11 Cutest Small Towns In Idaho
Idaho is home to a vast expanse of remote wilderness and small, rugged towns. Outside of Boise, its capital and most populous city, visitors will find elevated desert in the south. The further north travelers wander, the greener the landscape becomes. Amongst the varying landscapes of this beautiful state, travelers will find cute towns that are quintessential in representing the Idaho spirit, with outdoor adventuring opportunities aplenty, plus renowned cultural institutions and local shops and restaurants with a friendly Western spirit. Whether you’re looking for a nice place to rest after outdoor adventuring or a quaint downtown to shop, Idaho has you covered.
Stanley
Stanley has an allure like no other place in Idaho. Surrounded by untouched nature, locally owned businesses, and the grand view of the Sawtooth Mountains, Stanley stands out as a showstopper. The winters are harsh in Stanley. Most years, Stanley will receive record snowfall. The town stays abuzz with visiting snowmobilers and other winter sport enthusiasts. The summers are a gem in Stanley with ample hiking opportunities in the Sawtooth Mountains. Hiking or backpacking to alpine bodies of water like Alice Lake or Goat Lake will awe any traveler looking for some incline. Anglers love the area, with the nearby Upper Salmon River offering prime fishing opportunities. Stanley is well known for hosting a myriad of musical events throughout the summer season, like the Sawtooth Family Gathering and the Saints Weekend, bringing festive flair to this mountain town.
Idaho City
Just a short hour away from Boise, Idaho City is a history buff’s dream. Idaho City was once the largest city in the Northwest during the Gold Mining Boom. Although the population faded with the gold mining craze, the town has remained a relic. History lovers will enjoy strolling the streets and stopping in the Boise Basin Museum or joining the Simply Fun Historic Walking Tour. Visit the Springs Resort for some relaxation in one of their private tubs before grabbing a drink at the Gold Mine Saloon. The Goldmine Saloon has live music on most weekends and an excellent American pub food menu. Hiking is popular in the warmer months with trails like Charcoal Gulch or the Buena Vista Loop.
McCall
McCall is wonderful to visit in any season. Winters bring skiers and snowboarders to the nearby resorts of Brundage or Tamarack. After a long day on the slopes, crowds gather to celebrate at bars like the Yacht Club or Foresters. The McCall Winter Carnival is a fun annual event to check out with professional ice sculptures lining the streets, parades, and live music. In the summers, Ponderosa State Park is an excellent choice for visitors looking to camp, picnic, or take a swim. Watersports like boating, paddleboarding, and kayaking are all available on Payette Lake, just steps away from downtown.
Wallace
At the base of the Bitterroot Mountains in Northern Idaho, Wallace is a good choice for any kind of traveler. Bicyclists love coming to Wallace in the warmer months to ride the famous 15-mile Hiawatha Trail. History enthusiasts enjoy the well-preserved Victorian buildings of downtown, like the Oasis Bordello Museum, Northern Pacific Depot, or the Wallace Chamber of Commerce. In the winter, visitors can enjoy the nearby Lookout Pass Ski Recreation Area for skiing and snowboarding. Underground mine tours are offered at the Sierra Silver Mine Tour with an experienced hard rock miner.
Hailey
Known as “Idaho’s Hometown in the Mountains,” Hailey sits in the Wood River Valley 11 miles south of Ketchum and Sun Valley. In the warmer months, Hailey hosts a weekly farmers market beloved by locals and travelers. The Campion Ice House is a family-friendly activity for a day. They offer public skating on Mondays and Wednesdays in the afternoons. Hailey is home to Idaho’s smallest ski area: Rotarun. Rotarun is an affordable option compared to its bigger counterparts in nearby Sun Valley and is a great option for first-time skiers and snowboarders. In July, experience the “Days of the Old West Rodeo,” celebrated since 1947 and rated as one of the best to attend in Idaho.
