10 Idaho Towns With Unforgettable Main Streets
These 10 unforgettable towns have kept their historic storefronts and vintage signs, and traded in saloons for cafes or shops. Enjoy all sorts of food when you wander through these main streets, like Shorty's Diner in Hailey, or for the sweet tooth lovers, stop in at Sugar Tooth in Sandpoint. Shopping is a joy in these towns as well, with oddities in Wallace and art-filled walls at McCall. Come walk the main street of these unforgettable towns in Idaho.
Wallace
Often called one of Idaho's best-preserved historic downtowns, Wallace looks much like it did during its silver-mining heyday, with brick storefronts and vintage signs lining Main Street. Located on the corner is Past-Present Shoppe. This shop is three floors of collectibles, antiques, and retro items, filling every nook and cranny. Head into North Idaho Trading Co. to see the mummified mermaid and a full-body articulated skeleton. You will find just about everything odd and curious you can think of at this little shop.
After a day of shopping, head to Cogs GastroPub, located in the historical smokehouse. Get a craft brew on tap or enjoy one of the many BBQ sandwiches with slow-smoked meats. Occasionally, there are smoked chocolate chip cookies to try.
Sandpoint
Settling in with a gorgeous lake and mountain setting is the historic downtown of Sandpoint. With various shops and boutiques to explore, there is no telling what kind of treasures you will find. A must on the to-do list while in Sandpoint is the Carousel Emporium. This whimsical shop has a variety of clothing, jewelry, children’s toys, antiques, crafted homewares, and more. Shopping here also supports local and international artists.
For all you sweet lovers out there, come in to Sugar Tooth. Not only do they sell chocolates, caramels, and other confections made on-site, but they also carry nostalgic candies. On hot summer days, they offer homemade huckleberry lemonade, boba teas, and ice cream. Trust us, the sugar rush is worth it when you stop here, no matter the season.
There are various events that take place around here, too. Catch a live performance at the Panida Theater or join the POAC annual Art Walk to see all the different local artists displaying their work.
Moscow
Home to the University of Idaho, Moscow boasts a lively downtown centered around historic brick buildings and Friendship Square. Friendship Square is the heart of this main street, where you will find local small performances, both scheduled and unscheduled. In the warmer months, the Moscow Farmers Market takes place. Vendors set up stalls under canopy tents, selling local produce, baked goods, plants, and handmade items from across the Palouse region.
There is no shortage of bookstores, cafes, and music venues. BookPeople of Moscow is an independent bookstore founded in 1973 that believes that bookstores matter to a community. This cozy shop hosts events year-round and has books for all reading levels.
Ketchum
A little over 3 square miles in total is the small town of Ketchum. This cozy resort town was built on the backs of ranchers and miners, and the area's history is still evident. Take a self-guided Historic Ketchum Walking Tour, where you go through Ketchum’s history and see the grittier roots. Every year, before winter hits, roughly 1,200 sheep walk Main Street with their shepherds in the Trailing of the Sheep festival. The event features vendors selling crafts, folk art, and other goods.
All around Main Street, you will find unique art installations, such as utility boxes wrapped in vinyl art or even manhole covers painted by local artists. In the summer, Memory Park opens with a splash pad designed by two long-time residents.
Hailey
Hailey, located at the southern end of the Wood River Valley and just 11 miles from Ketchum, is a small town with a big heart. Every Saturday, from June through October, the local farmers' market opens. Walk through different booths to find seasonal fruits, pastured meat, crafts, baked goods, and more. After walking around in the morning, stop at a 50s-themed diner. Shorty’s Diner is home to the iconic blue booths, 50’s music, big plates of food, and you cannot forget the classic checkered floor.
Take the day to visit the Blaine County Historical Museum. Visitors can explore Blaine County’s past, learn about the early settlers, see historic-period fashion, and view political memorabilia from the time. You can even learn about an elephant named Samson that got loose in 1884 when a circus came into town.
McCall
Sitting against Payette Lake is the mountain town of McCall. When you look around the main street, or any street in McCall, you will find walls of art scattered all over. There is a dedicated McCall Art Walk that takes you through downtown to 15 different spots. A hot spot for photos is the Bearing Wall located in Art Roberts Park.
You simply cannot miss Razzle Dazzle. Located in the heart of McCall, this icon features a large selection of eclectic gifts from local artwork, dishware, linens, home decor, and so much more. It is easy to spend an hour or four just roaming the shop looking for the perfect gift. Once the snow melts, the local farmers' market comes back to town. Local ranchers, growers, bakers, and artisans come together regularly until the snow settles back down.
Driggs
It wouldn’t be Idaho without mentioning the potato. Driggs is home to wheat- and potato-producing families who live between the town and the Big Hole Mountains. At the weekly Farmers Market, you can taste the cultures through bold beers and fantastic fries. If you do not want to cook them up yourself, stop in at the Royal Wolf, where the fries are delicious and served with burgers and other pub fare.
Driggs is not just a farming town. You will find the Teton Valley Welcome Center, a welcome center with interactive exhibits that are fun for the whole family. If you find yourself there on a Friday, take a look around the art scene with the Friday Art Walks.
Weiser
The heart of Weiser rests in the historic downtown. Take a stroll along the brick-lined streets and admire the preserved storefronts and cozy cafes. Start your day with some window shopping, or come to The Star for a local show. If you keep walking, you will find the start of the Weiser River Trail. This 84-mile trail follows the old railroad grade through desert canyons, alpine meadows, and evergreen forests. It is the perfect place for a hike or horseback riding.
All that hiking is going to leave you with a big appetite. Come get a hand-tossed pizza at Ruszoni’s Pizza that satisfies all appetites. Round off the food journey at Weiser Classic Candy, a small shop dedicated to house-made chocolates, ice cream, and other sweet treats.
Emmett
Located about 40 minutes northwest of Boise is the agricultural town of Emmett. While small, this town has plenty of life to share with visitors. Take a look at the Gem County Museum and discover Emmett’s story from pioneer life, the agricultural traditions, and the development of the surrounding valley. Inside, you will find antique tools, household items, and photographs that shaped the town.
Take a look at Maggie’s on Main for local art and quilting. Maggie’s offers classes on just about anything craft-related, from painting to quilting. If that is not your style, take in a movie at the Frontier Cinema, a single-screen theatre showcasing movies. The shows rotate most weekends, so you'd better catch them before they go.
Priest River
Last but not least on our list of towns with great main streets is Priest River. It is one of the best-kept secrets in Bonner County, as there is plenty to do on the main street. Get craft beers on tap at The Settlement Kitchen + Craft Tavern. The menu offers crafted steaks, burgers, tacos, wings, and vegan options. In the morning, check out Down Range Espresso to warm up before going out on an adventure through the rest of Priest River. Timber Days is a unique part of Priest River's local festivities, celebrating the area's logging heritage through competitions and vendors.
What makes these Idaho towns unforgettable is their ability to preserve historic character while remaining active community gathering places. Whether you're strolling Wallace's mining-era streets, enjoying Moscow's college-town energy, or taking in mountain views from Ketchum's downtown, each Main Street offers a distinct slice of Idaho life that feels authentic and welcoming.
