These 10 Towns In Idaho Have The Best Main Streets
Visiting a new destination often brings a sense of anticipation, especially when its streets reflect the history and character of the place. Main streets can hold older stories, welcome new shops and landmarks, and give each town a distinct identity. Across the northwest state of Idaho, many communities have main streets that stand out for their setting and local culture. This article looks at ten towns with downtown areas shaped by their surroundings, long-running businesses, and public spaces.
Sandpoint
Surrounded by mountains and lakes, downtown Sandpoint shows a different atmosphere in each season. Dining at 113 Main remains a steady option, with a menu that includes lobster mac and cheese, burrata, and chicken satay. At the end of Main Street, Art Works Gallery displays paintings, photographs, jewelry, and mixed-media pieces created by local artists.
Farmin Park sits only a short distance from the gallery and includes artwork and picnic benches suited for a brief stop or a quiet place to sit. During the summer months, the park becomes busier when the Farmer’s Market sets up for its seasonal run, bringing vendors and regular foot traffic into the downtown area.
Moscow
The university town of Moscow has a downtown with steady activity and long-running local spots. Gypsy Java on Main Street is a common starting point, with drinks such as the Caramel Caravan latte or a Black Forest mocha. Nearby, BookPeople of Moscow is an independent bookstore that has served the community for more than 50 years and remains a familiar part of the area’s commercial core.
Moscow’s interest in the arts is reflected in the Moscow Artwalk, a long-running event held on the third Thursday of each month from October to May, with a season finale in June. During each event, downtown businesses display work from local artists, turning Main Street and the surrounding blocks into an informal gallery for visitors moving through the area.
Wallace
In the town of Wallace, the historic downtown core shows much of the area’s past. It is one of a few towns in the United States whose entire downtown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and it is known as the ‘Silver Capital of the World,’ serving as the hub of a mining district that once produced a large share of the world’s silver. In the Bank Street area, the North Pacific Railroad Depot Museum presents exhibits that outline the region’s railroad history and the role this transportation system once played.
When a meal break is needed, the Blackboard Café and Marketplace serves Italian dishes prepared with straightforward, high-quality ingredients. A short walk through downtown also brings visitors to the Center of the Universe, a small landmark based on the local idea of “probalism,” a lighthearted claim that a point is true if it cannot be disproven. The spot has become a familiar place for photos and a quick pause while moving through the main part of town.
Ketchum
The small town of Kellogg sits in Silver Valley, with mountain views of the Rocky Mountains forming a consistent backdrop to its main street. The downtown area reflects the region’s mining history, which remains visible in several local sites. At the Mining and Smelting Museum, visitors can see exhibits on the town’s industrial past, including displays related to mining practices and early infrastructure.
A short walk to Railroad Avenue leads to The Beanery, a spot known for bagels, smoothies, and lattes. The café provides a straightforward place to pause while moving through the area. For time outdoors, the Coeur d’Alene River is close by and is used for paddleboarding, swimming, and fly fishing during warmer months. Its location near town adds an accessible natural setting to the broader Kellogg area.
Bonners Ferry
Bonners Ferry has a historic downtown set along the Kootenai River, a setting that adds steady natural interest to the area. The Kootenai River Brewing Company serves local beer and classic comfort dishes such as burgers and pizza, making it a regular stop for many visitors. Farther up Main Street, the Boundary County Museum presents exhibits that outline North Idaho’s history. Its collection includes oil paintings and other pieces that reflect different parts of the region’s past.
Those looking to browse local goods can visit Under the Sun, a shop with home décor and various items sourced from the area. Together, these stops show how the town’s riverside setting and long-running institutions shape the main part of Bonners Ferry.
Kellogg
The small town of Kellogg sits in Silver Valley, with mountain views of the Rocky Mountains forming a consistent backdrop to its main street. The downtown area reflects the region’s mining history, which remains visible in several local sites. At the Mining and Smelting Museum, visitors can see exhibits on the town’s industrial past, including displays related to mining practices and early infrastructure.
A short walk to Railroad Avenue leads to The Beanery, a spot known for bagels, smoothies, and lattes. The café provides a straightforward place to pause while moving through the area. For time outdoors, the Coeur d’Alene River is close by and is used for paddleboarding, swimming, and fly fishing during warmer months. Its location near town adds an accessible natural setting to the broader Kellogg area.
Jerome
Jerome has several local spots along its main street, which sits within easy reach of Twin Falls, known in part for the Evel Knievel jump site. Downtown, Renew Café serves cappuccinos and bagel sandwiches and is a common place to start a visit. North Park provides a simple place to sit and watch activity in the area while taking a break.
Just off Main Street, the Jerome County Historical Museum outlines the town’s early development through exhibits on its settlement period and regional heritage. The museum’s displays reflect the community’s long-standing ties to agriculture and local history, giving visitors a clear view of how the town grew around its surrounding landscape.
Lewiston
Downtown Lewiston contains a range of long-running local businesses, many of them centered around Main Street. Blue Lantern Coffee House serves local brews and pastries and remains a steady stop for people moving through the area. Locomotive Park, known for its displays of holiday lights, reflects part of the city’s history and sits within easy reach of the downtown blocks.
A short distance from Main Street, the Nez Perce County Historical Society and Museum presents exhibits on agriculture, gold, and other parts of the region’s past. The museum also includes material related to the Lewis and Clark expedition, outlining its role in the broader history of the area. These sites show how Lewiston’s downtown reflects both commercial activity and its long historical record.
Hailey
Hailey has a downtown shaped by its community setting and its position within the Idaho Rockies. The area contains several local spots along Main Street, including Hailey Coffee, which serves baked goods and drinks for people beginning their day. The Blaine County Historical Museum presents exhibits that highlight past Native American culture and its influence on the region’s development.
Farther along Main Street, the J.C. Fox Building stands as one of the town’s better-known historic structures. The building once housed a hospital and saloon and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its long history makes it a familiar reference point for those moving through the center of town. These sites reflect how Hailey’s downtown combines local institutions with reminders of its early development.
Rexburg
Rexburg is a busy city with a downtown shaped in part by its university campus, which brings steady activity to the area. Along Main Street, Red Rabbit Grill serves breakfast dishes such as chicken-fried steak and other familiar favorites. Nearby, All Occasions provides a place to look through vintage items and other goods for visitors interested in local shopping.
Just off Main Street, the Yellowstone-Teton Territory visitor-information office gives practical information for those planning trips to Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park. The center outlines options for hiking, camping, and general travel within the region. These stops show how Rexburg’s main street blends everyday commercial activity with its role as a starting point for visits to nearby parks.
Idaho’s Downtown Areas
These ten main streets in Idaho each reflect a different part of the state’s history and daily life. Some emphasize long-running shops and local businesses, while others show a stronger connection to art, culture, or nearby landscapes. Each town’s central area presents its own set of places to visit, shaped by the community around it. Together, these streets show how local history and public spaces continue to influence the identity of towns across Idaho.
