There is something special about small towns, and here in Idaho, we are blessed with some of the best. In fact, Idaho just wouldn’t be the same without its charming and idyllic small towns that dot our entire state. Whether you are looking to make a small town your home or you just want a weekend escape that is unforgettable, in no particular order, here are nine of the best small towns in Idaho – which ones will you add to your bucket list?

1. Bonners Ferry
Bonners Ferry, ID 83805, USA
Bonners Ferry Police Department/Facebook
Bonners Ferry is located in the panhandle and absolutely beautiful. This small town sits along the banks of the Kootenai River and is gorgeous any time of the year (but fall is one of our favorites!). Bonners Ferry features a must-visit downtown area, and it is near the Kootenai Wildlife Refuge and several waterfalls like the popular Copper Falls.

Check out this short video for a first look at Bonners Ferry, Idaho:
2. Stanley
Stanley, ID 83278, USA
Lidija Kamansky/Moment Via Getty Images
Stanley is one small mountain town in Idaho that is easy to fall in love with. it sits near the picturesque Sawtooth Mountains and the Salmon River, creating an almost unreal beauty. The town is certainly small with a population of less than 300, but it is home to more outdoor recreational opportunities than most others in the state.
3. Wallace
Wallace, ID 83873, USA
P. A. H/Flickr
Wallace is one of the most unique, charming, and bucket-list-worthy small towns in Idaho. This small town dates back to 1884 and features a rich mining history. As you explore Wallace, you’ll find incredible shops, motels, and restaurants, but one of its highlights is that this town claims to be the center of the Universe.
4. Driggs
Driggs, ID, USA
Rob & Dawn Shrewsbury/Flickr
Driggs is located in Teton Valley in eastern Idaho and is home to approximately 2,500 residents. This town boasts a delightful downtown area filled with restaurants, boutiques, and so much more. Plus, there are all types of outdoor activities from hikes to scenic drives that will take your breath away.

Wondering what to do while in Driggs? Let this short video give you some (amazing) ideas:

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5. Moscow
Moscow, ID, USA
Jasper Nance/Flickr
You’ll find Moscow in the heart of the Palouse Region in northern Idaho. This charming town is centered around the University of Idaho and is home to fabulous locally-owned shops and restaurants. When you visit, make sure you stop by the University of Idaho Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Any time of year, this botanical garden is stunning.
6. Preston
Preston, ID 83263, USA
Ken Lund/Flickr
Preston, a charming farm town in southern Idaho, is where you can find peace and quiet. During a visit, explore the town and visit its historic buildings, take a drive on the Pioneer Scenic Byway, and even check out the many filming locations from the popular film "Napoleon Dynamite."
7. St. Maries
Saint Maries, St Maries, ID 83861, USA
Jonathan Fischer/Google
When many Idahoans think of small towns in Idaho, St. Maries is often overlooked. This charming small town in northern Idaho is an outdoor lover’s paradise. St. Maries is surrounded by multiple rivers and lakes, providing incredible hiking, fishing, and rafting opportunities.
8. Idaho City
Idaho City, ID 83631, USA
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
When you visit Idaho City, you will feel like you have stepped into the Wild West. This town is peak Old West vibes and is home to numerous hidden gems like BoCo Sluice Box, Boise Basin Museum, and Trudy’s Kitchen, where you can enjoy a slice of some of the best pie in Idaho.
9. Homedale
Homedale, ID 83628, USA
Nicholas D./Flickr
Homedale is located in Owyhee County and is part of the Boise metropolitan area. This small town sits right along the Snake River, creating some beautiful landscapes. Homedale is where you will find unique businesses like a bowling alley that sells prime rib and a tiny shop that sells some of the best hot dogs in the state.

What small towns do you think define Idaho? Did we leave any off of this list? Let us know in the comments!

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More to Explore

Best Small Towns in Idaho

Tori Jane | March 10, 2023
  1. What are some of the best small towns in Idaho? 

Idaho is home to lots of beautiful small towns, all of which are perfect for calling home! Some of our favorite small towns in Idaho are towns like: 

  • Paris – Such a romantic name for a beautiful little town! Paris is wonderful for solo parties or entire families, with good schools and excellent outdoorsy options.  
  • Oakley – This tiny little town is so beautiful that it feels more like something out of a postcard or snow globe than a real place.  
  • Melba – Want something away from it all? Melba is a delightful small town where everything is a little far away, and we like it like that.  

 

Learn more about each of these small towns in Idaho, as well as several more!    

  1. Which small towns in Idaho are good for vacationing? 

When people think about vacation destinations, they probably don’t think about Idaho – but perhaps they should. Idaho is a wonderful place to get away from literally everything, and it’s got some little towns that are perfect for the occasion. Some of the best small towns in ID for vacations are ones including:  

  • Weiser – This small town is close to lots of wonderful outdoor attractions, like the Weiser and Snake River confluence area.  
  • Mullan – This is a snowy mountain town that used to be big in the mining industry, but today it’s big in the relaxing industry.  
  • Wallace – If you’re a fan of the outdoors, Idaho is definitely for you, especially somewhere like beautiful Wallace, where there’s plenty to do indoors and outdoors.  

 

Learn more about these amazing vacation towns in Idaho. Where will you go next?   

  1. What are some fun things to do in Idaho? 

People often confuse Idaho with somewhere a lot more boring. Anyone who knows anything about this state knows that it’s so much more than just small towns and potatoes. Some of our favorite things to do in Idaho are things like:  

  • Chase waterfalls – Believe it or not, there are several truly breathtaking cascades in Idaho, and all of them are worth a day trip.  
  • Go ziplining – You’d be amazed at how fun this is. Head to Twin Falls for the ultimate ziplining adventure!  
  • Yellowstone Bear World – You can feed bear cubs. We’re pretty sure it doesn’t get any more amazing than that.  

 

Learn more about all these fun things to do in Idaho, plus loads more. What’ll you try first?   

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