Idaho, located in the United States, is considered to be among the 20 largest states in the country. It shares its borders with British Columbia (Canadian province) and Nevada, Utah, Montana, Wyoming, Washington and Oregon. Idaho could easily be called an underrated tourist destination because it has so much to offer its visitors: spectacular natural views, relaxing hot springs and exciting outdoor adventures. Let’s explore some of the best small towns in Idaho for a weekend escape!
Sun Valley
For those who love soaking in the sun, Sun Valley may be the ideal destination for a weekend escape. This town receives over 200 days of sunshine each year and is quite popular for recreational activities like hiking, skiing, mountain biking, backpacking, golfing, and whitewater rafting, to name a few.
One of the best spots for hiking in Sun Valley is the Wood River Valley, surrounded by the Pioneer, Boulder, and Smoky mountains, and is only an hour-long drive from White Cloud, Lost River, and Sawtooth mountain ranges. Sun Valley and Ketchum reside in the first-ever Dark Sky Reserve of America. Tourists flock to this town to get magical views of the planets, meteors, the Milky Way, comets, and other sky objects. It was the collective effort of communities, private landowners, and public land managers that helped build The Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve. It’s worth a visit!
After all the outdoor adventure, head to restaurants like Apple’s Bar and Grill, Bigwood Bread Cafe, and Duchin Lounge for a delicious meal.
Wallace
Located in North Idaho, Wallace is the biggest silver-producing town in the world! This historic mining town has evolved beautifully over the years with Forest Serving, logging and mining roads transformed into grand snowmobile, ATV and bike trail systems. Wallace is home to two spectacular paths, the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes and the Route of the Hiawatha. These attract roller bladers, mountain bikers and walkers from across the country.
Art lovers should not miss a trip to the Captain John Mullan Museum, which narrates tales of Mullan through displays and exhibits featuring photographs, vintage clothing, historical furnishings, newspapers, sports memorabilia, and mining relics. Lodging options in Wallace include hotels, luxurious lodges, cozy cabins, and bread and breakfasts. On the list are the Bonners Ferry Hotels, Kellogg Vacation Homes, and Wallace Inn.
Stanley
Surrounded by more than a thousand miles of pure wilderness, Stanley has the beautiful Sawtooth Mountain Range on its periphery and can be visited all year round. These snow-capped mountains serve as the perfect playground for outdoor recreation, wildlife, and nature exploration. The Redfish Lake is a spectacular lake, nestled amidst the Sawtooth Mountains, which gives tourists the opportunity to chill on several beaches. One could even hop onto one of the boat shuttles to reach the other side of the water body.
Stanley is not just a beautiful town to explore; it has a very friendly vibe, perhaps most evident in its restaurants. Those who enjoy healthy food should start their day with breakfast at the Stanley Baking Company or Sawtooth Luce’s.
McCall
Located in the picturesque mountains of Idaho, McCall is a beautiful resort town, encompassing approximately 10 square miles of area. While its own population is roughly 3,100 residents, the influx of tourists during the holidays and the summer makes it quite vibrant. McCall receives the maximum average snowfall in a year in Idaho, and is quite popular for winter activities like backcountry skiing, and snowmobiling.
One of the most popular tourist spots in McCall is the Ponderosa State Park. This park covers an area of 1,000 acres and extends into the beautiful Payette Lake. Locals and tourists often flock to this park for outdoor adventures such as hiking, camping, swimming, volleyball, wildlife viewing and cycling. Osprey Point is the ideal place to catch a spectacular sunset view.
A must-visit for breakfast in McCall is The Pancake House. They serve delicious dishes throughout the day, and their pancakes are gigantic!
Salmon Valley
A picturesque mountain town, Salmon is located on the periphery of the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. Historically, it was a lumbering, family ranching, and mining town. Today, Salmon presents a completely different scenery and has transformed into a dynamic town with several art galleries, restaurants and lots of outdoor recreation!
History buffs ought to experience The Lemhi County Historical Society, responsible for putting together some of the most amazing local museums in Salmon. These museums have multiple exhibits showcasing the history of the town. Another gem to explore in Salmon is the History Park, located downtown. This outdoor exhibit is always open and gives one a taste of the town’s local history.
Once done exploring, stop by at one of the famous cafes, breweries or eateries in the town for some delicious grub. Recommendations in Bertram’s Salmon Valley Brewery, Lantern Bar, and Leopard Latte.
Bonners Ferry
Bonners Ferry is one of the most charming towns of Idaho located close to the Canadian border. Most people coming from Montana and Canada like to take a stopover in Bonners Ferry and relax amidst the winding mountain peaks.
The Kootenai River is undoubtedly the highlight of the town and oozes peace and calm. Bonners Ferry also has a lovely old-fashioned downtown that has several unique shops, a hometown brewery, and amazing eateries. In close proximity to the downtown is the famous Kootenai River Inn and Casino, which attracts many tourists for some fun and relaxation!
The Boundary County Museum exhibits Far North Idaho’s heritage as a key element of the downtown district. Touring the International Selkirk Loop on their bicycles is a must for outdoor adventurers. Riders circuiting the loop from the west can pass through the spectacular Selkirk Mountains and cross the border to enter Canada. They can return to the state via eastern Washington. For riders in North Idaho, Bonners Ferry, Priest River and Sandpoint all make for good starting points.
Driggs
Driggs is one of the highest towns in Idaho located at an elevation of more than 6,000 feet. This quaint small town is a huge attraction for all kinds of tourists as it offers opportunities for both relaxation and adventure.
Surrounded by the beautiful mountain ranges of The Teton, Snake River, and Big Hole, Driggs is a great destination for outdoor activities like mountain biking, hiking, fly fishing, and skiing. Jackson’s Lake is one of the most spectacular lakes in Idaho and offers unparalleled views of the Cathedral Group, Mt. Moran, and the Grand Teton. It is possible to access Jackson’s Lake from Colter Bay Village or Signal Mountain Lodge. One can enjoy activities like water skiing, wakeboarding, sailing, and trout fishing at the lake.
The National Elk Refuge in Driggs is located between Grand Teton National Park and Jackson. It offers striking views of the local wildlife, especially elk herds that gather there each winter.
Island Park
Island Park is a popular summer destination for those wanting to catch trout or simply relax in a resort ranch. Fishing is not the only summer activity popular in this eastern Idaho town. There are many who also come for outdoor adventures like hiking, biking, camping, and horse riding. Plus, one can always watch some spectacular birds in Island Park, including Sandhill Cranes, Bald Eagles, raptors, songbirds, and grouse.
The Harriman State Park and Wildlife Refuge covers 11,000 acres and houses wildlife such as waterfowl, moose, deer, and elk. With trails running for almost 20 miles, the park is ideal for activities like horseback riding, cross-country skiing, biking, and hiking.
Other historical sites in Island Park include Mesa Falls, Yellowstone National Park (built in 1872, the first national park of America!), Big Springs, and Island Park Caldera.
Idaho’s small towns are perfect destinations for a weekend retreat any time of the year due to their diverse weather and seasons. They offer opportunities for relaxation amidst scenic nature and easy access to all kinds of outdoor activities from summer to winter. Each town has its own history, which adds to its unique charm and character, and it boasts lovely lodges to rest your head.