8 Fairy Tale Small Towns In Idaho

When you picture Idaho, what comes to mind? Whether it’s rugged mountainous landscapes, exquisite gems and minerals, or its famous potato production, America’s 43rd state is truly spectacular. Beyond its well-known features, you can discover breathtaking scenery in these small towns that will make you feel as if you have stepped into a fantasy land. From the lakeside wonders of Sandpoint to the striking views of Riggins, be sure to add these 8 fairy-tale small towns in Idaho to your travel list.

Sandpoint

Experience Idaho’s stunning scenery in Sandpoint, a charming town on Lake Pend Oreille, the state’s largest lake, measuring 40 miles long and four miles wide. Enjoy swimming in the clear waters or relax at Sandpoint City Beach. For a closer look, take a 90-minute Lake Pend Oreille Cruises tour, where guides share stories about the lake’s landmarks and natural history.

For a perfect blend of lodging and adventure, stay at Schweitzer Mountain Resort, a year-round destination. In winter, experience thrilling runs on powdery slopes boasting 300 inches of annual snowfall and 92 named trails. During summer, explore 16 exceptional downhill mountain biking trails and enjoy vibrant village events. Don’t miss the chance to ascend to the summit for awe-inspiring 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges that will leave you speechless.

Wallace

Welcome to Wallace, one of Idaho’s most enchanting fairy-tale small towns. Known as “The Silver Capital of the World,” Wallace boasts an array of historic buildings, with the entire town proudly listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Stroll along the charming streets and admire stunning historic brick storefronts that showcase diverse architectural styles, including Neo-Classical Revival, Second Renaissance Revival, Art Deco, and Queen Anne.

Visit the Northern Pacific Railroad Depot Museum to explore captivating exhibits that bring to life the rich railroading history of the Coeur d’Alene Mining District, Wallace, and the Northern Pacific Depot. Afterward, discover hidden gems at Johnson’s Gems, a family-owned store featuring an impressive collection of rocks, minerals, and over 10,000 gemstones curated by the knowledgeable Johnson mining family. Finally, unwind at the Wallace Brewing Company, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Bitterroot Mountains, where you can enjoy a refreshing drink or a delightful tasting experience at their 15-barrel microbrewery.

Sun Valley

Step into a world of beauty and magic in Sun Valley. Surround yourself with magnificent views of the Sawtooth Mountains as you get to know this mesmerizing mountain town inside out. You will find activities for all seasons here, from skiing down the powdery slopes of Bald and Dollar Mountains in the winter, to horseback riding through the picturesque mountain meadows of Sun Valley Stables in the summer. Watch a captivating movie or performance at the Opera House, a historic venue built in 1937, where they play a variety of genres. Practice your aim on the gorgeous grounds of the Elkhorn Golf Club, an 18-hole par 72 course with challenging terrains following a stunning creek.

Stanley

Make your way to the stunning Sawtooth Mountains, set along the Salmon River, to explore Stanley, one of the most beautiful fairy-tale small towns in Idaho.

The air is fresh, the sunsets are spectacular, and the opportunities for outdoor activities here are endless. Get your adrenaline pumping with Whitewater Rafting, learn the secrets of Float Fishing for Native Westslope Cutthroat and Rainbow Trout, or simply sit back with a Scenic Float flowing through the Stanley Basin or upper canyon with The River Company. Nearby, you will find the Sunbeam Hot Springs.

This is a wonderful place to soak in the rejuvenating geothermal waters of the springs, located within the Salmon-Challis National Forest right below the highway. Stanley is also situated within the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve (CIDSR). This mesmerizing reserve will give you the opportunity to see wonders of the night sky you would not be able to spot otherwise, such as the Milky Way, the Andromeda Galaxy, and constellations.

McCall

Welcome to Idaho’s paradise in McCall, a charming town nestled on the shores of Payette Lake. This stunning 5,330-acre lake, carved by glaciers over 10,000 years ago, offers the perfect backdrop for a midday or sunset adventure with McCall Lake Cruises.

Half of the lake lies within Ponderosa State Park, a pristine area ideal for swimming, picnicking, hiking, biking, camping, and birdwatching in the heart of Idaho’s wilderness. After exploring the outdoors, step inside Mountain Monet for a one-of-a-kind creative experience.

This versatile studio invites you to enjoy a variety of family friendly activities, including pottery painting, beading, mosaics, fused glass art, acrylic plaques, and henna and glitter tattoos.

Ketchum

Explore the captivating Wood River Valley and visit Ketchum, a hidden treasure in the Central Rocky Mountains.

Beyond its stunning views, the town hosts lively events like the annual Wagon Days Parade on Labor Day Weekend, showcasing original Lewis Ore Wagons.

Capture stunning photos at the Sawtooth Botanical Garden, a five-acre site with five major gardens featuring native and cultivated high-altitude plants against a mountain backdrop. Enjoy the beautiful green meadows and woods along the Adams Gulch Trailhead, perfect for hiking, picnicking, or mountain biking. Discover why Ketchum is one of Idaho’s most picturesque fairy-tale small towns.

Shoshone

Discover Shoshone, a hidden treasure boasting a charming downtown area filled with stunning “turn of the century” architecture and breathtaking natural wonders nearby.

Embark on a scenic adventure to the Shoshone Ice Caves, where guided tours reveal the geological, volcanic, and historical significance of the landform as you descend 100 feet beneath ancient lava flows. Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the Shoshone Bird Museum of Natural History, home to an impressive collection of birds from around the world, alongside fascinating fish and dinosaur fossils, Stone Age artifacts, and thousands of items showcasing diverse cultures and captivating creatures.

Just an hour away lies the iconic Shoshone Falls an awe-inspiring 212 foot tall, 900 foot wide waterfall known as the “Niagara of the West,” located at the edge of Twin Falls and ranking among the largest natural waterfalls in the United States.

Riggins

This charming town of just 419 residents boasts stunning natural beauty. Take time to soak in the vibrant green vistas overlooking the Salmon River from Riggins City Park, a hidden treasure right on Main Street.

For thrill-seekers, experience the rush of whitewater rafting adventures with Mountain River Outfitters. Additionally, Riggins serves as a gateway to Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, home to the deepest river gorge in North America.

End your day with a meal at Seven Devils Bar & Steakhouse, where rustic decor, a warm ambiance, and mouthwatering dishes will have you coming back for more.

Discover Idaho

Known for its exquisite natural beauty, historic downtown districts, and endless opportunities for outdoor adventures and indoor pursuits, the “Gem State” is truly fascinating. Between the dramatic mix of architectural styles and one of a kind museums of Wallace, the gorgeous glacier-formed lake of McCall, and the beautiful botanical gardens of Ketchum, you will be in for a real treat. Prepare to be swept away by timeless beauty and enchanting atmospheres as you set out to explore these 8 fairy-tale small towns in Idaho.