12 Nicest Small Towns In Idaho
While Idaho rarely grabs headlines in travel magazines, you might say the Gem State is a diamond in the rough. Its spell-binding natural scenery features imposing mountain ranges, dense forests, winding rivers, and pristine lakes, which paint the backdrop for an array of charming small towns that capture the true spirit and character of the Pacific Northwest. These sweet spots provide a serene escape from the city hustle with their slow pace and authentic rural living.
Whether you are an outdoor adventurer, a history buff, or a culture enthusiast, you will find plenty to write home about in Idaho. From historic mining settlements like Idaho City to lakefront enclaves like Sandpoint, here are twelve of the nicest small towns in the state.
Sandpoint
This lovely lakeside retreat in northern Idaho offers supreme natural scenery with world-class skiing and unbeatable access to outdoor adventures. Sandpoint is home to Schweitzer Mountain Resort, which boasts 2,900 acres of terrain in the breathtaking Selkirk Mountains. The town's location on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille spoils visitors with peaceful green spaces that are perfect for relaxing and soaking in the water views. To get the full experience, take a sightseeing tour with Lake Pend Oreille Cruises where you can learn about the region's history and watch for eagles as the sun sets on Sandpoint.
Back on land, the adorable downtown hosts lovely points of interest, including the historic Panida Theatre. This landmark cultural center is the area’s only full-feature performing arts facility, and invites visitors to enjoy a range of performances and productions, from live music and theatre to film festivals and community events.
Lewiston
This vibrant city in northern Idaho invites travelers to discover its rich mix of attractions, catering to both indoor and outdoor enthusiasts. Lewiston is a gateway to Hells Gate State Park, a sprawling natural area with pleasant hiking trails, riverside campsites, and fishing spots. Just a short drive away, a deep historical lesson awaits at the Nez Perce Historic Park, thanks to a vast collection of artifacts dating back to pre-settlement days.
Those who feel like connecting with the arts can tour the Lewis-Clark State College Center for Arts and History to check out an exhibition, attend a lecture, watch a live performance, or take in a film. Finally, wine lovers can sample some of the best local offerings at Lindsay Creek Vineyards and enjoy live music most weekends.
Stanley
This picture-postcard town in Custer County is surrounded by the jagged peaks of the Sawtooth Mountain Range and carved by the winding course of the Salmon River. Adventure awaits on the iconic waterway, all supported by the multiple outfitters in the area. You can book a rafting trip with the River Company to run classic Class III and IV rapids like Shotgun and Sunbeam. Those with an affinity for the path less traveled will fancy an adventure with Sawtooth Mountain Guides, ranging from backpacking and hiking to rock climbing and skiing in the rugged wilds of Idaho.
If you're more prone to conserving your energy, you may opt for a journey through time at the Stanley Museum. Housed inside a 1930s ranger station, the Sawtooth Interpretive & Historical Association makes great use of the space to share stories, displays and oral testimonies about the town's dynamic history.
Idaho City
Gold rush heritage meets small-town flair in laid-back Idaho City, situated about 35 miles from Boise. Idaho City's origins date back to 1862, spurred by the discovery of gold in the Boise Basin. The Historic District, which features a collection of museums, antique structures, vintage markets, and other landmarks, is incredibly well preserved and full of character. Guests can learn about the Gold Rush at the Boise Basin Museum through a colorful collection of artifacts, pictures, and relics.
Idaho City also has a beautiful backcountry that you can explore along Charcoal Gulch. This popular, moderately challenging route spans about 5 miles and is a great spot for bird watching, hiking, and simply enjoying the sights, sounds, and smells of Boise National Forest.
Weiser
Under an hour from Nampa, Weiser is a delightful town where the Weiser and Snake Rivers meet. It has a rich history that has been preserved at the Snake River Heritage Center. The museum includes a variety of rooms and exhibits with themes such as automotive, military, and agriculture, and the center also houses a ballroom and auditorium for private functions and special events. Weiser has a mixed bag of surprises for outdoorsy guests, such as Weiser Community Fishing Pond, which is stocked with rainbow trout. Additionally, the 84-mile Weiser River Trail calls on hikers and mountain bikers to discover the beautiful outdoor scenery.
Weiser is also famous for hosting the National Oldtime Fiddlers' Contest. This longstanding festival dates back to 1963 and brings a lively music competition and festival lasting through the third week of June, featuring some of the best talent in the region.
McCall
McCall is a haven for outdoorsy folk with an unrivalled natural allure, marked by the glistening waters of Payette Lake and the craggy woodlands of Payette National Forest. Opportunities abound in the open spaces, starting with unmissable tours courtesy of McCall Lake Cruises. Tourists can find a nice spot on the top deck of The IDAHO with a cold drink in hand to make the most of the 90-minute excursion. Meanwhile, a trip to Ponderosa State Park provides access to a 1,500-acre playground where hikers, bikers, picnickers, skiers, snowshoers, and wildlife viewers alike will find something to tickle their fancy.
After a full day of living it up in the great outdoors, vacationers can kick back and relax at Broken Horn Brewing Company. Choose from a wide selection of craft beers on tap, like Hell Canyon Jalapeño or the Sasquatch Stout, and raise a glass to your good fortunate. Bonus: their patio is pet-friendly.
