9 Nicest Small Towns In Idaho
In the shadows of mountain ranges and forests, Idaho is a prime destination for a nature lover to escape daily hustle and bustle. Under giants like the Grand Teton and Bald Mountain, small towns are an outdoorsman's dream. Museums and cultural sites like the Sacajawea Interpretive Center and family-friendly festivals fill out the itinerary. Communities like Salmon and Hailey deliver picture-worthy mountain backdrops. These nine towns have some of the top natural and downtown attractions in the state.
Sandpoint
Located on Lake Pend Oreille, Sandpoint's biggest draw is the beauty and activity found in its natural landscapes. You can sail along the lake by taking a ride with Lake Pend Oreille Cruises. As the vessel heads down Idaho's largest lake, a history-infused day of cruising will fill passengers in on the legacy of the serene views. Under the surface, a variety of fish species like the Kamloops rainbow trout inhabit the water. More wildlife is hiding just south of the city's borders in Round Lake State Park. A hike along the trail is the perfect setting to spot birdlife like Red-winged Blackbirds and larger mammals like moose. Paddling and swimming in the lake to cool off are also popular activities at the park.
Exploring the natural surroundings doesn't have to be strictly a solo activity. During the annual Pairings in the Pines in July, visitors are invited to taste the community's local food paired with wine as they stroll up the Crooked Tree trail. The event combines the best of artisan-prepared cuisine and the natural sights at the edge of the Pine Street Woods.
McCall
The former logging town of McCall now functions as a resort destination in rural Valley County for travelers seeking the leisure offered by undisturbed natural scenes. Watersports lure visitors to the shores of Payette Lake. On the glacial waters of the lake, anglers cast their lines from boats in search of trout and Kokanee fish. Local lodges such as the popular Shore Lodge offer guests access to marinas that are a great starting point for kayakers to launch into the lake. Part of the lake is surrounded by Ponderosa State Park, another top-tier spot in McCall. The park is a nature lover's ideal destination to explore; walking the trails in search of wildlife or enjoying a presentation at the park's amphitheater are just some of the ways to learn more about the region's scenic views.
Back downtown, another adventure awaits guests as they explore McCall's local businesses. The McCall Breweries Ale Trail is an opportunity to stroll down the streets and patronize the local breweries that have established themselves in the mountain town with handcrafted drinks.
Wallace
Known as the "Silver Mining Capital of the World," Wallace has plenty of experiences that capture its pride in being recognized as a historic mountain town. In the 1800s, the streets of Wallace overflowed with immigrant miners drawn to the natural resources hidden in the Silver Valley. Today, visitors can talk to the town's retired miners during a tour of the Sierra Silver Mine to uncover more about the work and culture surrounding hard-rock mining from a firsthand source.
Afterward, head up to the City Limits Brew Pub for food and beer served on tap from the North Idaho Mountain Brew. As part of the city's expansive legacy of breweries and beer, the location is an ideal place to mingle with locals and take in more of the mountain culture. The pub's building began life as a warehouse in 1906, calling back to the town's industrial boom time and standing as an example of the preservation of its history.
Wallace's other claim to fame in the heart of the Silver Valley is the Center of the Universe landmark. In 2004, then-mayor Ron Garitone declared the city to be the center of the universe and unveiled the manhole cover monument. Since then, the installation has been a photo-worthy spot for tourists and residents alike, especially during the yearly anniversary and rededication celebration of the declaration.
Ketchum
Another mining town worthy of any traveler's radar is Ketchum, a town that flourished during the silver and lead boom in the 1800s. A celebration of the Wood River Valley's history is during the annual Wagon Days celebration. The Labor Day weekend event's biggest spotlight is on the Big Hitch Parade. You can line up along Main Street to witness Lewis Ore Wagons, buggies and stagecoaches roll along one of the US' largest non-motorized parades. Even when the parade concludes, you can find the massive, one-of-a-kind wagons at the Ore Wagon Museum.
The arts culture in Ketchum is also a major highlight in the region. The Wood River Museum of History and Culture examines the arts as an important part of the town's history. Exhibits like "A Writer in New Country" highlight how world-venturing American author Ernest Hemingway arrived in Ketchum in 1939 and ultimately resided there until his death in 1961. Other exhibits pay homage to the inspiring Bald Mountain and immigrant and Indigenous history that shaped the town's evolution. Ketchum's creative scene has continued to thrive in the decades since. At the Sun Valley Museum of Art, contemporary art is on display for visitors strolling through a variety of artist collections.
Hailey
The Wood River Valley also encompasses the town of Hailey, which shares a similarly friendly community atmosphere found in nearby Ketchum. From June to October, the local Hailey Farmers Market is an open-air venue to greet local artisans and growers. You will want to have your own basket on hand as you browse the vendor offerings in Roberta McKercher Park, including jewelry, seasonal produce, baked goods and more selections in the warm weather. Another great gathering place in town is the Sawtooth Brewery Tap Room in Hailey, a communal space to grab a drink and immerse yourself in the relaxed atmosphere. 25 taps pouring beer, cider and more beckon guests into the taproom, while events like weekly trivia encourage them to linger a while.
