Sitting at the intersection of Highway 26 and 75 in southern Idaho is the tiny-but-mighty town of Shoshone. Although it’s easy to overlook this quaint community when you’re on the way to somewhere else – like Sun Valley to the north or Twin Falls to the south – we think everybody should stop and explore this town at some point. This historic small town is home to some real gems, including dozens of century-old buildings that have stood the test of time. There’s a walking tour available that’ll take you to all of these fascinating structures, so take some time to visit Shoshone and step back in time!
Founded in 1882, Shoshone is a historic little town that acts as the county seat of Lincoln County. Home to just 1,400 residents, you'll be surprised by just how much this little town has to offer, including an abundance of historic buildings.
At the time of its establishment, Shoshone was considered the main railroad station in the Magic Valley for the Oregon Short Line. The town's main road was considered the "widest main street in the world" because it had four different sets of train tracks running right through it!
Considered the oldest town in the Magic Valley region, Shoshone's history is definitely worth learning about. Strolling through the quiet community, you're bound to notice the physical reminders of the town's past, especially if you take on the self-guided Shoshone Historic Walking Tour.
Brochures for the tour can be picked up at the Lincoln County Visitor Center, which in itself is a historic destination. From here, you can set off on the suggested route to some of the town's most iconic buildings, like the Lincoln County Courthouse and the McFall Hotel.
Learning the story behind each of these building allows you to appreciate its history even more. Built at the beginning of the 20th century, this Episcopal Church has been through a lot. It even survived a fire in the 1960s caused by lightning. A cracked bell next to the church serves as a reminder of that same fire!
The Bethany Lodge, also known as the Masonic Lodge, is another fascinating destination. Built in 1902, the buildings originally contained an opera house downstairs and a lodge upstairs. Today, it's home to the Lincoln County Historical Society and Museum.
Although modest compared to other train depots, the Union Pacific Railroad Depot perfectly exemplifies the Mission-style with brick corners and white stucco. Amtrak officially ceased operations in the area in 1997, but the building is still occasionally used by Union Pacific employees.
There's a ton of history waiting to be uncovered on the Shoshone Historic Walking Tour. Consider it time to plan a day trip to this lovely community to see these century-old buildings for yourself. Learn more about the tour and the structures you'll see here.
Have you visited this historic small town before? What’s your favorite thing about Shoshone? I’m personally a big fan of the Shoshone Snack Bar! Share your thoughts with us in the comments below and fill out a nomination form for any destinations you’d like to see featured at Only In Idaho!
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