Salmon
Salmon is another adventurous escape, renowned for its fishing and whitewater rafting opportunities along the Salmon River. The Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness provides amazing sights at every turn, from rivers and farmland to forests and mountains. Idaho River Journeys is one of the many outfitters in the region organizing unforgettable fly fishing and whitewater rafting trips, and Salmon-Challis National Forest is home to nearby Goldbug Hot Springs, whose toasty mineral waters provide a natural pool for a healing bath surrounded by gorgeous mountain scenery.
With a history dating back to 1867, Salmon has an interesting backstory that you can learn more about at the Lemhi County Historical Society and Museum. Peruse memorabilia, photographs, and artifacts collected over the years to preserve and document the area's colorful past.
Ketchum
Ketchum is an artsy small town in central Idaho set against the majestic backdrop of Sun Valley and the Rocky Mountains. It is known for world-class skiing, but don't miss out on its vibrant downtown district, featuring an eclectic mix of homegrown and international talent in its many galleries. You can choose from numerous locations to connect with the arts while exploring the town square, from the contemporary Sun Valley Museum of Art to the esteemed Gail Severn Gallery. Meanwhile, the Wood River Museum of History and Culture includes an exhibit centered around the town's most notable resident, Ernest Hemingway, who died and is buried in the Ketchum cemetery.
Giacobbi Square will scratch your shopping itch, thanks to its rich variety of retail locations and, of course, there is an abundance of outdoor sporting options. Atkinson Park has got you covered for activities like tennis, pickleball, and even skating, or you can head into the mountains where the possibilities are as endless as the peaks themselves.
Garden Valley
Between its jagged mountainous surroundings, rugged nature trails, and raging whitewater, Garden Valley is a dream come true for those who crave an adrenaline rush. This picturesque mountain town, about an hour north of Boise, lures tourists with fantastic adventure opportunities. In the warmer months, enjoy rafting, fly fishing, hiking, and hunting. In the winter, consider taking a tour with Idaho Sleigh Rides through the backcountry on a horse-drawn sleigh, where you can observe wild elk and even pick your own Christmas tree.
One of the main points of interest in the town itself is Starlight Mountain Theatre. This open-air performance space presents five Broadway musicals every summer and is a family favourite for locals and visitors alike. There is a campground adjacent to the theatre and Sizzlers Steakhouse caters a dinner menu prior to each show.
Challis
Challis is an isolated mountain town in Custer County with an easygoing atmosphere and a series of hot springs. Thousands visit the town every year to soak in the mineral waters of the Challis Hot Springs. These soothing geothermal pools have a healing property, and visitors can spend the night at the adjacent campground. Challis is also home to the Land of Yankee Fork State Park, which invites newcomers to learn the state's frontier mining history in a public recreation area that covers 521-acres of terrain. The park interprets the history of ghost towns like Custer and Bonanza while showcasing relics from their heyday.
If you have yet to cross rafting of the list, run the Salmon River with the Idaho Wilderness Company. Finally, wrap up your itinerary with a trip to the North Custer Museum. Admission is free, but the North Custer Historical Society accepts donations to support the initiative, which is run by volunteers who are keen to share their knowledge of the region's agriculatural history and storied past.
Montpelier
Montpelier, a farming town in southern Idaho with inviting green spaces, is an easy day trip from Idaho Falls. It is home to Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge, which, in turn, is home to a number of migratory bird species such as Canada geese and sandhill cranes. It features a mix of marshlands and grasslands with winding trails cutting through. Historians love to explore the National Oregon/California Trail Center for an interactive glimpse of the past. The venue hosts interpretive exhibits in which visitors become pioneers embarking on the infamous journey in the 1850s.
For another piece of history, you will want to stop by the Butch Cassidy Museum and learn about the fascinating folklore associated with the location. The site is remembered for the notorious 1896 robbery involving Butch Cassidy and the Wild Bunch Gang.
Bonners Ferry
Once known as the Nile of the North, this hot spot in Boundary County lies about 27 miles from the Canadian border and stands out for its dreamy natural landscapes. Tree-covered mountains, lakes, and rivers dominate the outdoors, calling on adventurers to revel in the tranquility of the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge. Spread over 2,700 acres, the sanctuary provides different habitats for various wildlife species. Mirror Lake Golf Course attracts enthusiasts of all skill levels looking for a challenge on its well-maintained 9-hole course with sweeping mountain views.
Meanwhile, those curious about local history can stop by the Boundary County Museum for a glimpse of life in the region since the 1860s. The building stores old pictures, archives, and artifacts that chronologically document the lives of prospectors, lumberjacks, and homesteaders.
Final Thoughts
The nicest small towns in Idaho showcase the verdant beauty associated with the Pacific Northwest of the United States while offering unrivaled rural charm. Their mountainous settings, winding rivers, and pristine lakes cultivate exciting adventures in the great outdoors, ensuring there's never a dull moment, no matter the season you choose to visit. From rafting down the winding Salmon River to skiing the powdery slopes of Sun Valley in Ketchum, they prove that Idaho deserves a bit of time in the spotlight.
