Idaho
10 Oldest Founded Small Towns to Visit in Idaho
Idaho’s rich history is reflected in its many well-preserved small towns, each with unique stories from the state’s early settlement period. With a colorful heritage shaped by a mix of Old West folklore, mining booms and busts, and frontier spirit, Idaho offers visitors glimpses into the past through its oldest established towns. From the gold rush era to conflicts with Native American tribes and pioneers carving lives from rugged lands, these antique small towns to visit in Idaho paint a vivid picture of lives and times long gone.
Exploring some of Idaho’s first founded small towns allows a step back in time to appreciate the foundations built by hardy settlers braving the Idaho frontier. Whether an indoor or outdoor enthusiast, remarkable experiences await in the following lovely localities of the Gem State.
Idaho City
Idaho City’s history dates back to its founding in 1862 during the Boise Basin gold rush. This rich history comes alive when you stroll through the Idaho City Historic District. The quaint neighborhood holds most of the city’s past secrets, well-preserved in a rich cluster of old buildings, museums, and old markets. Among the region’s highlights is the Boise Basin Museum, which delivers an exciting trip to the gold rush era through a fascinating display of artifacts. While immersing in the town’s mining heritage, visitors can discover cute antiques to add to your souvenir box at the Idaho City Trading Company.
Several eateries and watering holes make up a vibrant entertainment district in Idaho City, ensuring visitors can unwind after a long day exploring the town. The Gold Mine Grill is an excellent spot for first-timers, known for its tasty meals, friendly service, and welcoming atmosphere.
Wallace
This quiet riverine community is in the heart of the Idaho Panhandle’s Silver Valley mining district. Wallace’s lovely downtown promises various fun experiences and encourages tourists to explore the town’s rich history. Booking a trip with the Sierra Silver Mine Tour provides a unique perspective of Wallace’s mining heritage during an exciting underground expedition. Visiting the Wallace District Mining Museum offers a vivid glimpse into the mining heydays by exhibiting numerous artifacts, old photographs, relics, and memorabilia from the period.
This historical experience continues at the Oasis Bordello Museum, which further presents hints of Wallace’s mining exploits. However, if you want a break from history, Sixth Street Theater & Melodrama stages entertaining live performances that will be an ideal alternative.
Montpelier
This small farming community in the Bear Lake Valley region of southern Idaho promises much to look forward to indoors and outdoors. Historically inclined visitors will gravitate towards the National Oregon/California Trail Center, whose various exhibits transport guests back to the historic Oregon Trail days. The Bank of Montpelier is a stark reminder of an infamous event in the town. The bank was the site of a publicized robbery by Butch Cassidy and his Bunch Gang in 1896. Despite this, it is the only bank in the United States to be robbed by the gang that remains standing.
Stepping outside, the Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge beckons wildlife enthusiasts with rare sightseeing opportunities. The delightful sanctuary, comprising grasslands and marshlands, hosts over 160 migratory bird species and is a popular spot for nature lovers and photographers.
Weiser
This relaxed rural community on the confluence of the Snake River and Weiser Rivers was named after the landmark waterway that cuts through its territory. Weiser’s claim to fame is the National Oldtime Fiddlers’ Contest, a popular gathering featuring a classic music competition and festival. Founded in 1871, tourists can explore its diverse heritage by walking around its beautiful downtown. Several exhibits carefully highlight Weiser’s history and culture at the Snake River Heritage Centre. A sprawling wilderness around the town invites immersion in the great outdoors with demanding hiking and biking excursions along the 84-mile Weiser River Trail Head.
Those who can stand the grind may opt for a more easygoing golf session at Rolling Hills Golf Course. The 9-hole course features well-maintained greens with breathtaking views against the horizon and accommodates all skill levels.
Pierce
One of the oldest mining towns to visit in Idaho, Pierce’s captivating history goes back to the 1860s and includes mining and logging heritages. The town is home to the Pierce Courthouse, the state’s oldest public house. This rusty wooded structure was constructed in 1862 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Meanwhile, the Howard Broadbury Memorial Logging Museum introduces visitors to the town’s logging history. The museum harbors a colorful artifact collection offering a window into the history of the mining and logging industry.
Pierce invites newcomers to join the town in celebrating its rich history during the Pierce 1860 Days. This family-friendly extravaganza sees residents and tourists congregate at the town square to mark its vibrant past with songs, dance, and art. With this, the square makes for one of the best times to visit Pierce.
