Idaho, known for its stunning landscapes and diverse recreational opportunities, is home to several small towns with distinctive and beautiful downtown areas. These towns offer a delightful blend of commercial and natural/historic landmarks, ensuring there is something for everyone. Whether you enjoy strolling through historic streets lined with unique boutiques, dining at charming local eateries, or exploring scenic parks and cultural sites, these towns have it all. From the picturesque shores of Payette Lake in McCall to the artistic flair of Ketchum, each town provides a unique experience. Here are nine towns in Idaho with the best downtown areas in 2024, each with its own unique charm and attractions.
Sandpoint
First Avenue through downtown Sandpoint, Idaho. Editorial credit: Kirk Fisher / Shutterstock.com
Sandpoint, located on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille, is renowned for its picturesque downtown area. The historic Panida Theater, built in 1927, is a cultural hub hosting films, plays, and concerts throughout the year. Visitors can also explore the Cedar Street Bridge Public Market, a unique shopping experience built over Sand Creek.
The town’s downtown area is pedestrian-friendly, with numerous boutique shops, art galleries, and cafes lining the streets. City Beach Park, a short walk from downtown, offers lake access, swimming, picnicking, and scenic views. Sandpoint’s downtown area blends historical charm with modern amenities, making it a must-visit destination.
Ketchum
City view in Ketchum, Idaho. By Frank Schulenburg, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Ketchum, nestled in the Wood River Valley, is known for its vibrant arts scene and outdoor activities. The Sun Valley Museum of Art, located in downtown Ketchum, hosts diverse art exhibitions and educational programs. Visitors can also walk through the town’s historic district, featuring a mix of unique shops, galleries, and restaurants.
Nearby, the Sawtooth National Recreation Area offers hiking, biking, and fishing, complementing the town’s cultural offerings. The Ketchum Farmers Market, held weekly during the summer months, is a popular gathering spot for locals and tourists alike. Ketchum’s downtown area combines cultural richness with natural beauty, making it an ideal destination.
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McCall
Winter scene of McCall, Idaho.
McCall, situated on the shores of Payette Lake, boasts a charming downtown area filled with attractions. The historic McCall Hotel and local shops give the town a quaint and welcoming feel. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll through Legacy Park, which offers beautiful lake views and picnic spots.
Ponderosa State Park, located near downtown, provides numerous hiking and biking trails through scenic forests and along the lake shore. The McCall Winter Carnival, an annual event held downtown, features ice sculptures, parades, and live music. McCall’s downtown area is a delightful blend of historic charm and natural beauty, making it a perfect destination for visitors.
Hailey
J.C. Fox Building in Hailey, Idaho. By Acroterion, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Hailey, located in the Wood River Valley, has a vibrant downtown area with a strong sense of community. The Hailey Farmers Market, which is held downtown, is a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors to enjoy fresh produce and handmade goods. The town’s historic buildings and local shops create a welcoming atmosphere.
Nearby, the Draper Preserve and Hailey Greenway offer scenic walking and biking trails along the Big Wood River. The annual Northern Rockies Music Festival, held in the heart of downtown, showcases local and national musicians. Hailey’s downtown area combines cultural events and outdoor activities, making it a lively and engaging destination.
Wallace
Historic main street of Wallace, Idaho, USA. Editorial credit: Kirk Fisher / Shutterstock.com
Wallace, a historic mining town, has a downtown area that feels like stepping back in time. The entire town is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, with well-preserved buildings and fascinating museums. The Wallace District Mining Museum offers insights into the town’s rich mining history.
Downtown Wallace also features unique shops, antique stores, and local eateries. The nearby Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, a scenic biking and walking trail, provides beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and rivers. Wallace’s downtown area is a perfect blend of history and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination.
Moscow
Aerial view of the University of Idaho campus in Moscow, Idaho.
Moscow, home to the University of Idaho, has a downtown area bustling with activity and cultural attractions. The Moscow Farmers Market, held downtown, is one of the largest in the state, offering fresh produce, handmade crafts, and live music. The Kenworthy Performing Arts Centre hosts live theater, concerts, and film screenings.
The downtown area is also home to numerous parks, including East City Park, which offers green spaces and walking paths. The Latah Trail, connecting Moscow to Troy, provides a scenic route for walking and biking. Moscow’s downtown area is a vibrant and welcoming place with a perfect mix of cultural and natural attractions.
Driggs
Street view of Driggs, Idaho. Editorial credit: RaksyBH / Shutterstock.com
Driggs, located in the Teton Valley, has a charming downtown area with a mix of historic and modern attractions. The downtown streets are lined with local shops, art galleries, and restaurants. The Teton Geotourism Center offers information about the region’s unique geology and natural attractions.
Nearby, the Teton River provides opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. The Grand Targhee Resort, just a short drive from downtown, offers skiing in the winter and hiking and biking in the summer. Driggs’s downtown area is a delightful blend of cultural and natural attractions, making it a perfect destination for visitors.
