buffs can visit this museum to delve into the intriguing world of a bygone era, exploring original artifacts, exhibits, period rooms, and photographs.

For animals and nature lovers, the 2,774-acre Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge is just five miles from the town and is home to over 300 wildlife species, including fishes, mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles. When it's to wine and dine in Bonner's Ferry, nowhere does it better with tasty delicacies and drinks than Mugsy’s Tavern and Grill.

Salmon

Salmon is a warm and welcoming town in Lemhi County for outdoor enthusiasts seeking less-traveled paths. First off, the Salmon River runs through the town and sets the stage for fishing and eccentric whitewater rafting adventures. The town also features scenic byways like Salmon River and Sacajawea Historic Byways, offering road trip enthusiasts great satisfaction.

Meanwhile, Salmon is surrounded by the Salmon-Challis National Forest, an outdoor paradise featuring picturesque rivers, iconic mountain ranges, granite peaks, alpine lakes, and hiking trails to explore them. History buffs are not left out in Salmon, as the Lemhi County Historical Museum is always available to reveal the county's past via its exhibits and extensive collection of antiques. For prime dining experiences, visit the Junkyard Bistro or Odd Fellows Bakery, and mingle with the friendly locals.

Cascade

Cascade is an adorable town in Valley County that promises sensational experiences in a peaceful atmosphere devoid of crime and crowds. First, this town is near Kelly’s Whitewater Park, along the Payette River, where visitors can kayak, tube, raft, and hike a 5-mile walking path along the water. Alternatively, visitors can hike the two-mile Cascade River Walk to witness wildlife and birds.

At the massive Lake Cascade State Park, more adventures like camping, fishing, swimming, hiking, and boating await. For entertainment, the Roxy Theatre offers great movies and live shows. To wrap up the adventures, the town invites visitors to Cascade Aquatic & Recreational Center for a well-earned relaxation in one of its heated pools.

Stanley

Stanley is one of the most naturally endowed small towns in Idaho, nestled in the Sawtooth Valley and featuring a captivating scenery and welcoming ambiance. For one, it is surrounded by the 756,000-acre Sawtooth National Recreation Area, featuring alpine lakes and proud mountain peaks. Top activities in the area include whitewater rafting, hiking, fishing, kayaking, and camping. Stanley Lake is also within the recreational area, 11 miles from the town and at the base of McGown Peak, featuring hiking and boating adventures.

Away from the outdoor adventures, history-hungry tourists can learn about the town’s past at the Stanley Museum via photographs, interpretive exhibits, and artifacts. When it’s time to fill empty stomachs, Papa Brunee’s Pizza & Subs and Sawtooth Luce’s Restaurant are the great destinations in town for sensational meals and to meet friendly residents.

Weiser

Weiser is a charming town at the confluence of the Weiser and Snake Rivers that prides itself on its sense of community and abundant recreational offerings. Start an unforgettable experience here by visiting the Weiser Community Fishing Pond for fishing and hiking adventures while admiring the captivating greenery. For visiting families, Memorial Park is recommended as it features picnic areas, community baseball and football fields, and the town’s outdoor swimming pool.

Next, explore the 84-mile-long Weiser River National Recreation Trail to see bridges, dense pine forests, canyons, and wildlife, such as deer, elk, and bears. History lovers can kick back at the Snake River Heritage Center to learn about the region’s history and the famous personalities that have shaped its existence. Don’t forget to enjoy ice creams, chocolate truffles, and sandwiches at Weiser Classic Candy.

The small towns in Idaho ooze a friendly aura to visitors, inviting them to their unbeaten paths where nature is pristine. Once in these towns, most visitors will wonder why they are often overlooked in favor of bigger cities. Uncrowded natural attractions abound at every turn, and locals are always willing to offer assistance when necessary. Additionally, these communities in Idaho feature sun-kissed streets, unspoiled air, and a laid-back aura that emits that feeling of being on a far-away Island like Samoa. Step away from the hustle and bustle today and visit these friendly destinations in Idaho for memorable experiences worth documenting.