9 Most Neighborly Towns In Idaho

Idaho is full of thrills in every dimension, where the Sawtooths are skyscrapers, towering over 10,000 feet, and the Snake River Canyon, one of North America's deepest, is even cooler than you imagine. Surrounded by sprawling wildernesses, its picture-perfect towns offer an easy-on-the-eyes retreat in nature or an active getaway for your family. Each town has a unique energy blend and the residents display exemplary neighborly spirit. Payette immerses you in a rural dose of charm on a fork of the Snake and Payette rivers, wrapped in orchards and farmlands. Embodying small-town charm and mountainous hospitality, the nine most neighborly towns in Idaho are worldly and impressive, like the world's first to run on atomic energy and the nearby Craters of the Moon National Monument. So head out to find what captivates you alongside some of the nation's most stunning attractions.

American Falls

You'll find American Falls near where the Snake River flows into and out of the American Falls Reservoir; the town sits on the reservoir's southwestern tip. The original town was forced to relocate in the 1920s to make way for the new American Falls Dam — the first town in the country to be relocated. The dam and reservoir, beneath which lie the remains of the old community, was initially constructed in 1927 and reconstructed in 1978 due to weathering. The times of discontent brought the locals closer, while the stunning views of the Snake River and expanding opportunities for outdoor recreation attracted tourists.

Visitors can discover this unique history in town and through scenic hikes, like those that pass by dramatic rock formations and trails at the Massacre Rocks State Park, west of town, which dates back to the Oregon Trail. Settlers gave it the dramatic name because they feared ambush from native tribes as they navigated the narrow passageway (aka the "Gate of Death" and "Devil's Gate"). Residents of American Falls come together annually to celebrate with exhibits, rides, and local food at the Power County Fair. Always happy to welcome you for the best sturgeon fishing and to snap selfies within the powerful view of the dam, there's also camping and dog-friendly parks along the river to relax; it's a great spot for a family outing. An hour drive south, Deep Creek Peak showcases gorgeous wildflower displays in season on a carpet of green. Nearby, Old Tom Mountain is one of the nicest mountains you'll ever meet, with a beautiful ridgeline that makes for a fantastic early rise hike at sunrise.

Arco

Arco's residents are bonded by the fact that their hometown is the world's first to run on atomic energy. Taking pride in this groundbreaking 1955 achievement at the nearby Idaho National Laboratory (INL), this town of fewer than 1,000 people continues its tradition of innovation and spirit. Amid rustic surroundings of some of Idaho's most rugged landscapes, visitors enjoy Arco's eclectic blend of attractions that combine adventure with science and history. Hiking trails wind through the surrounding forests, and just 30 miles to the southwest visitors will find the awesome Craters of the Moon National Monument with its volcanic craters and ancient lava flows.

The Great Depression-era Recreation Hall now houses city offices and remains a touchstone to Arco's past. For an easy overview of the area, Number Hill and Arco Peak are immediately north. The 11,427-foot Smiley Mountain is a prominent feature to the west-northwest of town. Acro Canal, a tributary of the Big Lost River, adds a lace of watery charm as it flows through town. A spot at Craters of the Moon / Arco KOA Journey grants you access to all the region has to offer. Atomic Days is a local festival that welcomes visitors from all over with rodeos, parades, and community events. Mountain View RV Park and Restaurant is a cool place to stay and dine, while the green building of Pickle's Place serves no-frills deliciousness.

Blackfoot

This southeastern Idaho gem boasts a telling moniker as the “Potato Capital of the World.” Blackfoot proudly celebrates its title during the annual Eastern Idaho State Fair. The major event wakes this sleepy town up in late summer, drawing crowds to its delicious food, fun rides, and cool exhibits. Stop by any day at the Idaho Potato Museum (closed on Sundays from September to May), a fun showcase of the state’s celebrity crop. Seamlessly blending its cultural heritage into small-town charm, you will discover a true meaning of community that values tradition and its rich agricultural area through the beautiful outdoors for adventure and recreation.

From Rose Ponds Park to Blackfoot South Stake Recreation Area or from Florage Farm to Snake River Arena, there is much to see and do in Blackfoot. Jensen Grove Park is a dog-friendly (leashed!) riverfront area, perfect for boating and fishing in the lake, plus a greenbelt trail. There's also Blackfoot Golf Course and Pindale Lanes just up the road. You can catch a flick at Blackfoot Movie Mill or watch a play at Blackfoot Performing Arts Center, then eat at Smokin' Gun BBQ. Dine near the lakefront at Tommy Vaughn's Grill or the longtime favorite Rupe's Burgers, just a hop from Bingham County Historical Museum.

