9 Must-Visit Small Towns In Idaho
Idaho is situated in the Mountain-West subregion of the United States. It shares its borders with six other states: Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utah, Washington, and Oregon, allowing it to offer a diverse cultural experience to tourists visiting the region. The state is blessed with numerous lakes, a few rivers, and various mountain ranges, the most popular being the Rocky Mountains. As such, this region is a sweet haven for outdoor enthusiasts looking to find their next thrilling adventure. Venturing into the smaller towns in the state allows explorers to visit untouched natural beauty and experience a more serene getaway into nature.
Sandpoint
Sandpoint is a beautiful small town located on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho's largest lake, and surrounded by three mountain ranges, the Selkirk, Cabinet, and Bitterroots. Tourists should begin their trip to this outdoor paradise by heading to the popular biking and hiking trails such as the Gold Hill Trail or the Maiden Rock Trail, which both end in breathtaking views of the town and lake. Then, enjoy some thrilling and fun activities at Silverwood Theme Park, Northwest's largest theme park, and visitors can cool off in the nearby Boulder Beach Water Park. Fishing enthusiasts can take guided fly fishing and float trips along the Kootenai River, while cross-country skiers can head to Round Lake State Park in the snowy season. Make sure to check out local craft breweries at Laughing Dog Brewing before heading home.
Sun Valley
Sun Valley, sharing quite a bit of its area with Ketchum City, is a resort town located in Wood River Valley. The town is a sweet haven for mountain bikers who can revel in the 400 miles of track spread throughout the valley, which also provides some of the most enchanting views in the country. Ironically, however, Sun Valley properly blooms in the winter, with skiing, sleighing, snowboarding, ice skating, and many more winter activities popping up in the city. Head to Bald and Dollar Mountains to experience the first destination ski resort in the country. With 12 chairlifts and America's longest purpose-built downhill trail, it is bound to be a thrilling adventure.
Wallace
Wallace, located in the Silver Valley mining district of Idaho, is known as the "Silver Capital of the World" since it was responsible for mining 21% of the world's silver in the past. Today, it carries on that legacy by being the richest mining town still in existence, and its heritage is aptly shown by the entire town being listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Take a history lesson at Oasis Bordello and Captain John Mullan Museum, or simply tour Wallace's downtown historic streets. Make sure to visit the popular spot, the Center of the Universe, a manhole on Bank and Sixth Streets, which has been claimed to be the center of the world. Don't forget to get a bit of mining history at the Wallace District Mining Museum and a real-life mine tour at the Sierra Silver Mine before you leave this enchanting town.
McCall
McCall is a resort town named after its founder, Tom McCall, and it is located in Valley County, Idaho, at the southern shore of Payette Lake. Start the trip by learning a bit more about the town at the Central Idaho Historical Museum. Then head to Brundage Mountain Resort, where outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy nature trails, such as the Brundage trails, on bike or foot, that will take you through long, winding paths in and out of different mountain environments and onto incredible views. Take a ride on the BlueBird Express Chairlift or enjoy some disc gold in the sun. In the winter, families can enjoy skiing and snowboarding at the Beartopia Fun Zone or indulge in more thrilling adventures, such as the Brundage Snowmobile Adventure or a guided Snowcat Tour. End the trip by picking fresh fruits and vegetables at McCall's Farmers Market.
Hailey
Hailey, also known as "Idaho's Hometown in the Mountains", is located at the center of Wood River Valley, in the middle of the magnificent Central Idaho Rockies. Delve into the history of this four-season vacation destination at the Blaine County Historical Museum, where visitors can learn about early pioneer settlers and family histories, as well as view vignettes of mines, schools, ranches, historic political memorabilia, and more. For nature lovers, the Draper Preserve is a popular hike amongst families as it is easily accessible and well-equipped and even allows hikers to catch glimpses of wild moose walking about. Stop by Shorty's Diner, a popular vintage-style diner with booths and a jukebox when in town.
Bonners Ferry
Bonners Ferry is located in the heart of the Kootenai River Valley and is the largest city in Boundary County, Idaho. The town features an old-fashioned downtown and proudly showcases its heritage at the Boundary County Museum, which is open to visitors. The authentic charm of the town, however, lies in its outdoor adventures, as three mountain ranges surround the town. The brave and athletic should make sure to hike up to Myrtle Peak, which takes hikers through the forest and rocky meadows and opens up to an old lookout, providing stunning mountain and valley views. The nearby Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge offers the opportunity for those interested to interact with various species of rescued wildlife. For a different experience, catch a show at the Pearl Theater, a converted church now hosting dance and art performances.
Garden City
Garden City, situated in the Boise metropolitan area along the Boise River, was named after the gardens raised by Chinese immigrants who resided in the area. As such, the town is a delight for nature lovers, who can revel in sites such as the Boise River Greenbelt. The Greenbelt is a 25-mile pathway that can be walked or cycled on to explore sweeping cottonwoods, curious wildlife, and panoramic water views. As Idaho's first bee city, the town is home to a public pollinator habitat, Pollinator Garden, which is a must-visit on a trip here. End your trip by spending a relaxing afternoon fly fishing or river floating on the Boise.
Stanley
Stanley is a small town located in the Sawtooth Valley, with a population of less than 200 people, yet still enough to do for tourists all year round. Begin an excursion into this valley town by heading to one of the popular hiking trails, such as Bench Lake and Sawtooth Lake Trails, which take you along tranquil waterfronts and open into the captivating view of snow-capped mountains. After an outdoor excursion, spend a relaxing afternoon in the Boat Box Hot Spring, a cauldron situated atop the banks of Salmon River, with geothermally heated water to unwind in. Water enthusiasts can go rafting and kayaking in the famous Redfish Lake. Finally, head out to stargaze in the Dark Sky Reserve, the only such Gold Tier reserve in the country.
Driggs
Driggs is situated in the middle of the Western Teton Range and the Big Hole Mountains in Teton Valley, Idaho. As such, the town is home to numerous mountain trails, skiing and snowboarding opportunities, intriguing fly-fishing rivers, and other outdoor activities. Begin with a floating tour of the nearby Teton River, offered by Teton River Supply. Then, indulge in a unique horseback ride at Leigh Creek Outfitter that will take tourists through safe and lush trails through the wildlands. In the winter, enjoy the thrill of snowmobiling in the Teton Mountain Range or backcountry skiing and snowboarding in Grand Teton. Make sure to catch a movie under the stars at the charming Spud drive-in theatre to complete the trip.
In conclusion, the state of Idaho is a rich tapestry of experiences for travelers within the Mountain-West subregion. From the serene beauty of Sandpoint and the winter wonderland of Sun Valley to Wallace's historic charm and Bonners Ferry's adventurous spirit, each town on the list invites explorers to discover the rich heritage and outdoor surroundings. Visit rescued wildlife, go swimming in famous hot springs, stargaze in a Dark Sky Reserve, enjoy floating tours, and much more in this state that offers a range of diverse and thrilling experiences. The combined beauty, history, and adventure of Idaho is bound to attract all kinds of tourists to its small towns.
