You know the saying “You should never judge a book by its cover?” Well, we think the same idea should apply to towns as well. After all, every Idaho town has a unique history, and sometimes it’s the smallest towns that have the biggest surprises. This couldn’t be truer when it comes to the history of Culdesac, a little slice of small-town Idaho located near Lewiston. Although visiting it today you’d come across a sleepy little community of not even 400 residents, you’d be surprised to know that this town started out as an outlaw hideout in the days of the Old West. In fact, the people of Culdesac consider this a treasured part of their community’s history, and they won’t let you forget it. Come along as we delve into some of the fun things to do in Culdesac, Idaho!

Located in Nez Perce County right off of US-95 is a little town that not many people are aware even exists.
D E W Adventures/Google Maps
It is called Culdesac, Idaho - a tiny community of just 380 residents. But its small size hasn't stopped it from embracing its fascinating history.
Culdesac sprouted to life at the beginning of the 20th century.
Glenn Rudolph/Wikimedia Commons
The town's unique name was given to it by the president of the Northern Pacific Railroad, Charles S. Mellon. He named the community after its geographical location, as it resembled a cul-de-sac or "a place with only one outlet."
However, Culdesac's history begins even before Mellon turned it into a railroad town, as it was considered a "shebang" among outlaws.
Glenn Rudolph/Wikimedia Commons
A shebang was a destination that was established as a sort of headquarters for outlaws. It was here that numerous miners were robbed as they traveled between Lewiston and the Elk City Basin.

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Visiting Culdesac today, you'd never guess that this area was once a hot spot for Old West-style crime.
D E W Adventures/Google Maps
In fact, the community looks like a typical small Idaho town. The railroad tracks now lay overgrown and abandoned, but this town isn't the type of community to forget its history.
In fact, the town famously holds a Shebang Days celebration on the second Saturday of every June.
Culdesac Shebang Days/Facebook
This treasured event is exactly what it sounds like, a giant homage to Culdesac's history in which the entire community comes together to celebrate.
Many people actually travel to Culdesac to experience their famous Shebang Days.
Culdesac Shebang Days/Facebook
The annual festival typically includes a parade, tricycle races, bounce houses, laser tag, a live auction, and plenty of delicious food and live entertainment. This town may be small, but they definitely know how to party!
It may have started out as a place for infamous outlaws to hide, but Culdesac is a charming community that every Idahoan should get to know.
Culdesac Shebang Days/Facebook
Consider stopping by, or even lodging for a few nights in this historic little town during its next Shebang Days so you can experience this outlaw hideout for yourself!

Did you know about the history of Culdesac as an outlaw hideout? Have you ever visited this little slice of small-town Idaho? If so, we’d love to read about your experience in the comments section below.

We love learning fascinating tidbits like this about our Idaho towns! For more interesting Idaho facts, check out 8 Weird Things You Didn’t Know About The History Of Idaho.

Do you think you might want to live in Idaho? Check out this video about great rural towns dotted throughout the state:

 

 

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More to Explore

Adventures in Idaho

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | March 19, 2023

Where can we find other small towns in Idaho?

  • Almo sits near the entrance to popular City of Rocks National Reserve.
  • Grace, located in Southern Idaho is near many hidden Idaho gems like Black Canyon and the Niter Ice Cave.
  • Kamiah, located in the Bitterroot Mountains next to the Clearwater River, features a beautiful riverfront city park.

Read on to learn more about the other charming small towns in Idaho.

Where can we find campgrounds in Idaho?

  • Salmon Falls Reservoir located near Twin Falls is a great place for campers who are also fishing enthusiasts.
  • Stanley Lake Campground is the Sawtooth Mountains along beautiful Stanley Lake and offers water activities and hiking.
  • The Heyburn and Sockeye Campground at Redfish Lake is situated around the lake and is also one of the most popular campgrounds in the state,

Read on to learn more about other campgrounds in Idaho.

Where can we find state parks in Idaho?

  • Old Mission State Park in Coeur d'Alene is an 18-acre park featuring a restored Parish house, an interpretive center, a historic cemetery, and more.
  • Harriman State Park in Island Park is an 11,000-acre Idaho gem featuring an abundance of wildlife, horseback trails, and fly fishing, among other activities.
  • Ponderosa State Park in McCall is a 1,000-acre park with a lake, hiking trails, wildlife sightings, and camping opportunities.

Read on to learn more about the other wonderful state parks in Idaho.

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Culdesac, ID 83524, USA