9 Off-The-Beaten-Path Towns In Idaho
Murphy
Murphy, from Owyhee County, is one of the smallest county seats in the country, with a population of just around 100. Striker Basin Gulch near the town attracts campers and hikers, and many come to fish for Chinook Salmon during the spring and summer months. To help visitors better explore the surrounding wilderness, such as the Rabbit Creek OHV Trail, Mountain Meadow Adventure Rentals rents out dirt bikes, boats, ATVs, and more. The Owyhee County Museum takes visitors back in time to the early days of southern Idaho, when miners, farmers, and ranchers lived off the land.
Mountain Home
With just over 16,000 residents, Mountain Home is one of the largest towns on our list. It sits just south of several historical markers commemorating travelers along the Oregon Trail, including the Canyon Creek Station Marker, Rattlesnake Station Marker, and Kelton Road Marker. Toll Gate Station Marker designates the area that once made access to the region easier for Idaho's first gold miners. Along the Medal of Honor Highway, there are the remains of the Jackson School, which stood between 1898 and 1925. The ruins of the old school include most of the walls and a sign designating the building's significance in Idaho's history.
Hagerman
Nestled within the green wilderness of central Idaho is the little town of Hagerman. The town has under 1,000 residents and sits just east of the Snake River. If you're looking for adventure, whitewater rafting is a popular pastime at the Snake/Rivers White Water Access Area. Lower Salmon Falls Park is just along the river and offers a picturesque setting for family gatherings, picnics, camping, and hiking.
Visitors can learn about the town's ancient history at the Hagerman Fossil Beds, located in Thousand Springs State Park. The Billingsley Creek Wildlife Management Area is to the north of the town and is perfect for your next boating and kayaking adventure. Inside Hagerman, don't forget to check out the Riverboat Restaurant, a local favorite.
Sandpoint
When you think of sand, you usually think of a coastal destination. But the north Idaho gem of Sandpoint sits on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille and has everything you could want in a mountain beach town. Every summer, the Bonner County Fair comes to the fairgrounds, delivering live music, great food, a rodeo, and other entertainment. Learn more about the town's history at the Bonner County Historical Society & Museum. Sandpoint City Beach Park is always a popular tourist spot, with golden sand and clear water ideal for beachside relaxation during the hottest summer days. There's even a small replica of the Statue of Liberty on the lake's shore, providing a fun photo op for visitors.
Bonners Ferry
This small town of approximately 2,700 residents is just 27 miles south of the Canadian border. The Kootenai River runs through Bonners Ferry, and the Boundary County Museum is located along its banks, highlighting the town's early history. Bonners Ferry is located within the Kootenai National Forest, which provides the town with picturesque views of the mountains and forests.
Downtown Bonners Ferry is a very shoppable area and has no shortage of bakeries, coffee shops, and boutiques. Some of the most popular shops are Two Brews Coffee Shop, the Gathering Place, and Badger's Den, which offer a cozy, welcoming atmosphere consistent with Bonners Ferry's nickname as "The Friendliest Town in Idaho."
Kellogg
Kellogg is a small town in the Idaho Panhandle that was founded during the mining industry. Named for prospector Noah Kellogg, the town is now best known for its ski resort, but it is proud of its roots. The Mining & Smelting Museum offers an in-depth look into the town's heyday as a mining town, while visitors come to Kellogg every winter in droves to its Silver Mountain Resort. See the history on display at the Crystal Gold Mine & RV Park, where visitors can tour the mine and learn about the region's first prospectors. Tourists can view the equipment and tools used by the first miners, before modern conveniences.
For a local bite, The Beanery offers home-brewed coffee and handmade bakery items, perfect for those rolling into town after a long drive. Other local restaurants include the Humdinger Drive-In and Radio Brewing Company.
St. Maries
St. Maries straddles the border of the Coeur d'Alene Reservation and sits just along the St. Joe River. It's a quiet town along Highway 3, and was founded in 1889 when a sawmill was built along the St. Joe and St. Maries Rivers. Outdoor water recreation is one of St. Maries' most attractive features, with visitors coming every year to boat, fish, and whitewater raft on the St. Joe River. But it's not just the water that visitors come to see. St. Maries is just north of the St. Joe National Forest, offering endless opportunities for hiking, backpacking, camping, and more.
St. Maries also has plenty of local charm, evident in its many shops. Hugus Creek Honey Farm is a unique spot where visitors can sample and purchase locally made honey. Taste the flavors of Idaho at The Grapple and The Royale, or tour St. Maries' downtown area, with shops such as the Red Barn Thrift Store, whose sale proceeds go to animal welfare.
McCall
Known for its proximity to several small lakes, McCall sits on the shore of Payette Lake. Visitors come every year to fish, boat, kayak, and camp in McCall's many parks and reserves. Ponderosa State Park, Red Ridge, and Lily Marsh Trail Head are just some of the most popular places for outdoor fun in McCall. But if you're planning your visit for winter or prefer more leisurely activities, McCall is still a great pick. McCall Activity Barn offers plenty of winter fun, including tubing and sledding, for adults and kids of all ages. Brundage Mountain Resort is a popular ski destination for tourists. The Narrows Overlook offers stunning views year-round, and The Cove McCall's Spa is the perfect relaxing retreat to rejuvenate the body and spirit.
Don't Miss These Must-See Idaho Towns Off The Beaten Path
Spanning over 82,000 square miles, Idaho has a lot to offer. However, many of these towns aren't obvious and often seem to appear out of nowhere. The rich silver, gold, and gemstone mining industries are responsible for the founding of many towns on our list. And while Idaho's mining industry has certainly slowed down since the 1880s, these towns have experienced new life as resorts and havens for nature lovers. If you ever find yourself off the beaten path as you drive through Idaho, don't forget to stop by the towns on our list. You'll be glad you did!
