10 Must-Visit Small Towns in Idaho

Stanley is a lovely small town settled in one of the most scenic spots of all of Idaho, making it a premier destination for outdoor adventurers. You'll find it in the center of the state with easy access to White Cloud, Sawtooth, and Lost River, which are impressive mountain ranges. Thanks to these peaks, rock climbing is particularly popular here, but you'll also find plenty of trails suitable for hiking and biking. Many of the trails are just minutes away from Stanley's downtown area. You'll also find opportunities for horseback riding and whitewater rafting.

When you visit Salmon, you'll find a charming Old West atmosphere throughout the town, but without the rugged roughness that would historically come with it. Instead, you can relax while enjoying the themed architecture surrounded by stunning natural sights. You can find whitewater rafting by the Frank Church River, or you can enjoy ski slopes if you happen to visit during the winter. Unlike many other small towns, Salmon is also home to a wide variety of restaurants. While you'll find plenty of classic American fare, you may be surprised by the more diverse selections as well.

Sandpoint boasts scenic views and a friendly atmosphere that have attracted numerous artists to the area who are inspired by the picturesque landscapes and surroundings. Because of this, the cultural scene here is particularly thriving with events anyone can enjoy. Sandpoint rests on the shores of Idaho's largest lake, Lake Pend Oreille, and is surrounded by the mountain ranges of Selkirk, Cabinet, and Bitterroot for endless outdoor exploration. You can soak up the gorgeous local scenery while enjoying activities like boating, hiking, fishing, and rock climbing.

Wallace began as a mining town with a thriving silver industry, and that history is proudly on display in the modern-day town. You can explore the Sierra Silver Mine with an experienced tour guide, and there's even a trolley ride included. Additionally, you'll find other small-town charms like shops and restaurants that are locally owned, without too many franchised establishments. That makes it easy to find small crafts from local artists or clothes evoking a unique Idaho style. The dining options are fairly varied as well, though most incorporate classic, delicious American flavors.

Preston is tucked away in the Cache Valley of Idaho and is the ideal destination for a relaxing retreat in nature. You’ll find dramatic peaks, verdant valleys, and glistening streams that beg for a day out hiking, biking, or fishing to recharge your batteries. In town, the streets are filled with independent restaurants and cafés and eclectic shops with obscure treasures and gifts. Preston hosts numerous events throughout the year, such as the Moon Boot Dance and the Famous Preston Night Rodeo, and quirky contests like the Tater Tot Eating Contest.

McCall is nestled within a dense forest area, so it's a good option if you're looking to get as far as possible away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Nearby Payette Lake is a popular summer destination for waterskiing, boating, and fishing, and in the winter, you can enjoy the slopes at Brundage Mountain, which has difficulty levels suitable for the whole family, including more challenging courses. Ice sculpture displays are also prominent during the winter, especially while the annual Winter Carnival is being held.

Hailey originally began as a pioneer settlement designed to survive harsh winters. It's settled at the northern end of the Rockies, so the winters can be particularly snowy. With modern amenities, however, that level of snow is actually a draw, as it's one of the top spots in the state for skiing and snowboarding. Of course, there's plenty to do during other times of the year as well, including hiking and watersports like swimming, waterskiing, and fishing. Numerous festivals take place here throughout the year, too, like the Northern Rockies Music Festival and the Sun Valley Film Festival.

Hope definitely fits the description when you're looking for a small town. Fewer than a hundred people live here, so you'll be hard-pressed to find a more close-knit community. This serene town is packed with friendly people and virtually endless outdoor adventure. Lake Pend Oreille is located by this town, so you can easily enjoy a day on the water swimming and boating, or you can take a hike around the perimeter. Wildlife is also prominent here, and you'll find a large population of white-tailed deer and geese. It's not uncommon to see a bald eagle as well.

Island Park will put you just a short distance away from the famous Yellowstone National Park, but you don't even have to visit Yellowstone for satisfying outdoor adventures. At Island Park, you'll find hiking and fishing available all year long, while winter brings opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and other snow sports. Within the town itself, you'll find one of the longest Main Streets in the entire country. While the town itself isn't very large, this massive street is home to a wide variety of attractions, including restaurants and shops created and operated by locals who truly put passion into their work.