9 Adorable Small Towns In Idaho
Idaho, a stunning, landlocked Mountain State in the Western US, may be lionized for its rugged landscape and unspoiled natural areas, but it is traditionally the small towns that are the true gems of this Gem State. Planted at the foot of snow-topped mountains or along the glacier-carved lakes, hot springs, and free-flowing rivers, the numberless adorable towns promise out-of-towners the right dose of exhilarating adventures and tranquility. If you are in search of some go-to destinations far from cosmopolitan mayhem, for a trouble-free, rewarding excursion this holiday season, these winsome Idaho towns should be at the top of your exploration itineraries.
Sandpoint
Called "kamanqukuⱡ" in the indigenous Kutenai language, this postcard-perfect alpine town and government seat of Northern Idaho’s Bonner County, circled by the dramatic Selkirk, Bitterroot, and Cabinet mountains, sits right on the northern banks of Idaho’s largest lake, Lake Pend Oreille. Wander through the spirited Downtown of this all-season vacation retreat, shopping for fashion-forward outfits and accessories from La Chic Boutique, buying original art pieces from the Lisa V Maus Art Studio, and feasting on sizzling steaks and fresh seafood at The Hydra Steakhouse.
For history and culture aficionados, the Bonner County Historical Society & Museum in Lakeview Park, where the sundry exhibits inform visitors about Bonner County’s interesting history, and the well-maintained Panida Theater, which hosts film festivals, classic movie screenings, music concerts, live theatre, dance recitals, and educational presentations, are a must-visit. Outdoorsy types should engage in fishing, swimming, paddling, and guided cruising at Lake Pend Oreille during the sunny months, and Nordic skiing and downhill tubing activities at Schweitzer Mountain Resort in the cooler months.
Stanley
Stanley, an entrancing mountain hamlet in Sawtooth Valley, set at the foothills of the Sawtooth Mountains on the Salmon River banks, is fully surrounded by the 756,000-acre Sawtooth National Recreation Area in Custer County of Central Idaho. This nonpareil American West settlement is widely known for its out-of-this-world highland scenery, in addition to providing unlimited opportunities for myriad recreational pursuits and quiet moments in nature at the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. Enjoy boating, kayaking, fishing, and camping in the campsites along the crystal-clear waters of Redfish Lake and pay a visit to the Downtown’s multiple gift shops like Made in Idaho Store, and classic American fare serving Mountain Village Resort Restaurant & Saloon.
Moscow
A shire-like town in north-central Idaho’s Latah County, Moscow, a lovable college town home to the principal campus of the Potato State’s primary and oldest public land-grant research university, the University of Idaho, is located on the Palouse region’s eastern edge in the Columbia River Plateau. Academics and tourists from around the globe are captivated by the idyllic countryside, peaceful settings, and endless miles of recreational trails this college town offers.
Moreover, when in town, attend the annual “Light Up The Season” event on Dec. 4, 2025, at Friendship Square, and window-shop the Downtown’s locally-owned gift shops like Intrigue, independent bookstores like BookPeople of Moscow, meticulously curated museums like the Appaloosa Museum & Heritage Center preserving the incredible history of the Appaloosa horse breed, and welcoming breakfast restaurants like The Breakfast Club serving delectable breakfast fare, plus sandwiches, mimosas, and espresso.
McCall
McCall, a vibrant holiday hotspot approx. 100 miles north of the state capital, sits on the southern banks of the glacier-carved Payette Lake on Valley County’s western margin, close to the Burgdorf Hot Springs, Ponderosa State Park, and Brundage Mountain Resort. Explorers prefer following the McCall Ale Trail for sampling the finest local craft beers from any of the town’s amazing breweries, like Broken Horn Brewing Company and Salmon River Brewery.
Scan the Downtown’s many gift shops like The McCall Store, art galleries like Gallery Fifty-Five, and sophisticated lakefront dining restaurants like The Narrows Steakhouse serving hearty Northwest fare. Aside from enjoying water-based activities at Payette Lake, head to the Little Ski Hill, about two miles west of McCall, for cross-country skiing on the 18.6 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails.
