The Best Small Towns in Idaho for a Weekend Retreat

Experience an unforgettable weekend retreat in Idaho, United States, by visiting any of these small towns. These places have a plethora of activities for you to enjoy. From taking a walk in the many parks at Lewiston, hiking the trail in Wallace, to swimming in a reservoir at Weiser. You can also visit Sun Valley during winter to see its ski resorts come alive. Wondering what to do in these towns? This article will help you create a detailed itinerary.

McCall

Mccall is an ideal resort town for a weekend retreat. It was first inhabited by the Native Americans who would migrate when it got too cold in the winter. McCall's transformation into a tourist town was significantly influenced by Anneas 'Jews Harp Jack' Wyatte, who provided the first recreational sailboat rides on Payette Lake. His efforts, which began as early as the first decade of the 20th century, helped establish McCall as a pleasure resort well before the sawmill's closure in 1977. During your retreat, stop by Rotary Park, beside the Cruise on Lake Street, for a swim or picnic. Legacy Park is another park on a small beach where you can have fun with locals and friends. Switch up your vacation itinerary by renting kayaking and boating equipment at McCall Sports so you can go sailing on the beach. Get a souvenir for yourself or loved ones at 44 Degrees North. Book a room for the night at Hotel McCall or The Scandia Inn.

Stanley

Stanley has always been a town with a sparse population of people. Although 122 people are living in Stanley, the town has incredible attractions for visitors to enjoy on a weekend retreat. The view from Stanley Pioneer Park is a must-see. There are old buildings and hiking trails that will take you back in time. There is also a playground and swingset in the park. Get your watersport gear at Riverwear as you prepare for a memorable water adventure with Salmon River Anglers and Sawtooth Adventure Company. They will guide you to go white water rafting and fly fishing in the Salmon River. If you prefer rock climbing, hiking, and skiing, check out Sawtooth Mountain Guides. Stay the night at Stanley High Country Inn or Mountain Village Resort for a wonderful time.

Sun Valley

Sun Valley is a ski resort city. It is a must-add to your winter vacation list if you enjoy alpine skiing. Start your retreat by lodging in Sun Valley Resort, where you will get access to a picturesque view of Dollar Mountain, a fireplace, a sauna, a heated pool, and an ice skating rink. The Hemingway Memorial is a memorial park in town. It is also serene and tranquil. Pay your respect while you are there. Ketchum is just 2 miles from Sun Valley, so take a walk to the town to see Wood River Museum and Ketchum Town Square Park. Stop by the Visit Sun Valley Center before going to see the Gilman Contemporary Art Gallery in town.

Wallace

Wallace is the town with the history of surviving North America’s largest wildfire. However, because most buildings in the town were made of brick and masonry, they withstood the fire and were not destroyed. Today, the whole of Wallace is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. When you arrive in town, you can book either Wallace Inn, Ryan Hotel, or The Stardust Motel for the weekend. Spice up your vacation by hiking the Pulaski Tunnel Trail. Shop for jewelry at Johnson's Gems, Jewelry, and Rare Collectibles. Go on a tour of the underground silver mine at Sierra Silver Mine Tour. Oasis Bordello Museum has a passionate guide that will give you a tour while telling you the history of the town. Check out silver, zinc, lead, and gold exhibits at Wallace District Mining Museum. Shop antiques at North Idaho Trading Company. Go on an amusement park ride at Silver Streak Zipline Tours.

Driggs

Adventure in Driggs begins at Leigh Creek Outfitters LLC, where you can get all the tourist information you need. You can also go horseback riding or take a solo or guided wilderness trip. Lodge in Super 8 by Wyndham Driggs or Teton Valley Lodge and get access to stunning views of Grand Teton. Take a weekend class at Teton Rock Gym. Stop by Royal Wolf and Citizen 33 Brewery for delicious meals and get to know the locals there. Go whiskey-tasting at Grand Teton Distillery. Join other golf-loving tourists and residents at The Links At Teton Peaks for a game and enjoy the serene environment.

