8 Cutest Small Towns In Idaho To Visit In 2024

In the mountainous West of the United States, Idaho is most well known as being the Potato State for producing the most potatoes in the U.S. With 1.8 million residents, it is one of the least populous states in the Union, but with its large size as the 14^th largest state, there are plenty of spots to explore. With its 115 mountain ranges, there are many cute small towns resting in the state with beautiful views to check out. Here are 8 cute small towns to visit in the Potato State.

Garden City

Along the Boise River, Garden City earned its name from serving as an actual garden in 1890 run by Chinese immigrants. Although the farms in the area are gone, the town maintains its natural beauty and opportunities to taste the richness of nature in many ways. For example, visitors can go fly fishing right on the Boise River in the middle of the city for rainbow trout, whitefish, and brown trout. Or you can go for a relaxing river float down the Boise River by renting a raft or inner tube from the Boise Army Navy. Consider taking a walk down the 25-mile Boise River Greenbelt, or relax with a brew at Garden City's Craft Beverage Corridor which has many breweries such as Barbarian Brewing or Bert's Brewing.

Idaho City

Once a bustling city in the Northwest due to a Gold Rush in the 1860s, Idaho City today is a small place with around 500 residents. However, this cute town has a rich history and many spots to explore while you are traveling in Idaho. By taking the town's walking tour, you will see many buildings from the town's Gold Rush Era, including the 1865 Fire House, the 1867 Judge Halley House, and the County Courthouse. Also, the Boise Basin Museum provides plenty of historical artifacts and information about this fascinating period of history. If hiking is more up your alley, Idaho City is close to several trails, including the Charcoal Gulch trail and Buena Vista Loop.

Wallace

In Northern Idaho, Wallace is one of the world's biggest producers of silver, and this rich mining tradition can be felt all throughout this cute scenic, small Idaho town. The best places to go to learn about Wallace are the Sierra Silver Mine Tour, where you can learn all about the history of mining in the area, or the Wallace District Mining Museum. The town is great for train lovers as well, as it contains the Northern Pacific Railroad Depot Museum. For a relaxing hike, consider taking the picturesque Pulaski Tunnel Trail, which follows the Coeur d'Alene River.

Bonners Ferry

Another Northern Idaho town, Bonners Ferry is next to three mountain ranges in the Kootenai River Valley. There are many beautiful locales to explore in the town, such as the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge, a 2,774-acre spot where you can go to view elk, bears, otters, waterfowl, and more. Visit the Boundary County Museum to see historical photographs and artifacts from the settlers who came to the area during the Gold Rush. Before you leave town, try out the local fruits and vegetables at the Bonners Ferry Farmers Market.

Sandpoint

Just 60 miles from the border with Canada, this town of just under 10,000 people is known for arts, skiing, and much more. Schweitzer Village is a world-famous mountain resort in the area with 2,900 acres of skiing, hiking, and biking opportunities. Sandpoint has many other places to go for a hike, with its more than 20 city parks, Priest Lake State Park, Pine Street Woods, and Mickinnick Trail, a trail that goes up more than 2,000 feet. Sandpoint also has many indoor attractions such as the Albeni Falls Dam Tour, the Museum at the Brig covering military life, and the Art Works Gallery with works from local artists. This town is a must-see when visiting Idaho.

Sun Valley

This resort town is a great place to visit in any season, with its beautiful lakes, mountains, fishing, and dark sky viewing. This area of Idaho called the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, is renowned for its lack of light pollution, which allows visitors to see planets, meteors, comets, and other celestial bodies. Speaking of celestial bodies, Sun Vally is close to the Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, which contains a wider variety of volcanic features that create an environment similar to the surface of the moon. Lastly, don't forget to check out the Sun Valley Resort itself, which has some of the best skiing at Bald Mountain, along with mountain biking in the summer.

Rexburg

This town of just over 40,000 people was founded in 1883 along the banks of the Teton River. The small town is known for its large population of members of the Church of Latter-Day Saints and is home to the Brigham Young University of Idaho. The Museum of Rexburg is a treasure trove of information about the town, with relics from the 19th century, an animal head collection, and its flood memorabilia recovered from the flood of 1976. There are plenty of parks in the town as well to explore, with the Eagle Park along the Teton River, the Nature Park along the south fork of the river and the Cable Factory Wake Park, which you can use to learn how to wake-board. For aviation enthusiasts, the Legacy Flight Museum is a hidden treasure you should check out before leaving this must-visit small town.

Eagle

With just over 30,000 residents, Eagle is a fun place with a charming downtown area, natural beauty, and museums. It's next to the Boise River Greenbelt for a nice walk that runs all the way to the Eagle Island State Park, a 545-acre reserve with a swimming beach, waterslide, and five miles of trails. The Eagle Museum of History and Preservation is the best place to go to see photographs, artifacts, and documents on the growth and development of the town. Eagle also hosts the Eagle Saturday Market from May to October with food, crafts and live music. If you really want to get the blood pumping, visit the Firebird Raceway to see a drag race.

Beyond Potatoes: Discover Idaho's Enchanting Small Towns

Idaho has far more to offer than just potatoes. From beautiful mountain ranges to pristine rivers and a beautiful night sky, there is so much to see and experience in this Western state. You can spend a day going skiing or hiking, then relax in a local café or museum or even visit some historic buildings from the Gold Rush era. The next time you find yourself out West, don't neglect Idaho or its many cute small towns.