8 Quirkiest Idaho Towns You Didn't Know Existed

The western state of Idaho — wedged between the Rocky Mountain West, the Pacific Northwest, and the U.S. border with Canada — ranks among the finest destinations in the United States. Called the Gem State for its abundant precious and semi-precious stones, Idaho's most famous attributes include its vast expanse of forestlands, as well as its status as one of the world's leading regional producers of potatoes. Yet the state's lesser-known sites, from small towns to under-sung natural wonders, await the traveler willing to make the trek. You might find yourself watching a geyser erupt on cue in Soda Springs or exploring an underground world of ice caves near Shoshone. These quirky Idaho towns are bound to inspire a future visit or two — once a visitor knows to look for them.

American Falls

The town of American Falls, in southeast Idaho, holds out an array of crowd pleasers for all times of year. Massacre Rocks State Park, set along the Snake River, provides access to the great western outdoors, with a helpful visitors center to assist visitors who may need or want it. For weary travelers, the town's Coldwater Hill eastbound rest area offers bathrooms and informational placards on the surrounding roadways and ecosystems. The town supports the nearby American Falls Dam, a hydroelectric station that draws visitors who want to gaze at the natural and human forces behind the massive machine.

American Falls unites modern technology with older histories. The Oregon Trail once passed through the area, just north of town. American Falls itself holds a unique distinction: it is the only U.S. town to have been completely relocated. The relocation took place 100 years ago this year (2025) to make way for dam construction.

Fruitland

Fruitland, west of the capital, Boise, and sitting on the state border with Oregon, revels in its agricultural heritage. Homesteaded in the year 1897, the town became known for its broad orchards of plums and apples. Recent developments in the town have diversified its appeal beyond local produce, with a variety of healthcare and light-manufacturing enterprises active here. The downtown Gayway Junction, named after the Gay Way Bowl facility, now gathers shops and businesses of various kinds. On the other hand, nature lovers will enjoy Fruitland's outdoor options, from whitewater rafting on the Snake River to the Payette River Wildlife Management Area, a conservation zone popular with birders.

Ketchum

Ketchum, an alpine hamlet tucked beside Sun Valley in Idaho's Rocky Mountain range, brings together modern luxury and recent history. Once a silver-mining town, Ketchum now draws an upscale crowd for its stunning scenery and high-end offerings like world-class fly fishing operations like the Silver Creek Preserve, which stocks its waters with trout and other fish from its own hatchery and has been praised for its ecological stewardship from organizations like The Nature Conservancy.

For a little culture after a day outdoors, the Sun Valley Museum of Art beckons creative types of all kinds. Set in Ketchum's downtown, the gallery shows art and organizes lectures and other events. Every Labor Day weekend, the town throws its Wagon Days event, which features a procession of iconic overland wagons — one of the largest non-mechanized parades in the western United States.

Orofino

The north-central town of Orofino knows how to honor the legacies of its local industries. The Lumberjack Days event, held each fall, celebrates the timber-harvesting industries that once acted as the lifeblood of this town and the broader region. The games, which have been running since 1947, include axe-throwing, two-man sawing, and a chopping contest.

Orofino hardly lacks for places to stay, most of which combine accommodations with a direct setting in the great natural scenes around town. The Helgeson Place Hotel makes for an upmarket stay, while various motels offer added perks like pools and close proximity to Clearwater River at the eastern edge of town.

Salmon

The town of Salmon, near Idaho's eastern border with Montana, rests on the bank of the Salmon River. Once a place that subsisted on ranching, mining, and lumbering, the town has, in recent decades, evolved a cultural menu that includes art galleries, restaurants like the beloved 28 Supper Club, and vacation accommodations for anglers and other outdoor types. For driving enthusiasts, Salmon is near various scenic byways like the Lewis & Clark Back Country Byway, which boasts sights like Sharkey Hot Springs and the Lemhi Pass.

History runs deep through Salmon. At the Sacajawea Center, tourists and locals can take in the story of how the namesake woman, a member of the Agai’dika Shoshone-Bannock tribe, provided critical mountain guide services to the Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804-1806). The site includes an interpretive center and gardens on its premises.

Shoshone

In south-central Idaho, the town of Shoshone draws visitors with a variety of natural and under-appreciated points of interest. The Shoshone Ice Caves are a standout attraction, featuring LED-lit pathways underground for a full experience of the geological wonder of the caves. Guided cave tours run in the summer season. Shoshone Falls, a popular summer spot, lies south of the downtown area. In town, the Shoshone Bird Museum displays feathered creatures in various taxidermied poses alongside non-bird species of grassland mammals, sharks' teeth, and other collections of preserved animal species. The museum is part of the Mammoth Cave tourism complex. After exploring, head to the Manhattan Cafe or the Shoshone Snack Bar for some all-American menu options.

Soda Springs

In Idaho’s Caribou County, the small town of Soda Springs offers a dramatic landscape shaped by geothermal energy and natural beauty. Its most famous attraction, the Soda Springs Geyser, reaches heights of up to 100 feet and holds the unique distinction of being the world’s only “captive” or controlled geyser. Accidentally discovered during a 1930s swimming pool excavation, the geyser is now on a timer and erupts on the hour, every hour, providing a reliable and thrilling sight for visitors year-round.

Soda Springs is also a favorite among snowmobiling enthusiasts, thanks to more than 250 miles of designated trails weaving through forested mountains and across sweeping valley floors. The area’s scenic terrain also invites Nordic-style cross-country skiing, especially at Arthur Kelly Park just east of town. As the day comes to an end, the Main Street Diner is a great place to relax and take in the quaint vibe of Soda Springs.

Rigby

Located in eastern Idaho, the town of Rigby is a hidden gem with deep ties to innovation and pioneering spirit. It proudly honors native son Philo T. Farnsworth, the so-called “inventor of television,” through the Farnsworth TV and Pioneer Museum. This fascinating institution not only showcases Farnsworth’s legacy but also houses eclectic exhibits on topics ranging from ancient Egypt and early photography to Native American artifacts and pioneer tools once used in the region.

For those seeking outdoor downtime, Jefferson Hills Golf Course offers a relaxing round just north of town. At the same time, nearby Jefferson County Lake provides a peaceful setting for strolls, picnics, or a lazy afternoon by the water.

These Quirky Towns Stand Among Idaho's Best

For those craving a road trip with character, Idaho’s lesser-known towns deliver unexpected charm and curiosity at every turn. From the one-of-a-kind geyser eruptions in Soda Springs to the relocated legacy of American Falls, the Gem State reveals treasures beyond its famous forests and farmlands. Whether you're marveling at ice caves in Shoshone or tracing Sacajawea’s story in Salmon, these destinations bring history, nature, and eccentricity together in memorable ways. Idaho’s quirks are part of what make it quietly remarkable—perfect for travelers seeking a journey off the beaten path.