7 Standout Main Streets In Idaho
Outdoor enthusiasts travel to Idaho for its vast expanses of open space, rugged beauty, and ample hiking and rock-climbing opportunities. However, there are many other reasons to go, as these seven standout main streets prove. Amid all of the state's openness and beauty are quaint towns that embody Idaho's spirit unlike any other, and each one promises a memorable stay.
Wandering down main street through these villages and mountain towns feels like stepping into a simpler time, where everybody knows each other's names and waves hello. Historic buildings have been lovingly preserved, adding a scenic backdrop for modern merchants and restaurants where many locals can be found in the mornings, sipping coffee and catching up on local news. These main street communities add to the state's natural beauty and should be considered by anyone planning a stay in Idaho.
Wallace
Historic downtown Wallace has hosted Hollywood celebrities, presidents, and other notable guests thanks to its unique charm and fun attractions. Elegant brick structures, some featuring turrets, line the thoroughfare that has been awarded the "America's Main Street" designation. For such a tiny town, there is a wealth of historic sites and cultural venues, including the Oasis Bordello Museum. The museum was an actual bordello until 1988, when it was abandoned and converted into a museum.
Sixth Street Melodrama showcases the community's cultural side and offers a pleasant way to spend an afternoon downtown. Another icon is the Center of the Universe plaque, embedded in the sidewalk on the corner of Bank Street and Sixth Street. It is framed by an octagonal red-brick design and was designated by the mayor in 2004 as the center of the universe. Quirkiness and history converge to make this one of the best Main Streets in the region, and any visitor to the state should stop in for at least an afternoon.
Sandpoint
Downtown Sandpoint offers a diverse collection of historic buildings, shops, and fun places to explore in its shopping district. Booking a room at Cedar Street Hotel keeps visitors in the middle of the district, within walking distance of the nightlife, restaurants, and other charms that make the town so distinctive. 113 Main Street is a venue that combines all of these aspects and is a local favorite in the heart of downtown.
One would be remiss not to take in a show at the historic Panida Theatre. A landmark since 1927, the theater hosts live shows year-round, including concerts and plays. The walkable main street is fun to explore on foot, and there is something around every corner. Sandpoint has one of the most fun districts around, which sets it apart from its peers.
Moscow
Downtown Moscow is a walkable, artsy district, earning it the moniker "Heart of Arts." One of the best times to experience the area is during the annual Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival, an excellent opportunity to explore while listening to live music. Other urban amenities include museums and wineries, including the oldest in Idaho.
Foodies will also love downtown and its eclectic dining options. Cafe Artista on Main Street helps patrons start the day with authentic Italian espresso, while Tapped - Taphouse & Kitchen is a great place to grab a beer and unwind at the end of the day.
Ketchum
Ernest Hemingway chose Ketchum, in Idaho's Sun Valley, as his remote writing oasis in the latter part of his life, and it retains the allure that attracted the famed author to move here. The district has an artsy atmosphere and plenty of shops to take home, including Goldmine Thrift Store. Many annual festivals bring out the fun side of the community, which are perfect to plan a trip around, including the Covered Wagon Days. This event is the largest non-motor parade in the Pacific Northwest, featuring original Lewis and Ore wagons.
The vibrant area also features inns on Main Street, like Hotel Ketchum, so visitors do not have far to go to explore the district. The hotel features comfortable rooms and remarkable dining, where guests rub elbows with locals in the center of downtown.
McCall
Downtown McCall is the walkable, central hub of the resort town and includes a year-round ice rink, Manchester Ice Rink and Events Center, along with fantastic dining options, including Rupert's Restaurant. The local landmark specializes in locally sourced ingredients, including elk, and has outside seating. It is also home to many galleries, reflecting the community's artistic side.
To get a complete sense of the art scene, download the Art Walk map, featuring 15 standout locations to consider. The map details public murals, such as Cairns: A Natural Marker, adding to a downtown stroll. Spending an evening at Salmon Brewery for local libations is always fun, and it includes some of the town's history. It is housed in the historic McCall Train Depot, built in 1914, which provides a tangible link to the town's past.
Weiser
Weiser's Main Street area is a historic district with a strong sense of community and unique finds. This closeness is on display at the many festivals and events held here throughout the year, such as the National Oldtime Fiddler's Contest and Festival, which celebrates Americana music in the historic district. Foodies do not want to miss the Annual Crab Feed, a local Chamber of Commerce fundraiser.
Even without a festival, Main Street is a walkable, welcoming area with cultural attractions like the Snake River Heritage Center. The gallery features several exhibits showcasing local and regional history in Hooker Hall. The hall is a wonder by itself, a five-story architectural masterpiece with great historical significance, just one of many in this standout district.
Idaho City
The old mining town of Idaho City has a historic downtown centered on Main Street that exudes a sense of nostalgia, inviting and friendly. The first noticeable sign of being in a distinctive area is the Old West buildings that are a significant part of Main Street. Buildings include the historic Idaho Fire House and the Judge Hailey House, completed in 1867. The historic buildings are small because they were erected during the area's Gold Rush, when construction materials were limited.
A fantastic way to explore Main Street is by signing up for the Idaho City Historic District Walking Tour to get a sense of its history and significance. Other places to learn this history include the Boise Basin Museum, which interprets the Gold Rush history. This is a standout destination for Americana and history buffs, with no shortage of distinctive sites to consider.
Discover Idaho’s Hidden Downtown Gems
From historic hamlets to the "center of the universe," these are seven standout Main Street areas in Idaho. While the Gem State is rightfully known for its expansive vistas and outdoor adventures, these downtown districts are just as entertaining. Mining history, resorts, and unique finds give the towns a distinct character, promising a memorable trip.
These downtown regions all share a cultural quality, including galleries and upscale dining options that complement the outdoor opportunities within view. Staying at a historic inn in the middle of town provides a grand opportunity to immerse oneself in the local scene while also appreciating what makes the city so delightful. Different seasons bring different events to celebrate local life, so that each district can be visited multiple times for a different glimpse into each hamlet's character.
