8 Off-The-Grid Idaho Towns To Visit In 2025

Idaho has it all: outstanding natural beauty, unlimited outdoor recreation, and a history that represents the West that was. The prospectors and pioneers who came to Idaho to seek their fortune in the grueling mines left their mark. Visitors can get a real sense of the state's past by visiting Idaho’s off-the-grid towns, all of which offer something unique to all who visit! Find out why Idaho's known as The Gem State by taking a trip to these remote and fascinating towns.

Silver City

Silver City is one of the few old mining towns that survived fire and commercialization. The Idaho Hotel is just as it was 100 years ago, with a few modern touches.

The history-filled town features approximately seventy-five structures that date back to the 1860s and early 1900s. Rugged and picturesque, some of the largest stage lines in the West operated in the area, and, in 1874, Silver City had the first telegraph and the first daily newspaper in the area.

Silver City represents an outstanding collection of early Idaho architecture, reflecting the state’s rich mining legacy. Built in 1892, the Silver City School House was used as a school until the outbreak of World War II. This vital structure is part of the Silver City Historic District and was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.

Silver City Fire and Rescue Store features art, antiques, and gifts, while Pat's What Not Shop carries books, souvenirs, local mineral samples, gold pans, and jewelry. It’s open May through October.

Almost a dozen cemeteries and remote burial areas are nearby, with a few fascinating stones remaining, some of which are pretty impressive. All are well worth the hike to see and photograph. You can almost hear the prospectors' pick axes and the shouts of “Eureka” as you walk in their footsteps past the hundreds of mines that grace the mountains.

Paris

Paris was founded by Mormon pioneers in 1863. Here you can explore the Paris Tabernacle & Historical Site, an architectural landmark, built in the 1880s, which remains an active church to this day. Visitors may take a tour and explore its Romanesque style.

Travelers here may want to check out the Paris Ice Cave, located a short drive from Paris. The ice never completely melts in the Paris Ice Cave, even on the hottest summer day, as water from the surrounding hills creates the ice in this cave. It's accessible when the water dries out around the middle of July—make sure to wear a jacket, it's chilly!

At the Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge, you'll marvel at the sights and sounds of thousands of birds that rest at this migratory stopover point. It is important to note that bird watching is best in the morning. This is true wilderness, so be sure to bring plenty of drinking water and snacks. Sunscreen and insect repellent are also necessary. Dress appropriately for the weather, as the refuge is located at an elevation of 5,925 feet, and conditions can change rapidly.

Almo

Almo was established as a post office in 1881, and by the turn of the century, it had grown to include a store, post office, school, theatrical group, and a brass band. They also supported three saloons!

The City of Rocks area, one of the best granite climbing sites in the country, was an important landmark on the California Trail. Many climbers cite the granite of the Almo Pluton as some of the finest rock they've ever ascended.

Durfee Hot Springs, a natural spring of warm water (about 104 degrees), was developed into a swimming resort by Henry Miller and Rosa Durfee in the early 1900s. It consists of natural warm water that bubbles up from springs in the meadow. Today, a four-person guest cottage is available for rent. The hot springs are a lovely place to relax for a few hours, for those seeking a little reprieve.

The challenging landscape and many routes of Castle Rocks State Park attracts rock climbers worldwide. It offers superb hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding amidst a stunning landscape that dates back 2.5 million years. Occasional glimpses of Native American pictographs, historic trail crossings, and 20th-century ranching are found in the park today.

Challis

Make Challis, a small town with a big heart, your destination for four-season fun. Home to nationwide endurance runs, festivals in the foothills, and unmatched scenery, Challis is a destination you'll remember.

Located near the Land of the Yankee Fork State Park, visitors to the nearby Bayhorse ghost town will see the preserved ovens that were used to make charcoal. Some original buildings still stand along the dirt main street. Many trails are nearby for hiking, biking, and ATV exploration. When exploring ghost towns and remote historical areas, don't forget water, snacks, lip balm, sunscreen, and a first aid kit.

The North Custer Historical Society is dedicated to preserving the region's rich history. It offers a peek into the lives of those who came before, seeking fortune.

Whether it is a one-night stay or a weekend getaway, there is a place for you in Challis. There is a variety of accommodations, including hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, lodges, guest cabins, ranch houses, conference and family retreats, and RV parks. You can also find camping and geothermal pools at the rustic riverside Challis Hot Springs property.

Shelley

You can’t really know Idaho until you’ve eaten your weight in potatoes. And to kick off the spud harvest season, Shelley celebrates Idaho Spud Day on the third Saturday in September, with a parade, pageant, tater tot trot, and more. French fry eating contest, anyone? How about a potato sack race? There are plenty of breweries with refreshing beer to wash down all those carbs.

Stable Mountain offers summer and winter gear rentals and tours. You can also spend the day at Journey’s End Golf Course. The Shelley Greenbelt is a paved trail that follows the Snake River for two miles before ending at North Bingham County Park. Tables, benches, and activities for families dot the trail.

Priest River

Residents of Priest River relish in the beauty of their environment. A dream destination for outdoor enthusiasts, Priest River is a town dedicated to preserving its history and fostering a family-oriented lifestyle.

Timber Days, held each July, is great fun. There are parades, games, face painting, a quilt show, and, best of all, Lumberjacks! Watch these skilled workers show off their special abilities in the logging competition. In September, the Panhandle Bluesfest showcases a diverse range of bands and musicians.

Fancy a close-up encounter with an alpaca? Visit TerBest Alpacas. This farm has 71 alpacas and offers tours to share the value of these gentle animals and the many uses for their fiber. They even have spinning classes along with their yarn store.

There are plenty of camping opportunities in the Priest River area, along with all the outdoor activities that come with the Idaho way of life.

Proud of their heritage, the Priest River Museum & Timber Education Center is a wonderful way to learn about this treasure set in the Idaho panhandle.

Lava Hot Springs

Imagine an entire town devoted to destressing. Lava Hot Springs is built around their healing waters. The natural mineral water underground springs are open year-round.

Equally tranquil are the sunken gardens. Since they’re free of charge, everybody can find relaxation among the birds and flowers. Daredevils will be thrilled by the experience of zip-lining through a private canyon. A vintage army truck will pick you up and take you to this remote and exciting adventure.

For those who are more curious, visit the South Bannock Historical Museum. There, you can discover the history of the healing waters and browse their selection of souvenirs.

Prospecting was not for everyone, but it built this state. To fully appreciate Idaho, you need to get in the right state of mind. Take your time and take a deep breath, let your consciousness clear, and maybe you’ll feel the energy of the old prospectors in the Gem State. For natural beauty, Idaho ranks among the top places in the world. Much of it is still relatively untouched, allowing you to experience the essence of what this raw land was once like.