Driggs

Home to about 2,300 welcoming locals, Driggs is a small town on the Idaho-Wyoming border with big mountain charm on the Teton Scenic Byway, in the Teton Valley overlooking the mighty Tetons. To the west, the Teton River reaches out to the town with streams like tentacles. The valley changes dress by season into a scenic paradise, and with Wyoming literally next door, there are places like New Sheep Bridge Trailhead and Teton Canyon Overview Observation Site to explore. You can enjoy 3.4 million acres of wilderness at Bridger-Teton National Forest (again, just across the border in neighboring Wyoming), with wildlife hiking trails and scenic drives. Just a short way from Grand Targhee Resort, Driggs enjoys playing the après-ski part as a hospitable host for visitors, encompassing a great variety of local restaurants, boutiques, and art galleries.

Driggs inspires a hidden gem as one of Idaho's visually stunning towns without the throngs of tourists, despite the many skiers and snowboarders that flood the surrounding area. The surrounding mountainous glory elevates the cozy feel in a tight-knit community that values its peace. Its charming downtown reflects the diverse interests and its own energy, echoing with farming history through sustainable agriculture and pioneer charm. To experience all this during the renowned Teton Valley Balloon Rally, annually, for four days, is a sight to behold under the summer sky, colored in hot air balloons, drawing visitors from all over. The enduring 1950s Spud Drive-In Theatre is a must stop south of town, with a concession stand selling burgers, fries, and shakes.

Kamiah

It's hard not to fall in love with Kamiah. This breathtaking northern gem, a real recreational haven with a number of prominent features. This tiny town grants you access to the western entrance of the spectacular Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest, a massive wilderness with mountains, trails, and rivers for hiking and rafting, plus campsites and cabins. It is also under two hours north to the enchanting natural world of Saint Joe National Forest. From the local It'se Ye-Ye Casino at the heart to Nez Perce National Historic Park Heart of The Monster, a cultural site, hike out to Kamiah Lookout, particularly gorgeous under sunrise or at sunset.

The town of Kamiah exudes a sense of wonder, complementing the idyllic beauty in the lush foothills. It is easy to explore on a riverside stroll to the city park and Lewis & Clark's Long Camp, a historical landmark. Grab a picnic from the local marketplace, and while you're here, stop by the popular Loving Hands Thrift And More for everything you didn't know you needed as a keepsake. From pizza to Mexican and a steakhouse that doubles up as a hotel, enjoy Hearthstone Restaurant & Bakery in the morning or for a special dinnertime. You can also sightsee Dworshak Dam & Reservoir, 40 minutes north, for a powerful spectacle between Pink House Recreation Site and Big Eddy Recreation Site and Launch Area.

Kimberly

Boasting good schools and a feisty football team, Kimberly embodies small Idaho town charm. You would never guess the natural splendor from within the peaceful community. Surrounded by bluffs and waterfalls, welcome to the Magic Valley. In under 10 minutes, you can access an iconic bridge on the Snake River, north, in between Paradise Waterfall and Twin Falls Park, a family-friendly day-use area with viewpoints and picnic areas, plus access to fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. Hansen Bridge offers interesting history and a beautiful view of a deep canyon seemingly out of nowhere on flat land. Grab a java from Destino Coffee Company for a stroll next door at Kimberly City Park, a common route for locals headed to work and moms with strollers.

Pending road reconstruction, Shoshone Falls Park is just 26 minutes northwest, with trails and waterfalls, a ramp, a boat launch, and a scenic overlook, plus picnic areas and a concession stand. There's even the Evel Knievel Snake River Canyon Jump Site, where the daredevil tried crossing the canyon on a steam-powered rocket. From Pillar Falls Trailhead to an RV park and Snake River Canyons Park across the highway north, stop by Ridley's Family Markets for fresh produce and picnic supplies. Rock Creek Station & Stricker Homesite offers intriguing heritage artifacts from the area south of town. You'll feel welcome among outdoor enthusiasts living at a hair's width from magical sights to make a new friend and bond over dinner at Monterey Jack's Pizza.

