9 Idaho Cities That Were Ranked Among America’s Favorites

Outside of Boise, whose charming downtown is among the best in America, Idaho is sprinkled with many beautiful towns, many of which can hold their own against the best in the country. Moreover, these beautiful cities offer access to diverse and beautiful landscapes, which speak to the beauty of the region. From the roaring sound of magnificent waterfalls to the depths of ancient caves – visitors have a wide range of outdoor opportunities to work with. If Idaho’s cities are among the most popular in the US, this list provides a clear overview.

Wallace

Wallace is a beautiful little community in the Silver Valley mining district of the Idaho Panhandle. The area around Wallace was once home to the largest silver deposits in the United States, a feature that contributed to the city’s growth, especially in the 1880s. Today, Wallace has developed into a popular entertainment and tourism destination, although at least one mine is still active: the Galena Mine Complex. Located a short distance from many mining towns, including Burke, Wallace is a center of entertainment. There is the Pulaski Tunnel Trail, connected to the fires of 1910. A tour of the world’s richest silver district and Lookout Pass Ski Area, once voted the best family-friendly resort in the Pacific Northwest. Of course, Lookout Pass also uses the Hiawatha Route, America’s Best Biking Route.

Valley of the Sun

Although Sun Valley is known for skiing (the resort was the first in the world to build a chairlift) – this beautiful town has a long list of attractions. The area offers some of the best stargazing in the world, there’s the Sawtooth Wilderness, and there’s the Trail Creek Golf Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. The Sawtooth Wilderness is an area full of high mountain lakes, rugged peaks and beautiful trails. , including the famous Fox Creek Trail. Non-skiers also have the Opera House, with its old whistle (built before the Second World War), a small but beautiful lake where one can swim in the afternoon, and many delicious restaurants. Konditorei Restaurant, for example, is a popular breakfast spot known for its pastries and croissants.

A sandy place

It may not look like much, but no words can describe the experience of sitting outside on the river and enjoying a delicious breakfast in a warm, homely place. If this sounds like something you might consider, start your Sandpoint adventure at the Pack River Store, a Sandpoint tradition since 1976. Schweitzer, Idaho and Washington’s premier resort, is a special place to visit. have experience of. Additionally, one will enjoy hiking the many quiet forest trails here as Sandpoint is surrounded by the Selkirk, Cabinet and Bitterroot mountains. Sandpoint City Beach Park is popular for its sandy beach and calm waters, it’s a great place to swim, relax or pass the time. It provides access to Pend Oreille Lake, Idaho’s largest lake.

McCall

There are people whom one meets by chance and immediately likes. It cannot be set to a specific value; beauty just makes it easier. I’m in McCall, Idaho. Some argue that it’s only popular because of its proximity to Boise: There are more than 100 miles separating the cities. Others, however, give it the credit it deserves. There are many things we love about McCall, including its location on the shores of Payette Lake, the famous McCall Winter Carnival, Ponderosa State Park with its trails, and the north fork of the Payette River, which flows across the city and offers a wide variety of entertainment. Don’t forget to grab a milkshake at My Dad’s, a waterfront spot popular for its retro charm and outdoor seating.

Bonners boat

Some of the best mountain scenery in Idaho is in the area around Bonner’s Ferry, a beautiful little town near the 49th parallel. You can start with some of the best pho in Idaho at Wok-a-Mole, one of the few ethnic restaurants in town. The Kootenai River, which flows through the historic town, is a great spot for an afternoon boat ride. Pick up delicious cones and a great gift at Under the Sun, a Main Street favorite, before discovering the history-filled Boundary County Museum, which showcases the Kootenai’s indigenous people through artifacts and exhibits. . The Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge is a short drive from town. It is a great place to meet bald eagles and peregrine falcons, the fastest bird and animal in the world. In flight, peregrine falcons can reach speeds of over 186 miles per hour.

Victor

Those not familiar with what Victor has to offer don’t look at it on the way to Jackson, Wyoming – or Grand Teton National Park, home to the oldest rock formations in America’s public park. Victor is surrounded by mountains on almost all sides. For example, the Snake River Range, in the south, the Great Depression in the west, and the Tetons, arguably the most unique of the giants made of limestone, rise in the east. All of these are world-class outdoor recreation areas. If food is high on your list, you can start with a tasty and filling burger at Brakeman American Grill or some finger ribs at Knotty Pine before finishing the day at Wildlife Brewing, a delicious taproom known for its brews. watch out for the amazing.

Driggs

In the spring of 1889, a wagon train of wealthy Mormons, members of the Latter Days Saints Church, collided with each other around the beaches north of the Big Hole Mountains, disturbing the forest that until now covered this clean land. Thus began the history of Driggs, a lovely little town from Victor. Hiking, biking and fly-fishing opportunities abound in the city’s neighborhoods, including the Victor to Driggs Rail-Trail, an easy, paved trail dotted with scenic spots. If you’re into Mexican food, Agave, located right on Main Street, should be your Ground Zero. Then you can enjoy a great aerial experience while riding in the Tetons with Teton Aviation. Top off your visit with great gifts at Fireweed Shop & Studios, a beautiful space featuring fine art and ceramics from local artists. Their locally painted greeting cards are fantastic.

Stanley

Idaho offers some of its best recreational opportunities in Stanley, a low-key hidden gem in the beautiful, peaceful Sawtooth Valley. This place is a leafy paradise, especially when the beautiful music of colors covers the mountain during autumn. Rod and Gun, which has been around since Franklin Roosevelt was president, is the oldest bar in town. Outdoor attractions in the area include Sunbeam Hot Springs,

Redfish Lake, the nearby town of Custer City, and Stanley Lake. You can start with a hearty breakfast at Stanley Bakery before capping off the day with exceptional food and wine at Sawtooth Luce’s Restaurant among the fun and exciting surroundings.

Hagerman

Rounding out the list of Idaho towns ranked among the US’s favorites is Hagerman, a quiet but beautiful town that offers top-notch water-based experiences, whether it’s skiing, boating or swimming. There is the Snake River, known nationally for its production of salmon, sturgeon, walleye and rainbow trout – and Billingsley Creek, whose park is known for its wildlife viewing and fishing. Speaking of trout, the best place to have them on a plate is The Riverboat Restaurant, on State Street. Other great outdoor areas include Hagerman Wildlife Management Area, Thousand Springs State Park – Ritter Island (the name itself is a picture), and Lower Salmon Falls Park, a quiet bird watching area.

The Takeaway

Whether you’re first exploring the Gem State from its grassy plains — or the vantage point of a site — the trail will expose you to a side of Idaho you never knew existed. No. Idaho isn’t just a big, flat area that’s perfect for growing potatoes. With its mountains and lakes, deserts and forests, Idaho often blows the mind of first-time visitors. Many of the small towns surrounded by the countryside are surreal. Plus, they’re great jumping-off points for world-class destinations. While it can be hard to pick a favorite, Wallace — and the cities highlighted here — are a step above the rest of the pack.