Bonners Ferry
Sitting less than 30 miles from the Canadian border, Bonners Ferry is considered the gateway to northern Idaho. This historic town is an aesthetically pleasing town with picturesque landscapes punctuated by rolling mountain peaks, dense forests, and the scenic Kootenai River. Those curious to explore local history can stop by the Boundary County Museum, which previews life in Bonners Ferry in the 1860s through archives and old photographs. The town’s artistic personality shines through Tears Scarlet Fine Art, a quaint art gallery displaying beautiful pieces by local and regional artists.
Bonners Ferry is an excellent escape for outdoor enthusiasts, promising numerous opportunities across its vast backcountry. Exploring the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge exposes you to vibrant biodiversity, rare animal and bird species, and lush flora.
Lewiston
Established in 1861 during the advent of the Idaho gold rush, Lewiston became the territory’s first capital. This town has a rich historical heritage that tourists can learn about at the Nez Perce County Historical Society, which hosts interactive exhibits exploring the town’s history and culture from its pre-settlement days. Lewistown is also a gateway to the vast Hells Gate State Park. This scenic outdoor escape delights with numerous recreational activities, from hiking and camping to picnicking and water sports.
Wine lovers can look forward to exciting tasting opportunities at the town’s various wineries and vineyards. Lindsay Creek Vineyards not only introduces you to some of the best wine varieties in the region, but also the beauty of Lewiston’s picturesque outdoors.
Sandpoint
This four-season destination on the scenic shores of Lake Pend Oreille wows visitors with its breathtaking natural attractions. This town is notably home to the Schweitzer Ski Resort, a regional hub for winter sports enthusiasts. Tourists love to visit Sandpoint City Beach Park, a quiet oasis offering access to lake beaches and fun aquatic activities. Available amenities include picnicking, swimming, playgrounds, ball fields, and walking paths. For a glimpse of local history, the Bonner County Historical Society & Museum welcomes guests to explore various exhibits exploring Sandpoint’s vibrant past since its founding in 1898.
Additionally, another historical landmark that serves as a regional arts hub is Panida Theater. This rustic venue has entertained audiences since the early 1900s by staging live performances and screening films.
Silver City
Earning a spot in the National Register of Historic Places, this deserted town of Owyhee County charms visitors with its gold and silver mining heritage. At its peak, Silver City was a vibrant community of around 2,500 but lost its appeal when mining activity declined. Today, you can explore its rich history by visiting several landmarks and sites. The Poorman Mine is an excellent start in Silver City, whose rugged remains remind visitors of a once-thriving mining town during its 1860s peak days.
A short drive to neighboring Murphy allows tourists access to the Owyhee County Historical Museum, where diverse artifacts and archives hint at Silver City’s past. Meanwhile, Silver City Mountain Range harbors picturesque trails that invite adventurers to discover the great outdoors.
Salmon
A dream come true for outdoorsy travelers, Salmon was founded in 1867 and offers exciting experiences across its indoor and outdoor attractions. As the seat of Lemhi County, this town houses the Lemhi County Historical Society, home to a fine selection of artifacts and memorabilia documenting regional history and culture. Meanwhile, the Sacajawea Interpretive, Cultural, and Educational Center allows visitors to discover unique traditions in a beautiful location with hiking trails and intimate statues.
Salomon’s scenic outdoor scenery delivers fun experiences in the open spaces, thanks to its rich network of natural gems. Goldbug Hot Springs is a natural wonder surrounded by rugged landscapes and secluded hiking trails. Finally, local outfitters, including Helfrich River Outfitters, plan adrenaline-inducing rafting opportunities to delight adventurers.
In the highlighted small towns to visit in Idaho, history comes alive through enduring buildings, artifacts in local museums, and tales from long-time residents. A walk through the quiet, weathered streets silently tells stories of hardships and triumphs. Though modernized in many respects, these towns’ roots remain visible in archival photos, newspaper clippings, and carefully preserved structures. Travelers gain new perspectives on lives lived long before their own time. Most importantly, support for preserving these unique towns ensures new generations can experience Idaho’s formative beginnings through its special municipalities.
MISSOULA, Mont. — An Idaho Falls angler is back in the Idaho record books after landing a record-setting lake trout at Payette Lake.
Idaho Fish and Game said Dylan Smith caught and released a 43.25-inch lake trout on May 2, setting a new state catch-and-release record for the species. The fish surpassed the previous record of 42 inches.