McCall

Despite being a more popular destination in the state, this pine-scented town exudes a sense of relaxation and keeps its neighborly charm alive on the southern shore of the beautiful Payette Lake. Winter Carnival, for instance, is an all-inclusive event inspired by the lake’s winter games, with snow sculptures, ice-skating competitions, and more for families and solo travelers. The preserved downtown is like a touchstone to its 19th-century logging days. The display of old buildings tells the story of its humble workman's roots, while its love for good suds is all the same after a good day of work, adding another charming layer to its personality. Join the locals at McCall Brewing Co. or Salmon River Distillery to unwind after a day in the outdoors.

Next door north, Ponderosa State Park is a destination in itself with wildlife trails and lakefront recreation, plus camping in the warm months. Payette Lake packs a punch for outdoor enthusiasts, with boating, fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding in the surrounding mountains. Despite being a hotbed in the summer, you can easily find a serene spot along the expansive shoreline, making for an excellent retreat in nature or an active getaway for any group. Just south, Jug Mountain Ranch features hiking trails, mountain biking, and an amazing golf course. In the winter, the Little Ski Hill offers the thrills without crowds, while the nearby McCall Activity Barn is a fun place to go sledding and tubing, where "The Magic Carpet" brings you back up to the 6 different paths to tube down again.

Payette

Tucked into the border with Oregon on a fork of the Snake River, this town is that good thing that comes in a little package, wrapped in orchards and farmlands. Wake up for a peaceful hike or a picnic along the Payette River, providing great fishing and plenty of boating into the river to the north. Boasting beautiful shores to explore between here and the next-door Washoe south, discover its rich agricultural heritage hands-on at top-rated restaurants like Erika's Kitchen and El Kamaron. To the north, the most popular Kelley Orchard is run by a very friendly owner who keeps it open year-round to explore, but there's nothing like a hand-picked, tree-ripened peach in the summer.

Play a round at the scenic Scotch Pines Golf Course nearby. After your java and some art at Agape Coffeehouse, explore the charming neighborhoods and small shops. You play with your pet among locals at the popular Hanigan Memorial Park and stop for insights at the Payette County Historical Society & Museum. Just south, Rudy Park is a remarkably nice park to stretch your legs or kick back over a picnic after a sightseeing paddle from the boat launch on the Payette River. Payette comes out of its slumber every year during the Payette County Fair, welcoming you for a real dose of rural vibes, including livestock shows, rodeos, and homemade treats.

Preston

Between mountains to the west and lakes in the east, Preston is a very family-friendly place within picturesque surroundings. The small town boasts distinction as the filming site for the 20th-century cult classic “Napoleon Dynamite,” but it is not the only unique feature. Preston charms you up from the get-go and keeps the intrigue going year-round. Be sure to check out the stunning architecture at the Oneida Stake Academy Community & Historical Center, built in the late 19th century. The Porter Family Christmas Lights is an actual Christmas attraction. You can stay in the heart at the popular Drift Inn with access to the restaurants along the main for every taste. Napoleon Dynamite House is a cool little brick house that withstood the test of time and the tons of ogling fans who visit to this day.

Shop and eat like a local at Polar Bear Eats, a retro drive-in with a patio. Sandy's Haven is a small wildlife refuge to the north with cute animals and hiking/walking trails. The Bear River laces the town with charm to the west. Bear River Memorial Park offers picnic tables and a history plaque in a wildlife area, where you can see the spot of the massacre that happened to the original inhabitants. Back in town, Hirschis haunted hollow is a great Halloween attraction next door to Tattles Bar & Grill. The major "That Famous Preston Night Rodeo" brings in weekenders annually from across the region for big rodeo excitement in a small-town feel.

Final Thoughts

There is a whole lot more to dig up in the Gem State than potatoes. You can learn about its connection to the Oregon Trail, a route for early settlers to stake their claims in the West. Discover the Magic Valley through waterfalls, bluffs, and a canyon, or the enduring 1950s Spud Drive-In Theatre, in the heart of the Tetons. From Kamiah on the grounds of the Nez Perce Reservation to Blackwood, “Potato Capital of the World,” each town displays a unique side of the state, full of flavor, worth savoring every bite. Find a pine-scented paradise year-round in McCall on the southern shore of Payette Lake, with skiing and Ponderosa State Park next door. Or just meander through each of the nine most neighborly towns in Idaho to get a real taste of this state.