8 Prettiest Main Streetscapes In Idaho

Think of sun-dappled pathways tracing a river’s edge, where a gentle breeze brushes your temples and softens the heat, leaving the air refreshingly cool and inviting. Whether you prefer a beautifully preserved core with kitschy attractions, tree-lined streets and beautiful flower planters, or classic brick storefronts and ornate facades, Idaho's small towns are bold, sassy, and charismatic. Many of them have Main Streets that Norman Rockwell would drool over, complete with streetscapes that look plucked straight out of a fairytale. As for the ones that put on the best show, continue reading to discover 8 prettiest streetscapes in Idaho.

Wallace

Wallace is the gold standard in Idaho. Its entire downtown, and you don't get this often, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Think of intact brick storefronts, ornate façades, and a compact, walkable layout. Additionally, cafés and museums blend seamlessly with the town's Silver Valley mining heritage, creating a unique and atmospheric scene. A manhole cover on Bank Street, once proclaimed by a local mayor as “The Center of the Universe,” always draws curious crowds intrigued by that provocative claim. Expect a backdrop of stunning mountains and lush, green forests.

The Wallace District Mining Museum and Visitor’s Center, at the west end of Bank Street, has a special exhibit on Ed Pulaski, a courageous forest ranger who rescued 38 men in 1910 during the largest wildfire in U.S. history. The EurekaSally Gallery of Art & Chocolate showcases beautiful artwork created by local artists and serves delicious, homemade vegan chocolates made in-house. From here, zigzag your way to the Oasis Bordello Museum, which is packed with stories that bring Wallace’s colorful past to life.

Sandpoint

Tucked in the far north of Idaho, just an hour's drive from Canada, Sandpoint boasts a vibrant arts and cultural scene, as well as over 40 fine restaurants serving a diverse range of cuisine, from casual comfort food to international and gourmet fare. The town is nestled between the frontal ranges of the Rocky Mountains, on the shores of magnificent Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho's largest lake by surface area and volume. Schweitzer, Idaho’s largest ski resort, is a noteworthy landmark in the area that one shouldn't miss.

The dining scene features favourites like The Bank: Barroom & Eatery, a quaint and cozy space with an outdoor seating option that comes in handy on good weather days. On the flip side, The Pickled Kitchen has a wonderful assortment of pickled things, as well as clothing and kitchen utensils. If you have been curious about crystals, Zero Point is a magical space with reasonably priced, ethically sourced crystals. Crown the day with an unforgettable show at Panida Theatre, preferably at the velvet “love seats” at the balcony.

Ketchum

With its pedestrian-focused design, as well as several other aesthetic accents that enhance its visual appeal, Ketchum's Main Street makes a great impression. Standing on Main Street, you will easily be blown away by the panorama of the surrounding mountains that peer out from behind rows of cabin-like shops. Main Street is bounded by River Street and 6th Street and spans about a quarter of a mile. Once every year, more than a thousand sheep stroll Ketchum's Main Street for the annual Trailing of the Sheep festival. Start your day with a hearty brunch at Enoteca, a family-run establishment that serves house-made fare in a stylish setting.

They are especially known for their outstanding pizzas and fantastic wine list. If fishing is on your agenda, whether at the Big Wood River or the legendary Silver Creek Preserve, be sure you pick up your fishing gear at Silver Creek Outfitters on Main Street. Sun Valley Museum of Art, which holds the distinction of being the oldest arts organization in Idaho's Wood River Valley and the largest in the state, offers exceptional year-round programming in music, film, visual arts, the humanities, and Company of Fools professional theatre.

Moscow

Brick architecture, college-town energy, and an enticing pedestrian-friendly atmosphere all give life and authenticity to Moscow's Main Street, a colorful stretch speckled with historic masonry buildings and art spaces like The Pierian Gallery, a creative and thoughtful space featuring fun items in the gift shop. Punctuate your visit with a glass of healthy smoothie at One World Cafe, a neat and friendly space with a fun, eclectic atmosphere ideal for working, studying, or socialising. The Kenworthy Performing Arts Centre, a restored historic theatre centrally located on Main Street, offers a wide variety of classic films and stage performances. Kenworthy is certainly the coolest antique theater in the area. Keep in mind that Moscow is home to the University of Idaho, which is a notable attraction in its own right. For example, the campus features an arboretum set within a landscaped environment, complete with ponds and picturesque walking paths.

