8 Best Downtowns In Idaho
Idaho is universally known as the potato state. Ask anyone who is not familiar with Idaho what it’s known for, and they will likely mention potatoes. But Idaho isn’t all potatoes and barren land; it is a beautiful, rugged display of landscapes with lovely little mountain towns and less crowded destinations for tourists to marvel at. Downtown Boise is, of course, one of the best in Idaho, but there are also plenty of smaller downtowns in the state. Here, visitors will find the natural attractions and history that created the communities, as well as the locally owned shops that line the streets.
McCall
Nestled right along the edges of Payette Lake, McCall is an all-season, favorite mountainous destination amongst locals and visitors. Travelers can wander the streets with a latte from Flying M Coffee and visit local shops like The McCall Store or 44 Degrees North before taking a short walk to Payette Lake right off downtown's Lake Street. Lunch at My Father’s Place is a crowd-pleaser with excellent burgers and potatoes (of the fried variety).
In the winter months, the town holds the annual McCall Winter Carnival, a contest of professional and amateur-quality ice sculptures throughout downtown. Skiers and snowboarders often base their trips in McCall when visiting, hitting the slopes at nearby Tamarack or Brundage resorts.
Sandpoint
Another lake shoreline favorite, Sandpoint, lies along Lake Pend Oreille up against the Selkirk Mountains. Sandpoint is a great destination to visit in any season; summer features opportunities for golf, hiking, and waterskiing or boating out on Lake Pend Oreille while winter is a winner for skiers and snowboarders at Schweitzer Mountain Ski Resort.
Downtown, fill up on pizza at Second Avenue Pizza before roaming the local vendors at the 100-year-old Cedar Street Bridge. Then, to conclude a perfect downtown day in Sandpoint, catch a show at Panida Theatre.
Idaho City
Idaho City is a boomtown that never lost its charm or historic buildings from the Gold Rush era. History buffs will love Idaho City's variety of original buildings dating back to the 1860s. Visit the Boise Basin Museum or take a walking tour with Idaho City Simply Fun Historic Walking Tours to gain insight into the history of the town. Visitors can soak at The Springs, a hot spring retreat with private tubs and communal springs, before indulging in Trudy’s Kitchen or Diamond Lil’s Steakhouse & Saloon. To top it off, grab some scoops at Sarsaparilla Ice Cream Parlor.
Wallace
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Wallace is a gem of preserved silver mining history in the northernmost part of the Gem state. It is surrounded by the towering Bitterroot Mountains and numerous outdoor activities like skiing at Lookout Pass Ski and Recreation Area or ziplining at Silver Streak.
Downtown Wallace is a preserved specialty with shops like Johnson’s Gems & Collectibles or North Idaho Unique Creations. Drop into the Tin Snug for coffee and breakfast while sorting through their selection of pre-owned vinyl. Visitors can take a self-guided walking tour with a thorough guide provided by the Wallace Chamber of Commerce and visit The Oasis Bordello Museum, originally one of five historic brothels that didn't close its doors until 1988.
Bonners Ferry
Less than 30 miles from the border of Canada, Bonners Ferry originated out of a river crossing stopover for prospectors seeking gold in the 1860s. It sits along the banks of the Kootenai River in between the Selkirk and Cabinet Mountains.
In downtown Bonners Ferry, visitors can stop by the Boundary County Museum to learn more about the origins of the town. Grab breakfast at Under the Sun and sort through their gift shop before gearing up for the outdoors at Far-North Outfitters. Nearby trails like Copper Falls offer incredible waterfall views in the Kootenai National Forest. Finish a day around town at The Rusty Moose Tavern & Grill downtown, a family-owned bar since the 1940s.
Hailey
The heart of Wood River Valley and central mountainous Idaho, Hailey is an upscale vacation spot for Idahoans. It is beloved by its locals for accessible outdoor recreation, such as running or biking at the nearby Wood River Trails or skiing at Bald Mountain.
Hailey’s downtown is a lovely base for exploring Central Idaho Rocky’s, and a stay at the Wood River Inn and Suites puts guests right along Main Street. Fuel up on delicious, plant-based meals at the Wylde Beet, or grab a beer and a burger at the Power House. Morning coffee is best served at Black Owl Coffee before thrifting at stores like the Barkin or Attic Thrift.
Salmon
Salmon is a town on the edge of the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. It is a town with ample access to an array of outdoor activities that attract visitors from all over the world. Whitewater rafting with Idaho River Adventures on the Main Salmon and Middle Fork of the Salmon is one of the most popular. Visitors can also book through Big Timber Outfitters LLC for hunting and fishing trips in and around Salmon.
After long days of exploring the surrounding wilderness, downtown Salmon offers great shopping opportunities for local artwork at the Purple Easel Gallery or locally made items at The Cornerstone Gift and Antiques. Salmon River Coffee Shop is a perfect café spot to warm up or grab a freshly baked pastry. For dinner, grab burgers and brews at Bertram's Salmon Valley Brewery.
Priest River
Bordered by the Priest River and Pend Oreille River, within the Selkirk Mountain Range, Priest River is a haven for outdoor recreators. Hiking along the Upper Priest Lake Trail and camping within Priest Lake State Park are popular amongst visitors. In late summer, travelers can pick huckleberries and mushrooms in the nearby wilderness.
Downtown Priest River is a friendly, riverside treat; Timber Town Beer Company is the perfect spot to grab a local brew and melty sandwich on sourdough before venturing off to pick up some souvenirs at the 57 Store.
The small-town downtowns that make up Idaho’s core are the definition of Idaho’s proud, welcoming locals and communities. Mom and Pop shops, local outfitters for the surrounding wilderness, and family-owned restaurants graciously await the lucky individuals who travel through Idaho's rural areas. There is nothing quite like stumbling upon lesser-known downtowns in Idaho to shop, explore, and relax; making friends along Idaho's small-town streets and historic walls is a unique experience reserved for the warm hearts of curious tourists.
