9 Of The Most Adorable Small Towns In Idaho
Idaho is an interesting state in the Pacific Northwest, rich in nature and history, in addition to being the country’s top potato-producing state. Bordering Canada, this state is also known for other things, including a wide variety of gemstones, fishing rivers like the Snake River, and vast mountain ranges, such as the Rocky Mountains. But besides all that, the Gem State is home to some of the most adorable small towns in the country that will instantly make any traveler fall in love. McCall, one such town, is positioned on the shores of Payette Lake and surrounded by the Salmon River Mountains, offering picture-perfect scenery and plenty of adventures. Like the aforementioned town, others on this list are blessed with some of the region’s famous natural features, while hosting appealing establishments like botanical gardens, golf clubs, wineries, and many more. True countryside gems, these adorable towns in Idaho will leave lasting memories in the minds of those who visit.
Hailey
Hailey is sandwiched in the Wood River Valley, where it radiates small-town charms and mountain scenery. Visitors are invited to this town to enjoy a pleasing biking adventure on the Wood River Trail. Stretching more than 20 miles, this trail winds through the Wood River Valley, offering access to fishing streams as it connects the towns of Bellevue, Hailey, and Ketchum. Elsewhere, the Sawtooth Botanical Gardens present five acres of flora beauty to delight nature lovers. This alpine establishment showcases the region’s native plant species across numerous gardens, including a stream-side garden and an ornamental garden. Plants to see in the gardens include orchids, arnica, asters, and others that flourish in high altitudes. Downtown, visit the Blaine County Historical Museum to learn about the area’s history, including its Native American, mining, and sheepherding history.
Salmon
The Salmon River, in its pristine glory and elegant flow, was the inspiration for the name of this pretty and likable small town in Lemhi County. Today, this river remains the area’s top draw, offering fishing and rafting adventures, and there are several outfitters in town, like Idaho River Adventures, to help visitors enjoy this experience. Just outside the town, the Goldbug Hot Springs is a great place to hike and soak in natural hot pools with mountain scenery. Historically, the Lewis and Clark Expedition passed through the area now known as Salmon, and Sacagawea, the Shoshone guide who greatly contributed to the expedition, was born near the town. Now, the Sacajawea Interpretive, Cultural and Educational Center is in town, highlighting the life and contributions of Sacajawea, while featuring a gift shop, outdoor trails, a theatre, and views of the Lemhi River. In the meantime, Salmon hosts Junkyard Bistro, one of the nicest places in Idaho to dine. This restaurant offers delectable American cuisine, alongside great wines and beer.
Bonners Ferry
This town, close to the border with Canada, is as cool and lovely as they come, with the Kootenai River flowing through it. For outdoor enthusiasts in Bonners Ferry, the river instantly beckons for indulgence, but it will be cooler to start the day with coffee and baked food at The Gathering Place, just three miles north of downtown. The Boundary County Museum can be the next stop to learn about the indigenous Kootenai people and the town’s early history as a ferry service, and a hot spot for ranching and lumber. Six miles from downtown, the Kootenai Wildlife National Refuge invites visitors to hike or bike through wetlands and forests and see wildlife, such as moose, bear, elk, and over 200 species of birds. The Myrtle Falls Trail is also within this refuge and offers a short and relaxing hike to an 80-foot waterfall surrounded by a stunning gorge.
Jerome
Jerome is a charming town, perfect for a countryside vacation full of natural scenery and outdoor adventures. Located in Idaho's Magic Valley region, this adorable town will delight visitors with its numerous parks, one of which is the North Park. This park is a cool place to picnic under trees and just enjoy the views of the green grass and the playground. Nearby in Snake River Canyon, Mermaid Cove stands as one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Idaho. It can be reached via a short hike on the Yingst Grade Trail, which also offers access to good fishing spots on the Snake River. The trail is one mile long and is near the Jerome Country Club, one of the best places in the area to play golf, with impressive scenery. Back in town, the Minidoka National Historic Site is a great place to learn about the internment camps of WWII in the United States. Visitors can tour some of the original buildings here, reflecting the lives of Japanese Americans who were taken from their normal lives to work on farm projects.
