These Small Towns in Idaho Have the Best Historic Districts
Ranked third best state in the Nation by US News & World Report, Idaho is a large Rocky Mountain State with a diverse landscape and rich history to explore. With its overall low crime rate, strong economy, and beautiful natural landscape, it is no wonder Idaho continues to instill wonder in those who go explore it. Its rich agricultural and mining past has left historic marks throughout the state, with many small towns home to stunning architecture in their historic districts. From the rich mining heritage in Wallace to the historic university town of Moscow, learn more about seven of Idaho's small historic communities.
Wallace
The county seat of Shoshone County, Wallace is the richest mining town, and also the world's largest silver producer. This town thrives off of its historic identity, and the entire town is registered on the National Register of Historic Places. The town of around 800 residents sits on the backdrop of "danger, intrigue, passion, great wealth, heroics, and comedy," as the town's historical society puts it. As a mining town that drew in countless miners and dreamers, there was always something happening.
Today, Wallace attracts tourists from around the world to explore its mining and railroad heritage. Outdoor explorers also use Wallace as their pitstop to the Bitterroot Mountains and Route of Hiawatha. While in town, walk down Pine Street and Cedar Streets to see an assortment of historic houses, churches, and landmarks, such as the Wallace District Mining Museum and the Center of the Universe manhole cover.
Salmon
Almost three times larger than Wallace in population, but more heavily engrained in nature, Salmon owns its identity as a mountain town, near the Frank Church—River of No Return Wilderness. Like Wallace, Salmon was a mining town with additional lumbering and ranching heritage. While in Salmon, you can experience Lewis and Clark's legendary trail across the US, taking guided horseback rides along the Lemhi Pass, where they first made contact with Indigenous inhabitants of the Rockies.
There are several ghost towns and historic trails surrounding Salmon to explore what life was like in and around Salmon for early settlers in search of opportunity in the Wild West. Along Main Street, there are several historic buildings and centers to visit, such as the Lemhi County Historical Museum and Salmon City Hall.
Bonners Ferry
With a population of 2,558, Bonner's Ferry is a tiny but important gateway to the Idaho wilderness. The town is surrounded by three mountain ranges and rests in the Kootenai River Valley. The town was founded in 1863 during the gold rush but was formally established 30 years later in 1893, acting as a hub for lumber and homesteading along the Wild Horse Trail. The Boundary County Historical Society Museum showcases the history of Bonners Ferry and surrounding Boundary County. While walking in town, stop at the Portrait Hall and First National Bank to see Bonners Ferry's history up close.
Idaho City
Idaho City has a small population with fewer than 500 residents. Located in the mountains and the Boise National Forest, Idaho City has one of the richest histories with the most dramatic fall. Idaho City had one of the largest population booms in Idaho during the gold rush, with its population peaking at an estimated 30,000 to 40,000 inhabitants. By the turn of the 20th century, the town's population had dwindled to around 1,000.
The surviving historic buildings include the Masonic Hall, the Boise Basin Museum, and the Boot Hill Cemetery. Every year, the town hosts the Gold Dust Rodeo during the last Friday and Saturday of June, drawing in tourists from around the globe.
Driggs
Proud of its entrepreneurial spirit, Driggs is a small country town surrounded by the Teton, Big Hole, and Snake River mountain ranges. The town's vibrancy is hard to miss, with an abundance of restaurants, craft beer, distilleries, music festivals, county fairs, and small businesses, there is always something unique to Driggs to do while in town.
While visiting, check out the town's 100-year-old soda fountain and Pierre's Hole 1832 Battle Area Site before walking up and down the historic main street. An arts haven, Driggs is the perfect backdrop to create or enjoy the arts whether on holiday or relocating.
Lewiston
With a larger population of 34,270, Lewiston sits close to Moscow, Idaho, and Clarkston, Washington. An established gold-mining town, Lewiston is Idaho's oldest incorporated community and was the first territorial capital. Known for its wine and outdoor recreation in the Lewis Clark Valley, Lewiston is a bustling community with ample history to explore. The Nimiipuu (the Nez Perce Tribe) have inhabited the region for centuries.
Today, you can learn about their history and heritage at the Nez Perce County Historical Society & Museum as well as the Jack O'Connor Center, both in town.
Moscow
Home to the University of Idaho, Moscow is a picturesque historic town with ample experiences to explore. Located in Latah County along the Washington border, Moscow was founded in 1871 as a stagecoach station. The University was founded less than two decades later, in 1889, aiding the town's stable development. Today, the town also houses New St. Andrews College while also being a major producer of lumber, peas, wheat, and hay. Today, the town's population has bloomed to 25,616.
The Fort Russel Neighbourhood Historic District has 116 properties on the National Historic Register and is a great stroll through Moscow's past. Between 1st and 6th Street, you can also explore Moscow's Downtown Historic District, full of old brick buildings, including the McConnell-McGuire Building and the Hotel Moscow. Explore the historic downtown while participating in one of the many festivals and fairs that take place annually, such as the Renaissance Fair and Lionel Hampton International Jazz Festival.
Whether you are looking to explore the history spread out through the American West, or you are eager for a cultural stop between hikes through the Rockies, there are numerous historical towns throughout Idaho to explore. While most of these communities were founded during the gold rush, many also have roots in other industries that supported the gold rush, such as rail, lumber, and agriculture. Idaho's communities have a lot of pride in their histories and identities. Be sure to strike up a conversation with a local while exploring and ask them questions about the town's history—there is no telling what stories they will offer.