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Eagle
Street view of downtown Eagle. By Rickmouser45, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Eagle, located just west of Boise, has a downtown area that offers a small-town feel with modern amenities. The downtown area is home to a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere. The Eagle Saturday Market, held downtown, features local vendors and live music.
Nearby, the Eagle Island State Park provides opportunities for hiking, fishing, and picnicking in a beautiful natural setting. The Boise River Greenbelt, accessible from downtown, offers scenic walking and biking trails along the river. Eagle’s downtown area combines urban conveniences with natural beauty, making it a great place to visit.
Victor
Theatre building in Victor, Idaho, USA. By Idahomiller, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Victor, nestled in the Teton Valley, has a vibrant downtown area that blends historic charm with modern amenities. Visitors can explore the local shops, cafes, and art galleries that line the streets. The town hosts various events throughout the year, including the Teton Valley Summer Festival, which features live music, food vendors, and craft booths.
The nearby Teton Pass provides stunning views and numerous outdoor activities, such as hiking and mountain biking. The Victor Emporium, a local landmark, is famous for its huckleberry milkshakes and serves as a gathering spot for locals and tourists alike. Victor’s downtown area offers a unique mix of cultural and natural attractions, making it an ideal destination.
Final Thoughts on Idaho’s Best Downtown Areas
Idaho’s small towns offer a unique blend of distinctive downtown areas, historical landmarks, and natural beauty. Each of these nine towns provides a perfect setting for visitors to explore and enjoy. Whether you are strolling through historic streets, visiting local museums, or enjoying the natural scenery, these towns offer something for everyone. With their welcoming atmospheres and diverse attractions, these nine towns in Idaho are must-visit destinations in 2024.
GENESSE – The Avista planned power outage for Friday, April 24 in Genesee has been cancelled and rescheduled due to weather. Approximately 337 Avista electric customers in Genesee will experience a planned power outage on Tuesday, April 28. The planned outage will start at 8:00 a.m. and end at 4:00 p.m.
All affected customers will be notified in advance. Traffic control will be in place from Laurel Street north of Chestnut Street.
During this time, Avista crews will be replacing aging infrastructure, including power poles and equipment, in the area. These updates are part of Avista’s ongoing efforts to enhance the safety and reliability of its infrastructure.
GARDEN CITY – A Boise-area girl is competing in the 2026 Junior Ranger Competition, and she needs your vote to advance.
Eleven-year-old Cali Lindsay of Garden City is currently in the top 10 in her age group. The first place contestant in each group will advance to the semi-finals, which will wrap on July 17.
The final round concludes on July 24. The winner will be awarded $20,000 and be featured on the cover of Ranger Rick Magazine. They’ll also win a trip with Jeff Corwin.
Cali’s mom, Emily Edginton, tells EastIdahoNews.com how the competition works.
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“You’re allowed one free vote every 24 hours. People can also pay (to vote),” Edginton says. “The contestants have challenges every week to learn about animals and share what they’ve learned. People vote for the answer they like best. If you have enough votes, you move to the next round.”
Cali needs to secure enough votes by Thursday in order to advance to the next round.
The competition is a fundraiser for the National Wildlife Federation, the largest private, nonprofit conservation education and advocacy organization in the United States.
Edginton says they recently moved to Idaho from San Bernardino, California. Her daughter acquired a love of wildlife living in Lytle Creek, a community near the San Gabriel Mountains and San Bernardino National Forest.
“She’s already like a junior ranger. We picked up trash (in the forest) for fun,” Edginton says. “We try to keep it clean because we get a lot of visitors up there in the summertime and they trash the place. It affects the animals.”
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Edginton says they moved to Idaho in February to be closer to family.
She’s grateful her daughter can be part of what she feels is a great cause, and hopes to see her advance, and even win the tournament.
“It’s a good cause, plus it’s a learning experience,” says Edginton.
To vote for Cali or learn more, click here.
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JACKSON, Wyo. — Springtime conjures images of adorable baby animals. Unfortunately, sometimes well-meaning humans feel compelled to interfere with Mother Nature by “rescuing” baby animals who appear to be alone.
The Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) issued a spring reminder discouraging people from intervening when they assume a wild animal is lost, abandoned or orphaned.
“While these folks typically mean well, the sad reality is they are often doing more damage than good when they intervene — and typically, mom was not far away to begin with,” IDFG shared in a press release.
“Here’s the hard truth,” the agency wrote. “Animal parents will periodically leave their young for an extended period of time for a myriad of reasons, whether it’s to search for food, to rest or to divert attention from their vulnerable offspring, especially if they sense danger. When it comes to wildlife babies, wildlife mothers know best.”
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In short, in an encounter with a lone duckling, gosling, deer fawn, baby bird, red dog or moose calf, do not disturb it. Instead, contact the state’s wildlife agency to report it. In Jackson, call the Wyoming Game and Fish Department at (307) 733-2321. In Idaho, reach IDFG at (208) 525-7290.