Featherville

Featherville is a city named after the Feather River. It is a beautiful spot near the Trinity Mountains. Spend your weekend at Featherville Resort, which has rooms, cafes, restaurants, and gift shops, or camp with Featherville Rentals and rent a cabin with a mountain or river view. Explore the large Featherville springs at Trinity Hot Springs. Take a 43-minute drive to Boise to see the Idaho State Museum and Boise Idaho Temple. Camp in Macks Creek Park and take a scenic walk in Lucky Peak State Park. Visit Anne Frank's Human Rights Memorial to learn about her life and see a statue of Anne.

Lewiston

Lewiston was founded in 1861, a year before the Gold Fever in Pierce, Idaho, started. The Gold Fever eventually made Lewiston the capital of Idaho in 1863 and also led to a war among the Nez Perce tribe in 1977. Lewiston’s reign was short-lived as the Gold Fever and capital seat was moved to southwest Idaho, where Boise was eventually made the capital in 1866. Learn all about the town’s history at Nez Perce County Historical Society. Watch Lewis and Clark’s discoveries come to life at Lewis & Clark Discovery Center. Lewiston is filled with parks and picnic spaces. Go park-hopping at Hells Gate State Park, Sunset Park, Locomotive Park, and Hereth Park, and go with your dog to Penny's Memorial Dog Park. Hike the River Trail at Lewiston Levee Parkway. Go bowling at Orchards Lanes. Rest for the day at Hampton Inn Lewiston or FairBridge Inn & Suites.

Rexburg

Rexburg is a vibrant city of a community of people who enjoy good music, dancing, and outdoor activities. Reserve a room at Hampton Inn and Suites Rexburg or SpringHill Suites by Marriott for the weekend. Go on a carousel ride at the Idaho Centennial Carousel, Porter Park’s “Jewel.” Explore other amusement centers like Gravity Factory and Heber Hatchets for optimal fun with kids. Visit Yellowstone Bear World Wildlife Park, which is open from April to October. Check out the 125th Rexburg Idaho Temple. If you or your kids are curious about aviation, see the Legacy Flight Museum. Watch a movie at Teton Vu Drive-In or try to escape the Rexburg Re-Escape challenge. If you love ziplining and roping activities, take a course at BYU-Idaho Ropes Course.

Hailey

If you are looking to vacation in a town where you can try out activities like Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, kayaking, skateboarding, and horseback riding during the summer and winter, Hailey is a great town to spend your weekend. You can go hiking at the Draper Preserve Trail or sit by the river for a picnic while enjoying the alluring view. Go skiing or ice skating at Rotarun Ski Area or Campion Ice House. Visit the Sun Valley Museum of Art, Hailey, where kids get to spend the summer at the Art Camp. Play volleyball with residents at Hop Porter Park or take a stroll around Bullion Street, where the park is located. Watch live music performances at Sun Valley Brewing Co while sipping beer. Relax after a long day at Wood River Inn & Suites or Hailey Airport Inn, LLC.

Weiser

Weiser is a farming community named after the Weiser River. A weekend in this town promises a great time in the outdoors. Take a walk in Steck Park to see the Brownlee Reservoir, a fishing and camping center. Check out the two-story fishery of Mann Creek Reservoir, where you can go swimming. Explore the Snake River Heritage Center museum. Stop by Gray Ave. to see the Memorial Park in town. If you have a sweet tooth, get some candy at Weiser Classic Candy. Shop keepsakes and souvenirs at Funkyhouse Vintage before retiring for your room in State Street Motel, Weiser Motel & RV Park, or Lazy Bear Ranch Guest Suites

Beyond the Beaten Path in Idaho's Charming Towns

These towns in Idaho offer a mix of natural beauty and historical depth, making them ideal for relaxation and exploration. From the early tourism initiatives in McCall to the agricultural roots of Weiser, each town presents a unique aspect of Idaho's diverse landscape. Visitors can engage with local communities, enjoy various outdoor activities, and discover the unique culture of each location. These destinations provide not just a retreat but an opportunity to create lasting memories and experiences.