7 Most Welcoming Towns In Idaho's Countryside

The heart of Idaho pulses in its rural towns. These sweet spots are not overly populated, but they're full of things to do and people to meet. Family diners, unique shops, quirky museums, and wild vistas are all part of the package. For road trips or a relaxed weekend, these seven towns roll out the welcome mat to visitors like they're locals. They aren't built for tourists, though, and that's the catch. Here, you'll find authentic Idaho charm and a down-to-earth vibe that will make you feel at home, and maybe wish you were!

McCall

McCall is a mountain community that matured without selling out. On Payette Lake, you can fish the glacial waters, rent kayaks, or sip a coffee on the sandy shore. The Central Idaho Historical Museum offers a range of exhibits with a focus on logging, forestry, and wilfire history. To explore the lake in all its glory and see McCall from a different perspective, take a cruise aboard The Idaho, which departs from the lakeside dock by Legacy Park. The boat has a full-service bar and upper deck with panoramic views. Brundage Mountain Resort is a ski resort known for having the best snow in Idaho, but in summer it transforms into an adventure lover's dream with hiking and mountain bike trails, as well as disc golf and free summer concerts.

Wallace

Wallace is the self-proclaimed "Center of the Universe" and even has a landmark to make it official. You can visit the Oasis Bordello Museum, a former brothel virtually untouched since closing up shop nearly fifty years ago, or hop aboard the Sierra Silver Mine Tour and experience life underground with a retired miner as your guide. The Wallace District Mining Museum also tells the story of how Wallace became a mining town through more than fifty exhibits and thousands of photos. History comes alive here and, while it may be difficult to prove that Wallace is the center of the universe, the town has an undeniable force that will pull you in.

Sandpoint

Sandpoint sits on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille, and here, there is no need to hurry. It’s the perfect place to wind down and soak up the Rocky Mountain views. The Panida Theater, built in the 1920s as a vaudeville and movie house, still hosts independent films along with local productions. Stop by Eve's Leaves for a shop through the boutique or go to Northwest Handmade, filled with furniture and local art. The Bonner County Historical Society and Museum, in Lakeview Park, invites visitors and locals alike to explore the region's heritage with rotating exhibits and a wide array of artifacts on display.

Driggs

Driggs is on the quieter backside of the Tetons, but not dull by any means. It has a calming atmosphere about it that makes you want to stay longer than a few days. While you’re there, visit Teton Geo Center, a museum and discovery hub which provides a quick but interesting overview of local geology, wildlife, and history. Stop by Peaked Sports to gear up for whatever outdoor adventures you seek, and check out the art on display at Teton Arts, a local community organization. Proceeds from sales at the gallery go directly to the artists themselves, and donations go towards scholarships to support members in their creative pursuits.

Salmon

Salmon's got grit, history, and one of the friendliest atmospheres you'll find. Just visit and you’ll see. The Sacajawea Interpretive, Cultural & Education Center honors the Shoshone woman who led the Lewis and Clark expedition through this part of the country. It is also a place where Sacajawea history, culture, and traditions are preserved, celebrated, and shared. Sweet Water Hollow, a unique live music venue and rental space, has bluegrass and folk bands along the river on a regular basis throughout the summer. When your belly starts to rumble, the residents will send you to Junkyard Bistro where your food is cooked from scratch and the atmosphere is warm and casual.

Weiser

Famed for its fiddle contest, Weiser is a town that beats to its own drum, and it’s the perfect spot for anyone looking for a unique and tranquil experience. The Snake River Heritage Center, in Hooker Hall at the former Intermountain Institute, provides an adventure through history on your own terms with a self-guided tour of the grounds, which include the Harper Cabin, a one-room log cabin built in 1880. Tara's Place Family Restaurant serves up homecooked meals on the griddle, with breakfast specialities like the Pat's Mess and the State Street Stacker. Later in the day, catch a show at the Weiser Little Theater, or hunt for antique treasures and collectibles at Second Chance.

Hailey

Hailey isn't trendy like Sun Valley down the way, and that's all part of its charm. The Blaine County Historical Museum is small but contains documents about the mountain town's mining days. Hailey House hosts workshops and open studio time in their Summer Maker Space through the Sun Valley Museum of Art, and Shorty's Diner is as old-school as it gets with its chrome, booths, and jukebox. Hop Porter Park is a good place to gather for an impromptu picnic or attend one of the town's free summer concerts. In Hailey, you can plan as much or as little as you like. Either way, you're guaranteed to have a good time.

Idaho's cities may have the zest, but these smaller communities maintain its authenticity. They're not trying to be someone they're not, and that is what’s so gorgeous about them. They offer stories instead of spectacles, words and a quiet calmness over crowds of tourists. If it's authentic Idaho you're after—warm, quirky, softly beautiful—these towns are ready to welcome you with open arms.