McCall

McCall is a small mountain town with modest cabins, a large lake, a nearby ski area, and a truly stunning backdrop. From camping at Ponderosa to skiing at Brundage to learning to fish in Upper Payette, this Idaho jewel offers much more than you think. Furthermore, many buildings here have cute facades, and there are awesome photo opportunities to take advantage of, especially with the collection of bear-themed statues throughout the town. Lake Street, the town's main drag, threads its way near the shimmering waters of Payette Lake and features green spaces with soft views, such as Rotary Park, as well as funky eateries with heart-warming lake views like the Alpine Pantry and Provisions. To stretch your legs and bathe your face in the crisp air, head to Ponderosa State Park, a spellbinding outdoor beauty that offers stunning hiking trails, a lake with swimming areas, and camping opportunities.

Hailey

Hailey is a scenic Western town of about 9,000 that has a reputation for being among the state's most historically significant. Hailey's Main Street, which forms part of Highway 75 and runs through the heart of town, brims with restaurants, shops, boutiques, and cultural attractions such as the Blaine County Historical Museum, which offers a crash course on the area's history and interesting stories about the town's foundational years.

Start your adventure at Café Della, a friendly place that whips up a wide variety of delicious flavors in a bright and open space. You'll likely find the food here to be consistently fresh, flavorful, and thoughtfully prepared. Even if you don't want to curl up with a good read, Iconoclast Books & Gifts is an awesome independent bookstore with a huge book selection and beautiful gifts to take back as souvenirs. Catch a matinee at Liberty Theater, a local gem with top-notch visuals and audio.

Lewiston

Lewiston has tree-lined streets, a strong civic feel, an excellent library, and well-curated museums where you can feed your inner historian, such as the Nez Perce County Historical Society and Museum, which boasts an unbelievable collection of valuable local items, as well as the original State Capitol building that was set up in a log cabin. Waffles n More, a Main Street eatery known for waffles and other delicious breakfast staples, is known for generous portions and reasonable price points. Spend some time at Locomotive Park, which often transforms itself into a Technicolor paradise with festive lights during the holiday season. You can go to the banks of the Clearwater River and admire its flow and the rustic scenery around, then explore the Lewis-Clark State College Center for Arts & History, which features a restored 19th-century Chinese temple commemorating the early Chinese settlers who came to the area to mine gold.

Orofino

Orofino is a beautiful town traditionally known for timber and tourism. It is situated right on the Dworshak Dam, with the Clearwater River flowing through, lending a countryside aura that visitors find remarkably hypnotic. The town is framed by beautiful hills, while the area teems with hot springs and other water bodies, providing fishing, boating, and several other recreational opportunities. Keep in mind that Highway 12 from Missoula to Lewiston is one of the most beautiful stretches of highway you will ever set your eyes on. Main Street, part of the town’s historic downtown business district, features local shops selling a wide variety of items, boutiques, and inviting eateries, such as the Dog House, known for delicious food and nice outdoor seating.

Best Western Lodge at River's Edge boasts a lovely setting near the river and can be handy if you're spending the night. Ronatta’s Bakery, also on Main Street, serves donuts that are nothing short of divine, along with several other yummy treats that will certainly leave a lasting impression on your taste buds. Although located off the main drag, the Clearwater Historical Museum is a fascinating place to learn about the area's history.

So, the next time you have the opportunity to explore the Gem State, perhaps before drifting along the Snake River or setting out on a mountain-biking adventure in the Sawtooth Mountains, consider beginning your journey with a leisurely, day-long detour through some of Idaho’s most beautiful Main Streets. Fortunately, many of these charming corridors are conveniently tucked near the very outdoor wonders that have made the state so captivating.