The town also has its fair share of yearly festivities. Part of the Wood River Valley's Trailing of the Sheep Festival, which honors the area's sheep ranching heritage, the Folklife Fair is a fun family day in Hailey. It is a lively celebration of the region's ranching history, complete with traditional music performances, sheep shearing demonstrations, and artisans modeling the craft of spinning and weaving.
Driggs
A mountain town in the Teton Valley, Driggs' local festivals and businesses make the best out of the beautiful landscape. Immersing yourself in the history and culture of the past generations that made a way of life under the Teton Range is as easy as spending an afternoon at the Teton Valley Museum. Exhibits are set up for guests to dive deeper into indigenous culture, authentic military artifacts, and the region's evolution of agriculture. Artifacts like a horse-drawn yellow school bus set the museum apart from others.
For a sample of modern-day culture in Driggs, you will want to experience traditions like the annual Teton Valley Balloon Rally. In July, hot air balloons ascend over the Teton County Fair Grounds, leaving visitors on the ground marveling at the colorful view complete with the Teton mountains in the background. If you're feeling especially adventurous, access to a unique bird's-eye view of the area is possible with a balloon ride booked in advance of the celebration. There's plenty more to celebrate at local businesses. The family-operated Grand Teton Distillery has been serving drinks near the Grand Tetons for over a decade. Since 2011, the distillery has been drawing from local ingredients and water sources to create spirits, with tours giving guests a look behind the scenes.
Stanley
Stanley is paradise for visitors who desire to be surrounded by nature. Located in the Sawtooth Valley, the town is well-known for a nearby mountain formation that compares with the striking views of the Teton Mountains. Stanley's claim to fame is its prime access to the Sawtooth Mountains. The Sawtooth National Recreation Area and the Sawtooth National Forest are hot spots for hikers and recreationists thanks to the area's 700 miles worth of available trails to explore the wilderness. While teeming with animal life, the protected region is also home to a number of wildflowers that bloom in late spring.
To maximize your time at the recreation area, consider taking an excursion on horseback led by a local outfitter to explore more of the area from a different vantage point. Providers like the family-operated Mystic Saddle Ranch have guided guests through the Sawtooth wilderness on horseback since 1969. For a different type of tranquility, take a soak in the Sunbeam Hot Springs. The undeveloped hot spring is one of the easiest to access in the Sawtooth area. The geothermal source runs very hot, but bathers mix in cool water from the adjacent Salmon River to reach a comfortable soaking temperature.
Salmon
Centuries after explorers Lewis and Clark set off on their expedition and crossed into Idaho, there is a treasure trove of natural and cultural history to uncover in Salmon. The Sacajawea Interpretive, Cultural, and Educational Center welcomes all visitors to dive deeper into learning about local and Indigenous history. In August, members of the Agaidika Shoshone tribe and the center commemorate the native legacy during the annual Agaidika Gathering. The event features drumming, dancing, and singing in the center's amphitheater in a lively exhibition of culture. The center's grounds also have trails perfect for taking a walk and appreciating the natural life in the region. Another location for a leisurely day is the Salmon River. Spanning over 400 miles, the river is an ideal place to cast a line and fish for various types of trout.
Another celebration of local tradition is the timeless rodeo culture. A commemoration of the community's enduring ranching roots, the Salmon Stampede PRCA Rodeo is an extension of the town's cowboy history. The annual Lemhi County Fair's Ranch Rodeo features more thrilling tests of skill, including team roping and saddle loading.
Bonners Ferry
Visitors will revel in the friendly company from welcoming locals in Bonners Ferry. Established in town in 2010, the Kootenai River Brewing Company has been a local watering hole for over a decade. Patrons are served craft beer partially made from locally sourced hops and barley from the brewery's tap room, which is positioned for the memorable view of the Kootenai River. Downtown, the stage at the historic Pearl Theater provides one of the best views of the local performing arts scene. Hosting events in a renovated church, the nonprofit stages theater and music performances, lectures, and more events for the community.
The history of the county lives right in the heart of downtown Bonners Ferry at the Boundary County Museum. Since settling in its current location in 1986, the museum has curated period rooms and displayed collections that tell visitors the evolving story of the county.
Handcrafted Idaho
These nine towns serve visitors not only beautiful mountain and wilderness scenery but also a local pint of beer and handcrafted brews. The state's unwavering commitment to serving up some of the best and locally sourced beer and spirits at local breweries is a testament to the neighborly atmosphere and connection in each small town. Whether you choose to grab a glass of cider at the Sawtooth Brewery Tap Room in Hailey or maximize your sampling of the finely tuned flavors on the McCall Breweries Ale Trail, the combination of heritage and innovation is easy to see.