Driggs
Forming a part of the Jackson, WY-ID Micropolitan Statistical Area, Driggs is an excellent mountain town founded in 1888 by Don Carlos Driggs and Benjamin Woodbury Driggs in Eastern Idaho’s Teton Valley. Vacationers flocking in large numbers to this administrative center of Teton County get spellbound by the staggering panoramas of the Teton Range, the meandering 64-mile-long Teton River, and the neighboring (in Wyoming) Grand Teton National Park, a popular trout fishing, hiking, camping, and mountaineering destination. Inspect the interactive exhibits and displays spotlighting the Teton Valley area’s history and resources at the Teton Geotourism Center, and easily reach the Grand Targhee Resort in western Wyoming, which, besides a range of winter recreations, offers exhaustive Nordic skiing trails.
Hailey
Blaine County’s seat, Hailey, labeled in memory of John Hailey, a US Congress delegate from the erstwhile Territory of Idaho, is set at the pivot of the Wood River Valley in the thick of the Rockies in Central Idaho. Sightseers touring Hailey can unimpededly reach the Sawtooth and Challis National Forests and participate in first-class recreational activities like hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, camping, fly-fishing, downhill skiing, and snowmobiling in summer and winter seasons.
Gain insights into the Wood River Valley’s pioneer history at the Blaine County Historical Museum, and browse the Downtown’s one-of-a-kind fashion outlets like the Wildflower clothing boutique, high-end bike shop and brew pub like the Power House Pub & Bike Shop, and the fully restored, art deco-style Liberty Theater that hosts all types of events, including live music, movies, theatrical productions, and invitation-only gatherings.
Priest River
A captivating Bonner County community at the foot of the imposing Selkirk Mountains, this 1,696-inhabitant town is located at the meeting of Priest River and Pend Oreille River, in the Idaho Panhandle region, roughly seven miles east of the Idaho-Washington state boundary. Holidaymakers sojourning in this teeny town in Northern Idaho must first check out the fascinating exhibits highlighting the settlement’s rich logging heritage at the Priest River Museum & Timber Education Center.
Enjoy serenity moments with dear ones in the day-use Priest River Recreation Area, where crystal-clear waters, a swim beach, a vast grassy area, a playground, a softball field, boat ramps, and picnic shelters draw residents and tourists alike. Survey the trails leading to the Gisborne Mountain for sweeping views and wildlife spotting from the lookout at the Priest River Experimental Forest, and embark on unforgettable road trips on the 280-mile-long International Selkirk Loop, the only multi-national scenic drive in North America.
Salmon
Located precisely on the fringe of the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, Salmon, the center of administration of east-central Idaho’s Lemhi County, is an attention-grabbing alpine town alongside the streaming Salmon River. Commended for its flawless fusion of timeworn beauty and abundant outdoor recreations, the town is a perfect stop for all outdoorsmen wishing to take part in hiking, white-water rafting, and fishing activities along the Salmon River.
Also, peruse the comprehensive collection of Lemhi Shoshoni artifacts at the Lemhi County Historical Museum, behold the Purple Easel Gallery’s fine art collections, and eclectic artisan jewelry and gifts at Goodenow Designs, Salmon’s “eye candy” store, take a spectacular drive to Lemhi Pass, and in Salmon-Challis National Forest, hike the ‘moderately strenuous’ Goldbug Hot Springs trail.
Wallace
This administrative center of Shoshone County, nicknamed “Silver Capital of the World,” sits in the Idaho Panhandle’s Silver Valley mining district by the Coeur d’Alene River’s South Fork and the transcontinental Interstate 90 highway. Encompassing Downtown Wallace’s commercial core is the Wallace Historic District, which enchants visitors with numberless contributing properties in varied architectural styles.
Drop by the Wallace District Mining Museum for detailed information on the history of the Coeur d’Alene Mining District, traveling back in time through the numerous artifacts, paintings, models, photographs, and an exhibition of mining activities and techniques. At the Northern Pacific Railroad Museum, step into a re-created primeval operational railroad station to learn more about Northern Idaho’s storied railroading heritage.
Additionally, traverse the top-notch rail trails: the Route of the Hiawatha, the Tail of the Coeur d’Alenes, and the Route of the Olympian. Try to be there for the town’s annual “Home for the Holidays Christmas Festival” from December 5 to 7, 2025.
From lakeside retreats like Sandpoint to homey upland settlements like Driggs, each of these nine inviting havens in the Gem State entices smart travelers with an appropriate mix of mind-boggling natural splendor, adventurous outdoor activities, and warm hospitality. Provided that you long for partaking in plethoric outdoor adventures in the pristine wilderness areas, walk past architectural treasures in the historic districts, discover the scenic trails, chat with friendly locals while dining in Downtown eateries, and give off a happy vibe during yearly gatherings, these Idaho towns will surely make you love the Gem State time and time again.