The catch marks Smith’s second appearance in Idaho’s record books. He previously held the state catch-and-release lake trout record after landing a trophy fish in 2018 before that mark was later broken.
According to Fish and Game, Payette Lake has become one of Idaho’s premier lake trout fisheries thanks to years of management efforts aimed at improving both lake trout and kokanee populations.
Pride Month looks different this June along Boise’s Harrison Boulevard, where a long-standing tradition of hanging Pride flags on lamp posts has been put on hold after a new state law restricted which flags can be flown on government property.
For several years, Pride flags lined lamp posts along Harrison Boulevard in Boise’s North End neighborhood. But Idaho House Bill 561, signed by Gov. Brad Little in March, restricts which flags can be flown on government property, including the City of Boise’s Harrison lamp posts.
In response, a group of neighbors formed Pride North End and launched a distribution effort to help residents show support from their own front yards. The group has been making Pride flags and yard signs available to people who want to display them at home.
“I thought that I would…be a personal example of ‘yes, this is what I do.’ This is what I believe in,” said Edna Schochat, a North End resident.
Pride North End has already distributed more than 900-yard signs and 250 flags. The group’s original donation goal was around $2,000 to order 100 flags and 200 yard signs, but it has exceeded that GoFundMe goal, reaching $10,000 worth of donations.
The group plans to continue holding public flag and sign distributions through the end of the month.
“We cannot just say something without doing something that proves that we mean what we say,” Schochat said.
Pride North End said any leftover funds after materials are distributed will go to local LGBTQ+ nonprofits. A link to the group’s GoFundMe can be found here.
July 1 isn’t just the start of a new fiscal year for Idaho public schools. It’s also the effective date for many new education-related laws.
From mandatory moments of silence to restrictions on taxpayer funding for teachers’ unions, the Legislature enacted a slew of new policies affecting public schools during this year’s session.
Here’s what educators, parents and students should know:
School trustees, administrators and teachers
Here are the new laws that will affect school trustees, administrators and teachers:
Union activities. Public schools can no longer use taxpayer resources to accommodate teachers’ unions — including by giving teachers paid time off for union “activities” or by using payroll systems to deduct union dues.
The list of union “activities” in House Bill 516 is long. Among other things, it includes:
- Supporting or opposing candidates for office
- Influencing legislation
- Promoting union membership
- Participating in the “administration business or internal governance” of a teachers’ union
- Preparing, conducting or attending a union event
- Distributing union communications
- Speaking on the union’s behalf
- Engaging in union negotiations
- Filing a grievance on behalf of the union
A school district can’t give teachers paid time off to participate in these activities, unless the union reimburses the district.
HB 516 was based on a report from the Washington-based Freedom Foundation, an anti-union think tank, which alleged that public schools have spent more than $1 million subsidizing teachers’ unions.
The bill also prohibited districts from:
- Deducting union dues through payroll systems.
- Increasing teacher pay to cover union dues.
- Requiring that teachers meet with the union.
- Sharing employees’ contact information with the union.
- Communicating on the union’s behalf.
Civics instruction. Public schools must now ensure that their civics instruction aligns with a law aimed at cultivating the “virtue and knowledge necessary for self-government.”
Senate Bill 1336 codified nearly four pages of requirements for civics instruction. By the time public school students graduate, they must exemplify the virtues of “prudence, justice, fortitude, moderation and patriotism” while understanding the “fundamental principles of the nation’s republican form of government” along with the “history, meaning, significance, and effect of key historical documents.”
Click here to read the list of principles and texts that students must understand.
The bill also required that high school students complete two credits in American history and two credits in American government. These classes must include instruction on the American Revolution and founding along with instruction on the incompatibility of totalitarianism with the principles of American government.
The bill also “encouraged” public schools to display historical portraits of George Washington “in a conspicuous place” in each classroom where civics is taught.
Public charter schools can request an exemption from many of the new requirements. Traditional public schools cannot.
Lastly, the bill pushed back the implementation date for a new civics test that the Idaho Department of Education is writing. The new test will be required in 2027-28, rather than during the upcoming school year.
High-needs funding. Public schools are now eligible to receive up to $100,000 in state funding for “high-needs” special education students.
Senate Bill 1288 set aside $5 million for students who require full-time staff support or specialized equipment. Districts can apply for the state funds to cover students whose individual education program-related costs exceed $30,000 annually.
