8 Fairy-Tale Small Towns In Idaho

When you picture Idaho, what comes to mind? Whether that is rugged mountainous landscapes, exquisite gems and minerals, or its famous potato production, America’s 43rd state is quite spectacular. But beyond its renowned properties, you can discover breathtaking scenery in these small towns that will make you feel like you have stepped into a fantasy land. From the lakeside wonders of Sandpoint to the striking scenery of Riggins, you have to add these 8 fairy-tale small towns in Idaho to your travel list.

Sandpoint

Surround yourself with some of the most spectacular scenery in the state in Sandpoint. This stunning small town is situated on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho's largest lake, spanning 40 miles long and four miles wide. You can enjoy lovely views as you swim in the waters, or get sun-kissed on the shore from Sandpoint City Beach. If you prefer to see the gorgeous scenery firsthand, Lake Pend Oreille Cruises offers fascinating 90-minute voyages. Learn about key landmarks on the lake, listening to guides cover the area’s natural history. If you would like to mix accommodation with activities, Schweitzer Mountain Resort is the perfect place to stay year-round. From venturing down the powdery slopes (with 300" of annual snowfall and 92 named trails to choose from) in the winter, to 16 extraordinary marked downhill mountain biking trails and lively village activities in the summer, you will find plenty to do during every season. Head to the summit to uncover striking 360-degree views of the neighboring mountain ranges that will make your jaw drop!

Wallace

Welcome to Wallace, one of the most breathtaking fairy-tale small towns in Idaho. "The Silver Capital of the World" offers a plethora of historic buildings, with the entire town listed on the National Register of Historic Places. See the extraordinary historic brick storefronts as you wander through the streets, showcasing a variety of architectural styles from Neo-Classical Revival to Second Renaissance Revival, Art Deco, and Queen Anne. Spend some time in the Northern Pacific Railroad Depot Museum, exploring the unique exhibits conveying the railroading history of the Coeur d’Alene Mining District, Wallace, Idaho, and the Northern Pacific Depot. From there, see what kinds of treasures you can find in Johnson’s Gems. The store is owned by a knowledgeable mining family, the Johnsons, and is home to rocks, minerals, and over 10,000 gemstones. Next, head over to the Wallace Brewing Company, amidst the beautiful backdrop of the Bitterroot Mountains, for a refreshing drink or lovely tasting experience in a 15-barrel microbrewery.

Sun Valley

Step into a world of beauty and magic in Sun Valley. Surround yourself with magnificent views of the Sawtooth Mountains as you get to know this mesmerizing mountain town inside out. You will find activities for all seasons here, from skiing down the powdery slopes of Bald and Dollar Mountains in the winter, to horseback riding through the picturesque mountain meadows of Sun Valley Stables in the summer. Watch a captivating movie or performance at the Opera House, a historic venue built in 1937, where they play a variety of genres. Practice your aim on the gorgeous grounds of the Elkhorn Golf Club, an 18-hole par 72 course with challenging terrains following a stunning creek.

Stanley

Make your way to the stunning Sawtooth Mountains, set along the Salmon River, to explore Stanley, one of the most beautiful fairy-tale small towns in Idaho. The air is fresh, the sunsets are spectacular, and the opportunities for outdoor activities here are endless. Get your adrenaline pumping with Whitewater Rafting, learn the secrets of Float Fishing for Native Westslope Cutthroat and Rainbow Trout, or simply sit back with a Scenic Float flowing through the Stanley Basin or upper canyon with The River Company. Nearby, you will find the Sunbeam Hot Springs. This is a wonderful place to soak in the rejuvenating geothermal waters of the springs, located within the Salmon-Challis National Forest right below the highway. Stanley is also situated within the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve (CIDSR). This mesmerizing reserve will give you the opportunity to see wonders of the night sky you would not be able to spot otherwise, such as the Milky Way, the Andromeda Galaxy, and constellations.

McCall

Say “hello” to Idaho paradise in McCall, a picture-perfect town set on the shores of Payette Lake. This breathtaking 5,330-acre expanse was formed by a glacier over 10,000 years ago and is now a lovely place for a midday or sunset adventure with McCall Lake Cruises. Half of the lake is a protected part of Ponderosa State Park, a wonderful spot for swimming, picnicking, hiking, biking, camping, or birdwatching in the Idaho wilderness. From there, you can head indoors for a unique experience in Mountain Monet. Unleash your creativity in this versatile studio, where you can try a variety of family-friendly activities. These include pottery painting, beading, mosaics, fused glass, acrylic plaques, and henna and glitter tattoos.

Ketchum

Head into the mesmerizing Wood River Valley to visit Ketchum, a hidden gem in the Central Rocky Mountains. Aside from its eye-catching vistas, you can also find plenty of vibrant town events. The famous Wagon Days Parade takes place every year on Labor Day Weekend, featuring original Lewis Ore Wagons. Grab your camera and capture breathtaking photos of the Sawtooth Botanical Garden. This five-acre site has five major gardens with native and cultivated plants that thrive in high altitudes, set against stunning mountainous backdrops. See the dreamy, gorgeous green vistas among meadows and woods as you explore the Adams Gulch Trailhead, a lovely spot for hiking, picnicking, or mountain biking. You will quickly see what makes Ketchum one of the most picturesque fairy-tale small towns in Idaho.

Shoshone

Discover Shoshone, a hidden gem with a charming downtown area, featuring impressive “turn of the century” architecture—and jaw-dropping natural wonders that surround it. Plan a scenic trip to the Shoshone Ice Caves. Explore the landform’s geological, volcanic, and historical background with guided tours that will lead you through historic paths descending 100 feet under the lava. Next, wildlife lovers should visit The Shoshone Bird Museum of Natural History. Birds from all around the planet are showcased in this intriguing site. You will also find fascinating fish and dinosaur fossils, artifacts from the Stone Age, and thousands of other artifacts depicting various cultures and captivating creatures. Within an hour's distance lies the famous Shoshone Falls. This extraordinary 212-foot-tall, 900-foot-wide landmark, nicknamed “Niagara of the West,” is situated at the edge of Twin Falls and is one of the largest natural waterfalls in the USA.

Riggins

This tiny town of only 419 people is abundantly beautiful. Spend some time admiring the eye-catching, lush green vistas overlooking the Salmon River from Riggins City Park, a gem right on Main Street. If you are an adventure seeker, get your adrenaline pumping with exhilarating whitewater rafting expeditions via Mountain River Outfitters. Not to mention Riggins is also an access point to Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, an otherworldly site home to the deepest river gorge in North America. Finally, treat yourself to dinner at Seven Devils Bar & Steakhouse. The restaurant’s rustic decor, welcoming atmosphere, and delicious food will make you want to come back for seconds.

Discover Idaho

Known for its exquisite natural beauty, historic downtown districts, and endless opportunities for outdoor adventures and indoor pursuits, the “Gem State” is truly fascinating. Between the dramatic mix of architectural styles and one-of-a-kind museums of Wallace, the gorgeous glacier-formed lake of McCall, and the beautiful botanical gardens of Ketchum, you will be in for a real treat. Prepare to be swept away by timeless beauty and enchanting atmospheres as you set out to explore these 8 fairy-tale small towns in Idaho.