6 Best Downtowns In Idaho
Petula Clark’s ‘Downtown’ perfectly describes most downtown regions in small-town America. The lyrics speak of ‘lingering on the sidewalk’ and ‘pretty neon signs.’ The words also include ‘movie shows downtown’ and ‘little places to go where they never close.’ You can find similar places and experiences throughout Idaho's small towns. When you get to this state and start exploring, you may just find yourself window shopping from the sidewalk and looking up at the shop signs. You can catch a movie at a retro theatre or look for an all-night pizza place. If this sounds appealing, then the following towns should be your starting point for an Idaho adventure.
Rupert
Rupert is the very definition of an old-fashioned American town. When you arrive, it will feel like stepping back in time as you take in the historic buildings and town square. Rupert Square is at the center of downtown Rupert and is home to the Wilson Theatre and several shops and restaurants. Most visitors drift towards Henry’s when they get hungry, but other excellent options include the E-Street Deli and Panaderia Michoacan.
The square also offers vintage swings, a gazebo, and a fountain for everyone to enjoy. During the town’s week-long Fourth of July celebration, the square turns into a ‘party venue’ where people can eat breakfast, enjoy live music, watch the grand parade down Main Street, and wait in anticipation for the annual fireworks show. When the celebration is over, you can head northeast of Rupert along the Snake River to Lake Wallcott State Park. Here, you can fish, paddle, hike through the cottonwood trees, or just appreciate the views.
McCall
Downtown McCall offers a mix of charming accommodations, restaurants, shops, water activities, and even cruises. This resort town sits on the west side of Valley County, around 100 miles away from Boise. You can kick off your visit with a delicious meal at The Narrows Steakhouse, which comes with views of Payette Lake and the surrounding mountains. If you get to McCall early in the morning, you can take a walk on the beach at Legacy Park, and there is also a designated swimming zone.
If you want to include some shopping with your beach day, and it happens to be Wednesday or Saturday, you can look for produce and pastries at the McCall Farmers’ Market. On a hot day, you can go ice skating at the Manchester Ice Rink and Event Center before booking your place on The Idaho for a Payette Lake cruise.
Wallace
Most of downtown Wallace has been registered on the National Register of Historic Places. You can take a walk past most of the historic buildings before renting a bike to explore the trails that start almost right inside the downtown area. While strolling the streets, remember to stop for a selfie by the Center of the Universe, a manhole in the middle of the downtown intersection. The Mayor of Wallace proclaimed the town to be the center of the universe in 2004, and the manhole cover represents this ‘achievement.’
If you are going to bike in and around town, you simply must ride the Hiawatha Trail. There are seven trestles and ten tunnels, and the trail also runs through the Bitterroot Mountains. You can ride the Hiawatha between May and September, any day of the week. Please note that you cannot ride without lights or a helmet. Plus, if you are feeling exceptionally adventurous in Wallace, you can also test the zipline on offer at Zip Wallace.
Sandpoint
Sandpoint is another stunning Idaho town with a historic and beautiful downtown. There are several shops, art galleries, and restaurants to visit. For example, you can get freshly brewed coffee at Evans Brothers Coffee & Café and a memorable burger at Burger Dock. Peruse different artworks at the Artworks Gallery or visit the Cedar Street Bridge Public Market for some serious shopping.
When it comes to the outdoors, you can take your pick of the Pend D’Oreille Bay Trail or the Scotchman Peak Trail. Pend d’Oreille stretches along the shoreline and stays flat for an easy walk. Scotchman’s Peak is challenging and includes more than 3,700 feet of vertical gain. If you are looking for something less strenuous, book your spot on a tour boat, the Shawnodese, for a sightseeing cruise of the Clark Fork River.
Kellogg
The small town of Kellogg is twelve minutes away from the aforementioned Wallace, so you can visit both in one day if you just want to see only the main attractions. Kellogg is a mountain town in Shoshone County in the Panhandle of Silver Valley. At Silver Mountain Resort, you will find Silver Rapids Indoor Waterpark, the largest indoor waterpark in the state. Or, you can visit the Crystal Gold Mine to learn more about the town’s history and experience the only authentic underground gold mine tour in the Northwest.
From downtown Kellogg, you can get on North America’s longest gondola and travel 3.1 miles up to Silver Mountain ski resort. The Silver Rapids Indoor Waterpark in Silver Mountain is an ideal place to spend time with family, offering a variety of water rides and other fun activities within a safe environment.
Moscow
In unique Moscow, you can pick and choose what you want to do and experience. Moscow is a college town and one of the most popular in the U.S. People tend to walk everywhere due to the handy wide sidewalks and crosswalks. You can also take the Paradise Path, a bike trail that runs through the town and campus.
In downtown Moscow, you can watch an independent film or documentary at the historic 1925 Kenworthy Performing Arts Center. You can also explore Main Street before sitting down to drink craft beer at Pour Company. If you love music, you will not be disappointed when joining a Vandal Entertainment event or when you head to a coffeehouse to listen to a live band.
Exploring Idaho’s Premier Downtowns
Visiting these six small towns’ downtown areas will show you exactly why this state is so special (and underrated). There is historic charm and modern shopping options everywhere you look. Plus, these towns are a comfortable and cozy base for exploring the surrounding outdoors. When you spend some time in Idaho, you will soon see that there is no need to always head to a major city to find a good restaurant, boutique, or entertainment. Each of these towns offers premier options and destinations, all while you take in the unique atmosphere of each downtown space.