Lewiston
Lewiston is an adorable town in northern Idaho, laid out around the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater rivers. Just soaking in the views of this town and the rivers, as well as mountains and canyon from the nearby Lewiston Hill Overlook, is one of the best experiences one can have in Idaho. Even more exciting, Lewiston is home to Hells Gate State Park, featuring the deepest gorge in America. Adventurers are invited to this park to fish or boat on the Snake River as it winds through the gorge, or camp on the shores. Historically, the Lewis and Clark Expedition passed through the area in 1805, and today, Hells Gate State Park hosts the Lewis and Clark Discovery Center, where one can learn about the historic expedition through a film and educational displays. Similarly, the Nez Perce County Historical Society & Museum is in town, preserving and showcasing the history of the Nez Perce people and the area’s pioneers. For wine lovers, the town’s Clearwater Canyon Cellars is one of the coolest spots to sample wines in Idaho.
Weiser
Weiser is a hidden gem in Idaho’s Southwest region, with gorgeous scenery characterized by the confluence of the Snake and Weiser rivers and vast green landscapes. Once here, visitors are urged to hit the 85-mile Weiser River National Recreational Trail for a hiking or biking adventure through canyons, lush forests, and alpine meadows. On the trail, wildlife such as deer, elk, and raptors are common sights, plus the trail passes through small towns, including Midvale, where one can relax and recharge. Also, a few miles outside Weiser, the Kelley Orchards delights with a variety of fresh fruits and flowers, as well as fruit-picking opportunities. Back in town, history buffs will enjoy strolling through the historic district and gazing at structures such as the Star Theater (1917) and the impressive Knights of Pythias Lodge Hall, which was built in 1904. Furthermore, the Memorial Park, just a few minutes from downtown, offers playgrounds and shaded picnic areas, among other amenities for recreation and relaxation.
Sandpoint
Sandpoint is a beautiful town on Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho’s largest lake. The town is also surrounded by the Selkirk and Cabinet mountain ranges, adding to its natural appeal. Here, travelers will lose track of time enjoying water activities like boating and swimming on the lake, especially from the Sandpoint City Beach. Located beside downtown, this park has a six-acre beach and is adjacent to two marinas offering access to the waters. Just outside the town, the Pend Oreille Scenic Byway invites road trip lovers on a pleasurable ride with spectacular views of farmlands, the lake and its rocky shoreline, forests, and mountains. As for history enthusiasts, the Bonner County Museum is in town, highlighting the county's history, from the ice age floods to the area’s Kootenai and Kalispell people, the steamboat era, and more. When it's time to unwind, the Pend Oreille Winery is a great place in town to visit as it offers fine wines, live music, and appetizers.
McCall
A resort town is always adorable, and McCall lives up to this reputation with its gorgeous setting on Payette Lake. Covering a 5,000-acre area, this massive lake is a paradise for water sports, plus it has sandy beaches for promenading, sunbathing, sunset watching, and picnicking. The Ponderosa State Park, located just a few miles from downtown, is another great place from which to access the waters of Payette Lake. In addition to opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming in the water, this park offers hiking trails, campsites, picnic areas, and the secluded North Beach. Besides, several wildlife species such as bald eagles and beavers are frequently seen in the park. Golf enthusiasts will be delighted at the Jug Mountain Ranch as it hosts an 18-hole championship course with jaw-dropping mountain scenery. The ranch also features a restaurant and trails for mountain biking. In the meantime, visitors to McCall will always love it at The Cove, An Authentic McCall Spa. This spa at the Shore Lodge is where to unwind with a variety of services, including deep tissue massage and heated stone massage. Furthermore, the spa has indoor and outdoor saltwater pools, saunas, and a fitness center for more pleasures.
Garden City
Surrounded by Boise, Garden City is a lovely town where art and culture combine with natural beauty to present unforgettable experiences. Just walking through the tree-lined streets of this town is a pleasurable endeavor, but things get even more exciting at the Boise Whitewater Park, where the Boise River sets the stage for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Meanwhile, the Boise River Greenbelt passes through this town, offering opportunities to hike or bike over 20 miles along the river. At the town’s River Pointe Park, visitors can picnic under the shade and also stroll on a nature path beside the river, before heading to the nearby Garden City Pollinator Habitat for some insights into the world of bees. For wine lovers, the Telaya Wine Co. is a great place in town to sample some of the region’s finest wines with views of the Boise River.
Small Towns, Big Impressions
Spread out across Idaho’s 83,500 square mile area, these towns are cozy places to live, work, play, and retire. With some located in the most remote places in the US, they may be hard to reach, but surely, travelers will find it harder to forget these cozy destinations. Besides their natural allure, rich culture, and history, these towns are inhabited by warm locals and are full of things to see and do, from hiking to boating. Step away from the beaten path and head to these adorable towns in Idaho today for an experience worth remembering.