The state will fully reimburse costs between $30,000 and $80,000. Costs above $80,000 will be reimbursed at 80%, and reimbursement is capped at $100,000. Forty percent of the state funds are reserved for rural schools.
Sexual abuse reporting. School districts are no longer allowed to conduct an internal investigation of abuse in lieu of reporting an incident to law enforcement.
Sen. Tammy Nichols, R-Middleton, proposed the law in response to sexual abuse complaints against Gavin Snow, a former special education assistant in the Boise School District.
Senate Bill 1412, which passed with unanimous support, also requires that school districts ask job applicants for sworn statements disclosing pending or prior investigations, resignations during investigations or disciplinary action stemming from misconduct. An applicant who lies in the disclosure is no longer eligible for the job.
Funding flexibility. Public school districts and charter schools are now eligible for flexibility in how they spend state funds — if they meet performance benchmarks.
To qualify for the “earned autonomy,” districts would have to post high marks on test scores and graduation rates while charters would be graded on academics and financials.
House Bill 883’s sponsors estimated that about 10 districts and 15 charters would qualify.
Parents
Here are the new laws that parents should be aware of:
Social transition reporting. Parents will now have a right to be notified if their child identifies as a different gender at school. Schools could face a six-figure penalty for failing to comply.
House Bill 822 requires that public school officials notify parents within 72 hours if their child requests help with “social transitioning.” This includes when a student asks to go by a different pronoun or use a bathroom or participate on a sports team that doesn’t align with their birth sex.
Sponsored by Rep. Bruce Skaug, R-Nampa, the law gives parents the right to sue a school or healthcare provider for relief and monetary damages if they aren’t notified within the 72-hour window.
The attorney general can also seek a civil penalty up to $100,000.
Rep. Bruce Skaug, R-Nampa
Virtual school policy. Parents of virtual-school students will have new restrictions on money they receive to cover the costs of home learning.
After a state report last year found examples of taxpayer money being misused, lawmakers added limits on “supplemental learning funds.” According to House Bill 624, this money can only be spent on “eligible educational expenses, including:
- Computer hardware, internet access or other devices used to meet a student’s educational needs.
- Textbooks, curricula or other instructional materials, including educational software.
- Fees for standardized tests, advanced placement exams, certificate exams or college admissions exams.
- Therapies, including behavioral, physical, speech-language and audiology therapies, along with other State Board of Education-approved services.
In addition to the rules around supplemental learning funds, HB 624 added reporting requirements for private vendors that contract with virtual schools. Vendors must disclose the costs and services they provide while demonstrating a “clear relationship between the public funds received and the services provided.”
Military preference on charter waitlists. Active-duty military parents could be eligible for preference on charter school waitlists.
Lawmakers passed a bill that allows charter schools to place children from military families third among categories of students given preference on waitlists. It’s up to each charter school whether they implement the change.
Students
Here are the new laws that students should know about:
Moment of silence. Public school students will now have to start each school day with a moment of silence.
They can use the 60 seconds however they want — to reflect, meditate or pray — but they must be silent, and “no other activities shall take place,” according to House Bill 623.
Sponsored by Rep. Bruce Skaug, R-Nampa, the law requires that a moment of silence occur “at or near the beginning of each school day.” It prohibits teachers from instructing students on the “nature of any reflection” they might engage in.
School leaders also must notify parents about the moment of silence and “encourage” them to “provide guidance” to their children on how to use it, according to the law.
Idaho Launch cuts. Less state aid will be available for students going to college after they graduate in 2027.
For the current fiscal year and next fiscal year starting July 1, state lawmakers — with Gov. Brad Little’s approval — cut $10 million from Idaho Launch. The program offers high school graduates $8,000 to spend on an in-state higher education degree or workforce training certificate.
While the award amounts will remain the same, the state now has $65 million in scholarship money to dole out, compared to $75 million in previous years.
IDLA cuts. Fewer students are eligible to take discounted courses through the state’s online learning platform, the Idaho Digital Learning Alliance (IDLA).
House Bill 940 cut funding for IDLA’s elementary program, limiting the platform to students in grades 6-12. The bill also cut driver’s education, and eliminated state funding for students attending all-virtual schools and non-public schools — although private- and home-schoolers can pay IDLA’s full course fee and seek reimbursement through the Parental Choice Tax Credit.
HB 940 also set new fees for courses that are eligible for state funding. Courses that satisfy a graduation requirement are $40, while courses that don’t meet a graduation requirement are $100.
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