If you ask any Idahoan that’s been here for some time, they’ll tell you that our state has changed a lot over the years. Many of our cities are experiencing rapid population growth and things seem to move faster than they did before. However, there are still many areas of our state that haven’t changed one bit. In fact, you’ll find timeless communities hiding all over the Gem State—you just have to know where to find them. The historic small town of Oakley is a great example of a spot in Idaho where time seems to stand still. Plan a visit and take a trip back in time. There is a wealth of things to do in Oakley, Idaho – a timeless village that is just too charming to resist!

Located just south of Burley near City of Rocks National Reserve is a historic small town that many Idahoans don't even know about.
Jimmy Emerson/Flickr
Oakley is a little-known community that will win you over with its timeless charm and it's so worth getting to know.
Originally founded by Mormon immigrants in 1878, this place is home to some amazing history.
Lynn Sessions/Google
In fact, the entire town is actually listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its vast collection of century-old stone and brick buildings.
With a population of just under 700 or so residents, Oakley is a pretty typical ranching and farming town.
Lynn Sessions/Google
Interestingly enough, this small-town Idaho gem is actually known worldwide for its Middle Mountain quarries which produce a special type of quartzite known as Oakley Stone. Thousands of tons of this stone is continually shipped to locations around the world.

Related Stories

Take A Drive To The Mountains To Dine At This Exceptional Rural Restaurant In Idaho

Take A Drive To The Mountains To Dine At This Exceptional Rural Restaurant In Idaho

 This Is The Most Idaho Sound You'll Ever Hear, And We Can't Stop Listening To It

This Is The Most Idaho Sound You'll Ever Hear, And We Can't Stop Listening To It

 The Large Desserts At Caffe Luciano’s In Idaho Will Tantalize Your Taste Buds

The Large Desserts At Caffe Luciano’s In Idaho Will Tantalize Your Taste Buds
Despite its small size, the town has been home to a number of notable people.
Casey Pye/Google
For instance, Oakley was once the home of former governors of both Utah and Massachusetts, and it's currently home to Scott Bedke, a member of the Idaho House of Representatives since 2001. How's that for interesting facts about Idaho?
Visiting Oakley is a truly unique experience.
Lyn Sessions/Google Maps
Walking through town, surrounded by the century-old buildings and serene atmosphere, is strangely peaceful. It's not often you come across timeless towns like this one, that's for sure.
If you get a chance to visit, you'll want to first stop by the Oakley Historical Area.
Susan Jentzsch/Google Maps
This is where many of the town's historic structures can be found, including the numerous Victorian-style mansions that look pristine to this day!
At first glance, Oakley may seem like a pretty typical small town nestled away in the Idaho backcountry.
Jimmy Emerson/Flickr
But stop for a visit and you'll see that it's so much more than just one of the most charming small towns in Idaho. It's an adventure back to another time.

Have you visited this historic small town? If so, what did you think? What places would you recommend to other visitors? What are your favorite spots in Idaho where time seems to stand still? We love to read all about your various experiences, here and elsewhere, in the comments section below!

For more places like Oakley, check out this list of 7 Historic Towns In Idaho You Need To Visit.

If you’d like to explore more of the Gem State, check out this awesome video:

 

 

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Learn More About Idaho

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | March 21, 2023

Where can we find historic homes in Idaho?

  • Standrod Mansion in Pocatello is one of a few homes in Idaho built in a castle-like style which fashions a 16th-century French chateau.
  • The Bown House in Boise is an Italianate-style two-level home built in 1879 out of sandstone.
  • The Clark House in Hayden Lake was once one of the grandest homes in the state with a tennis courts private zoo, riding stables, greenhouses, a putting green, and more.

Read on to learn I more about the many beautiful historic homes in Idaho.

Where can we find hiking trails in Idaho?

  • The Big Elk Creek Trail in Swan Valley features lots of wildlife including black bears, moose, elk, goats, and other creatures.
  • The Table Mountain Trail in Driggs is a lengthy 25-mile hike offering spectacular views of the Grand Tetons.
  • The Saddleback Lakes trails in the Sawtooths offer rock climbing, alpine lake, and rock bed exploration opportunities.

Read on to learn more about the many wonderful hiking trails in Idaho.

What are some road trip destinations in Idaho?

  • Driving the Magruder Corridor Road offers an adventure through Idaho’s remote back-country through the mountains and several small towns.
  • The International Selkirk Loop in Bonners Ferry is the only multi-state, multi-country road trip in the country
  • and one of the top 10 most scenic drives in the Northwest.
  • Drives through both eastern and southern Idaho reveal numerous picturesque waterfalls that attract locals and visitors from all around the state.

Read on to learn more about the many exciting road trip destinations in Idaho.

Related Articles

Featured Addresses
Oakley, ID 83346, USA