Sun Valley
Home to world-class skiing and several celebrities looking for a quieter life, Sun Valley is a desirable town to visit. Bald Mountain and Dollar Mountain offer incredible slopes for skiers and snowboarders in the winter. The Sun Valley Lodge is the all-encompassing stay while hitting the slopes, with several room options and upscale facilities, including a spa, fitness center, yoga studio, restaurants, and a pool. Once home to Ernest Hemingway, guests can visit the writer’s gravesite, often clad with unopened bottles of alcohol to decorate and pay respects. The town is alive with several downtown shops and restaurants like the Pioneer Saloon or Fiamma. Grab some breakfast at the Kneadery before adventuring in the surrounding wilderness. In the summer, Sun Valley becomes a playground for anglers and hikers. Proctor Mountain Trail is a well-loved incline amongst visitors. World-class fly fishing can be found along the nearby Big Wood River or Salmon River.
Salmon
Salmon is a small town on the edge of the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness. Rafting the Salmon River is a favorite pastime of locals and visitors in the warmer seasons. These trips are one of the coolest ways to witness the natural beauty of Idaho. Idaho River Adventures offers several weeklong camp raft excursions. Big Timber Outfitters equips hunters and anglers with guided trips. Lost Trail Powder Mountain Ski Area is the perfect spot in the winter for downhill and cross-country skiers. Head to Whiskey Willy’s on Main Street for some cold beverages and live music on the weekends.
Priest River
Priest River is a small town in the northwest panhandle of Idaho. It sits 7 miles east of the Washington border and 75 miles south of Canada! Nearby Priest Lake is considered “Idaho’s Crown Jewel”; it’s an incredible 23,000-acre natural lake with a backdrop view of the Selkirk Mountains. It offers many opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping in the summer months. In the winter, it draws visitors for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. Golfers love the sights at Priest Lake Golf Course or The Ranch Club. Kayaking and rafting are popular along the Priest River. The Falls Inn is a local favorite for sandwiches and views of a waterfall.
Ketchum
Ketchum is a mountain town nestled against the Rocky Mountains of Central Idaho. It’s beautiful throughout all four seasons and attracts outdoor enthusiasts year-round. World-class skiing can be accessed within 5 minutes at Sun Valley Resort, which features the Bald and Dollar Mountains. Downtown Ketchum has a variety of shops, restaurants, and outfitters. Lost River Outfitters and Silver Creek Outfitters both offer excellent guides for fly fishing in the area. Mountain biking and hiking at Adam’s Gulch Trailhead is a beautiful option for spending a day. Wood River Trail is a calmer activity with a paved pathway for walking or casually bicycling along the Wood River.
Garden Valley
Along the Payette River and an hour from Idaho’s capital, Boise, Garden Valley is a little reprieve of a town. On the 4th of July, Garden Valley celebrates in a big way with the “biggest small-town fireworks show in the Northwest.” Rafting with Cascade Raft and Kayak is a great way to sightsee with friendly guides and various intensity tours. Starlight Mountain Theatre is a unique way to spend an evening. They host several plays throughout the summer against the backdrop of a starry, pine-lined sky. The venue also has on-site RV camping hookups. Complete a visit to Garden Valley by checking out the Dirty Shame Saloon & Restaurant. In the summers, they host live music on the weekends.
Challis
Challis is a small town with an array of outdoor activities for the adventuring spirit. Challis Hot Springs is a local favorite. It sits on the Salmon River and offers year-round access, camping, and the communal springs. In August, the town comes alive with the annual Braun Brothers Reunion, a three-day music festival celebrating Americana, Texas Country, Red Dirt, and Bluegrass genres. Visit Challis Roadhouse to fuel up on their famous, fresh-cut fries, or head to “Real Deal” Smokehouse for barbecue. Visitors can also get their fill of historical wonders by exploring Bayhorse Ghost Town. In June, ultrarunners gather for the River of No Return Endurance Runs, which hosts distances of 32k, 55k, or 108k.
Idaho is an incredible destination to seek out a cute town getaway. These list toppers truly pack a punch for any traveler looking for a remote, outdoor adventure getaway. Aside from any activity you choose, these Idaho towns represent a way of life for Idahoans and visitors: respect for nature, maintaining its beauty, and fully enjoying all it has to offer. Choose to visit any of these towns and expect a refreshing experience.
