7 Delightful Towns To Visit In Idaho (2024)

Of the 50 US States, Idaho is the 14^th largest and 13^th least populous state in the American West’s Pacific Northwest subregion, bounded by a small portion of the Canadian province of British Columbia as well as the conjoining states of Washington, Oregon, Utah, Nevada, Wyoming, and Montana. Even though several travelers equate Idaho with its capital and most populous city, Boise, the craggy and forested terrain of the Gem State is dotted by innumerable delightful teeny communities that are considered this Mountain State’s real gems. Each of these scarcely known towns mesmerizes holidaymakers with astounding mountain spectacles, riveting histories, pristine natural environments, colorful annual celebrations, and multiple outdoor recreation. So, what is all the wait for? Pack your luggage and embark on a voyage to any of these charming Idaho towns for an unforgettable holiday experience.

Stanley

Home to only 116 inhabitants as per the latest US Census, Stanley is a scenic Custer County town in Central Idaho’s Sawtooth Valley entirely circ*mscribed by the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. Baptized after Captain John Stanley, a Confederate Civil War veteran, this burgeoning settlement is acclaimed for its exceptional high-altitude scenery and limitless recreational activities such as hiking, fishing, whitewater rafting, camping, rock climbing, backpacking, and mountain biking that the Sawtooth National Recreational Area offers. Explorers can also behold many crystal-clear lakes (Stanley Lake and Redfish Lake) and see wild fauna like black bears, bighorn sheep, and elk that live in the recreation area. On top of that, look around the retail stores, boutiques, and top-ranking eateries such as the Sawtooth Hotel Restaurant, Mountain Village Restaurant, Stanley Supper Club, and Papa Brunee’s Pizza & Subs in Stanley’s homely downtown. Also, be there at any of the town’s yearly festivals including a 2-3 days Sawtooth Mountain Mamas Craft Fair in July, a musical Sawtooth Valley Gathering, and the popular Independence Day celebrations.

McCall

A serene resort town on the western end of Valley County, McCall is nestled adjacent to Payette Lake’s southern banks, in the vicinity of the Ponderosa State Park, Brundage Mountain Resort, and Burgdorf Hot Springs. Initially set up as a logging community, the town has developed into a year-round vacation spot with no shortage of open-air activities. Adventurists of all ages are especially attracted by the over 18.6 miles of cross-country ski trails of Little Ski Hill, located only 2 miles west of McCall. The McCall Ale Trail is the perfect way to sample fresh beer from the breweries aside from perusing the small retail shops. Every year, about 60,000 spectators congregate at McCall to be there at the Winter Carnival and take part in various events like parades, live music, fireworks, and games.

Sun Valley

Often labeled ‘America’s First Destination Ski Resort,’ Sun Valley is set in the Wood River Valley near Ketchum in Blaine County. Throughout the year, the town fascinates hordes of skiers and snowboarders who wish to engage in Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, downhill skiing, ice skating, ice fishing, and dog-sledding activities. Many such winter-related recreational activities take place around the two mountains: Dollar Mountain (gentle slopes appropriate for beginners), Bald Mountain (lengthy runs fit for advanced skiers); and the grand Sun Valley Resort. Additionally, traverse the countless trails framing the Sun Valley, indulge in a game of golf at the Trail Creek Golf Course, and spend quality moments with loved ones in the verdant settings of the Sawtooth Wilderness Area during the summers.

Sandpoint

Sandpoint, known as ‘kamanqukuⱡ’ in the Indigenous Kutenai language, is the Bonner County seat of government and the biggest community occupying the northern banks of Lake Pend Oreille - Idaho’s largest lake. Encircled by three awe-inspiring mountain ranges: Bitterroot, Selkirk, and Cabinet, this all-season vacation retreat is located on the International Selkirk Loop as well as the Wild Horse Trail and Pend Oreille National Scenic Byways. Sandpoint is widely acclaimed as a high-spirited arts community, with its alluring downtown chock-a-full of locally-owned retail stores, the Bonner County Historical Society & Museum, the Panida Theater, multiple art galleries, and welcoming restaurants like Trinity At City Beach, Baxters On Cedar, Joel’s Mexican Food, etc. In the warmer months, engage in guided cruises in addition to fishing, paddling, and swimming activities at Lake Pend Oreille, whereas in the cold season, opportunities for downhill tubing and Nordic skiing are offered at the Schweitzer Mountain Resort. Yearly events such as the Sandpoint Winter Carnival, the Lost in the 50s vintage car show, and the Festival at Sandpoint summer music festival draw zillions of merrymakers.

Wallace

Wallace, dubbed the 'Silver Capital of the World, ' sits in the Idaho Panhandle’s Silver Valley mining district next to Interstate 90 highway and the Coeur d’ Alene River's South Fork. This Shoshone County seat invites visitors to wonder at the uncountable contributing properties in different architectural styles that line the immaculate streets of the National Register-listed downtown core. The Wallace District Mining Museum, Northern Pacific Railroad Museum, Crystal Gold Mine (in neighboring Kellogg), Oasis Bordello Museum, Sierra Silver Mine, and Barnard-Stockbridge Museum in the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church transport tourists back to the Wild West days, while the three rail-trails: the Route of the Olympian, the Route of the Hiawatha, and the Tail of the Coeur d’ Alenes are not to be missed. Spare time from your busy schedules to attend any of Wallace’s fun-filled annual celebrations, including the Huckleberry Festival & 5k Walk/Run, Home for the Holidays Christmas Festival, Wallace Blues Festival, and Statehood Day Parade.

Salmon

The seat of east-central Idaho’s Lemhi County is an enchanting alpine community on the periphery of the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. Renowned for its rustic roots, the town has gradually grown into an adorable community having a number of art galleries, museums, eateries, and ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. The Sacajawea Interpretive Cultural & Education Center and Lemhi Historical Museum are the best places for heritage buffs to learn more about the rich history of the region; while travelers must marvel at the Goodenow Designs Gallery’s myriad fine art collections, partake in whitewater rafting, hiking, and fishing activities along the Salmon River, and enjoy a scenic drive to Lemhi Pass.

Hailey

Named in honor of John Hailey, a US Congress Delegate from the Territory of Idaho, Hailey, the administrative center of Blaine County, is set at the kernel of the Wood River Valley amidst the majestic Rockies of Central Idaho. This quaint 8,689-inhabitant community sits flawlessly at the extremity of Challis and Sawtooth National Forests, providing exhilarating leisure-time activities for thrill-seekers all year long. Furthermore, the town’s location, precisely 11 miles south of Ketchum and Sun Valley resort, has made it an ideal starting point for hundreds of adventurists. When visiting Hailey, join a walking tour conducted by the Historic Preservation Commission and take note of the numerous landmark structures aside from acquiring knowledge about the town’s bygone days at the Blaine County Historical Museum. Also, try to be present at the annual three-day ‘Days of the Old West Rodeo’ held every Fourth of July weekend at the Hailey Rodeo Grounds and the Trailing of the Sheep Festival celebrating Idaho’s sheep ranching heritage in October.

From Wallace - the ‘Silver Capital of the World’ to Sandpoint, located along the shores of the state’s largest lake, the picture-perfect small towns are the heart and soul of the Potato State. Every town flawlessly showcases the unspoiled magnificence and extraordinary historical and cultural attractions of the state, tantalizing globetrotters from all over the world. Whether you are planning for a quick day tour or an extended vacation trip to a gorgeous locale away from overcrowded urban centers, these Gem State towns are worthy additions to your travel plans.

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