The Gem State is home to some of the most charming small towns. While the various landscapes and scenery may cause you to visit these small towns in Idaho, the downtown areas are what will make you want to stay and explore. Our state is filled with many incredible small towns with awesome downtown areas and we’ve compiled a list of the best. For those of you who have ever wondered about “the best small towns near me,” read on!

1. Rigby
Rigby, ID 83442, USA
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
Rigby truly is the definition of a charming small town. If you are craving a sweet treat during your visit, we highly recommend the Cookie Cottage or Teton Ice Cream Parlor. At both locations, your taste buds will thank you for visiting. Don’t forget to stop by the Farnsworth TV and Pioneer Museum to learn about the creation of television and some interesting oddities and inventions.
2. Moscow
Moscow, ID, USA
Jasperdo/Flickr
Moscow, located in the northern part of the state, is home to the University of Idaho. It is also located amidst the rolling Palouse hills and is absolutely stunning no matter the time of year that you visit. However, despite all that there is around this small town, downtown Moscow is a must-visit location. Stop by Bucer’s Coffee House Pub or Café Artista for a hot cup of coffee. BookPeople of Moscow is located on Main Street and is the most darling locally-owned bookstore around.
3. Driggs
Driggs, ID, USA
Ken Lund/Flickr
There is no doubt that Driggs belongs on this list. While the scenery around the town is breathtaking, the downtown area is absolutely wonderful. As you walk around downtown Driggs, you’ll find many locally-owned boutiques and one-of-a-kind shops. If you are hungry, stop by Teton Grind Coffee Co., Forage Bistro and Lounge, or Provision Kitchen for some tasty food.

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4. Paris
Paris, ID, USA
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr
Paris is one of the smallest towns on our list with a population of just over 500. However, that doesn’t mean Paris's downtown area isn’t worth the visit. Paris, Idaho, has quite the pioneer-feel and many historic buildings line its streets. The Paris Tabernacle is one historic building that is a beautiful city landmark and well worth a visit to its grounds. You may also want to spend an afternoon walking the shops that line this small town's Main Street.
5. St. Maries
Saint Maries, St Maries, ID 83861, USA
St. Maries Chamber of Commerce/Facebook
St. Maries is a small town located in north-central Idaho with a population of just over 2,000. This small town in Idaho sits in the St. Joe River Valley and all throughout the town, including its downtown, it is absolutely enchanting. Not only are there tons of shops for you to stroll through, but make sure you stop by the Hughes House Museum, which was originally built in 1902 by the St. Maries Men’s Club.
6. Wallace
Wallace, ID 83873, USA
D Guisinger/Flickr
There is no doubt about it, Wallace, Idaho, is absolutely stunning. From the mountain landscapes to the beautiful downtown area, this is one small town in Idaho you may have a hard time leaving. The entire town is on the National Register of Historic Places but make sure to check out the downtown area to see all that it has to offer. The beautiful storefronts and the incredible architecture make this a photo-worthy town that must be on your bucket list.
7. Idaho City
Idaho City, ID 83631, USA
Idaho City Chamber/Facebook
Idaho City is often referred to as a ghost town, but with a population of over 500 residents, it is thriving and certainly worth a visit. As you walk through the main streets of Idaho City, you’ll receive quite the western feel. Pay attention to the remarkable architecture. With many of these buildings, you’ll feel like you are walking in an old western movie. Consider taking the walking tour of Idaho City to learn even more about the history of this small town, the buildings, and the beautiful area.

So, what do you think? Did your favorite small-town downtown area make the list? Are there any small towns in Idaho that you would add to this list? What makes your small town so great? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

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Sarah M. | September 18, 2022

What are the best small-town getaways in Idaho?

Did you know that people travel from all over the country to ski at the superlative Sun Valley -- right here in Idaho? This famous mountain town in central Idaho is legendary; it's where the world's first chairlifts were installed in 1936, helping to cement its status as a modern ski resort destination. (In fact, the oldest resort in America is in Sun Valley!) Here you'll find an abundance of winter activities to enjoy, from skiing and snowboarding to even sleigh rides and ice skating during the holidays. If you visit during the warmer months, there are myriad outdoor activities to enjoy, too, from hiking and horseback riding to fly-fishing and golf, making Sun Valley an all-around appealing destination any time of the year.

Another area in Idaho we simply adore is the Snake River Valley, a marvelous place for a getaway in the Gem State. Idaho may be best-known for its scenic vistas, world-class skiing, and epic outdoor recreation, but did you know that our state was home to the first wineries in the Pacific Northwest? And within the 70+ wineries and 1,300 acres of grapevines found in the Gem State, most are centered in the Snake River Valley, Idaho’s first American Viticultural Area, in fact. Here, a high elevation, moderate climate, and minimal rainfall make it more conducive to growing grapes, including riesling, chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, and syrah. Up until the last several years, most people were completely unaware that the Snake River Valley was producing such unforgettable wine, which makes it a true hidden gem getaway. Of course, the towns in this area — Twin Falls, Lewiston, Boise — are definitely not "small" towns in Idaho, per se, but compared to some of the larger locales in the U.S., they're definitely on the smaller side and full of undeniable small-town heart and soul.

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