The Charming Small Town In Idaho That Was Named After A River
By Courtnie Erickson|Published August 18, 2022
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Courtnie Erickson
Author
From Southern Utah to the Panhandle in Idaho, Courtnie Erickson has lived in what she believes are the best (and the most beautiful!) areas in the country. She graduated with a journalism degree from Utah State University and has more than 15 years of professional writing experience. You’ll likely see her with a Dr. Pepper in her hand and a pair of running shoes on her feet. Courtnie is a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState.
Here in Idaho, many of our small towns have interesting and unique names. Weiser, Idaho, is one of these. Located just an hour northwest of Boise and near the Idaho and Oregon state line, this small town is certainly charming. While many people drive through this town on their way to Idaho’s capital city on Highway 95, there is so much more to it than meets the eye – especially its history.
Settlers came into the area and settled the town in 1863. It is believed that the city was named after the nearby Weiser River. However, this wasn’t the first name of this small town.
Originally, Weiser was known as Weiser Bridge, but after a few years, it was eventually shortened to Weiser.
Some individuals believe that Weiser wasn’t named after the river at all but after Peter M. Weiser, a soldier and member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Others believe it was named after Jacob Weiser, a miner who struck it rich in 1861. Either way, it’s a delightful place to stop and explore.
When people simply drive through town, they miss out on its unique attractions and things to do. For example, there is the Snake River Heritage Center, which is an incredible museum with a bell tower.
Just across the state line is also the Ontario State Recreation Site, a state park in Oregon that sits on the banks of the Snake River and offers all types of fishing, boating, swimming, and other outdoor recreational activities.
And, if you visit during certain times of the year, you can participate in all types of events like the National Old Time Fiddlers’ Contest and Festival, Washington County Fair, and the Weiser Valley Round-up.
This restaurant features delicious burgers, incredible desserts, and a family-friendly atmosphere where you’ll always feel welcome.
Did you know about the history of Weiser and where its name came from? Have you ever spent time in this small town in Idaho? Let us know in the comments!
If you are looking for another outdoor activity just outside of town, check out the Weiser River Trail, an 84-mile rail trail that takes you through many small towns and all types of landscapes.
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