The 7 Coziest Towns In Idaho To Snuggle Up In This Season
By Courtnie Erickson|Published January 07, 2022
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Courtnie Erickson
Author
From Southern Utah to the Panhandle in Idaho, Courtnie Erickson has lived in what she believes are the best (and the most beautiful!) areas in the country. She graduated with a journalism degree from Utah State University and has more than 15 years of professional writing experience. You’ll likely see her with a Dr. Pepper in her hand and a pair of running shoes on her feet. Courtnie is a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState.
Winter in Idaho can be cold and bitter. However, it can also be breathtaking and offer some of the most stunning scenery of the entire year. You can enjoy all that the Gem State has to offer during the winter months by visiting some of the coziest, most charming small towns in Idaho. In no particular order, we’ve compiled a list of some of the coziest towns in Idaho that you’ll want to visit and snuggle up in this winter season. Which one are you going to visit first?
Driggs may become one of your favorite winter destinations in Idaho. Not only is this area absolutely stunning during the snowy months of the year, but you can enjoy a sleigh ride and dinner at Linn Canyon Ranch. If you want a little more adventure, visit Grand Targhee Resort, near Driggs (just over the Wyoming border), for a day of Cat Skiing.
When you think of cozy places to stay in Idaho, Ririe usually isn’t at the top of the list - but it should be. Ririe is near Heise Hot Springs, where you can soak in the mineral hot spring that boasts an average temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, stop by Heise Pizza Parlor for some delicious pizza and other tasty treats. If you want to head to the mountain, Kelly Ski Resort is just a short drive away.
Idaho City is located north of Boise and is one of the smaller towns on our list with approximately 500 residents. This small town is the perfect place to just walk around and browse the small stores that line Main Street. Idaho City has a fascinating history that you can learn all about on a self-guided walking tour or a guided historic tour. During your cozy winter stay, make sure you book a visit at The Springs, a hot springs retreat in Idaho City.
During the winter, Island Park becomes a frosty wonderland. This area receives approximately 200 inches of snow each year. If you want to spend a winter day outdoors, there are many snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing opportunities available in this area. You may also want to rent a cabin, snuggle up, and watch the snow fall.
Kellogg is one of the best places in Idaho to enjoy a wintry landscape. While here, visit Silver Mountain Ski Resort and enjoy the longest gondola ride in the country. You can also sit in the lodge and relax with a hot beverage. If you are dreaming of warmer weather, head to Silver Rapids Indoor Waterpark, one of the best indoor waterparks in Idaho.
In our opinion, winter is one of the best times of the year to visit the small town of McCall. This Idaho town offers a long list of winter activities that the entire family will love. Not only are there multiple ski resorts nearby including Brundage Mountain Resort and Little Ski Hill, but there are also more than 500 miles of groomed snowmobile trails in the area. You can also spend the day soaking in Burgdorf Hot Springs or bring your family along to the McCall Activity Barn for a day of snow tubing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and more.
Mountain Home is another excellent place to visit during the winter in Idaho. In the Trinity Mountains and Fairfield areas, you will find more than 350 miles of snowmobile trails. You can spend the day snowshoeing, sledding, or trying your hand at kite skiing. Make sure you plan a visit to Bruneau Dunes State Park, which offers year-round camping opportunities and the largest telescope for public viewing in Idaho. However, keep in mind that the observatory may have limited hours due to the COVID pandemic and other factors.
Are there any small, cozy towns in Idaho that we left off the list? Tell us and your fellow travelers what small towns you suggest visiting this winter in the comments!
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