Idaho definitely has its fair share of world records. From the longest gondola ride in the world to the deepest river gorge in North America, there are plenty of things that our state is notable for. Heck, we’re even home to the largest beagle in the world. But did you know Idaho also contains what is possibly the longest main street on earth? It’s true! However, this street is probably in the last place you’d expect it. It can be found in the tiny town of Island Park, and you’ll definitely want to see it with your own eyes.
The tiny town of Island Park in the eastern corner of Idaho may be home to only 286 people, but it's here that you'll find the longest main street in the world. At 33 miles long, you'll be hard pressed to find a main street that tops this one!
It seems weird that one of the tiniest towns in Idaho is home to one of the longest streets. However, the entire town resides off of this very street. Island Park's main street is also its only street.
The town wasn't incorporated until 1947 for licensing purposes. This way the businesses along this section of Highway 20 could get around Idaho's liquor laws that ban the sale of liquor outside of city limits.
Island Park could possibly be the "skinniest" town in the world, as well. The city limits follow the 33-mile stretch of highway, and is only 500 feet wide in some places. There are some residential areas off the main street, but for the most part you can see the entire city just by driving through it.
It may seem odd that this "main street" doesn't contain a plethora of shops, boutiques, and restaurants like you'd expect of a city's main street. That's not the highlight of Island Park. Instead, the focus is on the abundance of natural beauty in this region of Idaho.
Nature has never looked better than how it looks here. There is a uniquely unspoiled aspect to Island Park's natural areas. The town acts as a gateway for adventure, offering easy access to places like Henry's Lake and Harriman State Park.
Island Park may attract visitors for boasting the world's longest main street, but it's the pristine natural areas that make them stay. This place may be small, but there sure is a lot to see here!
Did you know Idaho was home to the longest main street? Take a look at these other bizarre Idaho world records for even more notable places to visit in our state.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
