Idaho’s Small Town Was Just Named One Of The Coolest In The US.
Sandpoint, Idaho, recognized as one of the coolest small towns in the country, offers a relaxed, charming atmosphere with scenic byways and mountain ranges.
Sandpoint, Idaho was just named as one of the coolest small towns in the country by Matador Network.
To come up with their rankings, the "researchers" listened to the stories of residents and travelers, aiming to figure out what makes a particular community special and what ignites that magical small town vibe.
Sandpoint was selected based on all the amazing outdoor adventure opportunities that surround the town, as well as its proximity to Silverwood, the Northwest’s largest theme park. It’s nestled between three mountain ranges, and sits on the shores of the stunning Lake Pend Oreille.
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You might not expect such a small community to have such a strong dining and arts scene, but Sandpoint delivers on both fronts. The town’s main street is packed with local restaurants, small businesses and plenty of quirky art galleries.
Though there’s plenty to do, Sandpoint still feels like a relaxed, laid-back small town. With only 8,000 permanent residents, it's a cozy place to hang out and get to know your neighbors. In fact, the town’s motto is actually "What a beautiful pace." And no, that’s not a typo.
Even the trip to Sandpoint is memorable. Matador raves that there are "almost too many scenic byways and mountain ranges for one town" around Sandpoint, but you won’t hear the residents complaining. The little community was also named as "the most beautiful town in America" in 2012 by USA Today.
As with all of the towns who made the cut, this lovely Idaho town is a truly special community with loads of charm to spare.
Idaho is full of beautiful small towns that make for the perfect day trip destination. However, there is one tiny historic town in Idaho that should be at the top of almost every list: Riggins. Located in west-central Idaho, this tiny town is truly a remarkable place that must be on your bucket list. From its fascinating history to the most incredible views and thrilling outdoor adventures, Riggins is one area in Idaho that you’ll immediately fall in love with.
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Riggins is certainly a tiny town in Idaho. There are approximately 300 individuals who call it home.
Riggins sits adjacent to Hell’s Canyon, the deepest gorge in North America. This tiny town also sits along the beautiful Salmon River, which is one of the longest free-flowing rivers in the United States.
This name originated in 1850 following a bar fight between two men where one man’s eye was close to being gouged out. The men were fighting over a woman of marrying age.
Fortunately, the name was officially changed in the 1900s when the postmaster, whose last name of Riggins, applied for a post office in the town. The request was denied due to the name “Gouge Eye.”
For the request to be approved, they considered naming the town after prominent families in the area, but most of the family names were too common and also denied. However, the name of Riggins, named after the postmaster, was approved and became the official town name.
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When visiting Riggins today, you’ll want to spend time outdoors. This tiny historic town in Idaho is known as the Whitewater Capital of Idaho. Rafting and tubing are popular activities in the area.
There are also many hiking trails near Riggins that will help you experience the beauty of the area all year long. If you are looking for a bit of a challenge, check out the Rapid River Trail, an 8.6-mile trail that takes you along the river.
These events range include the Riggins Rodeo, Salmon River Jet Boat Races, Big Water Blowout, and more.
On your day trip, make sure you stop by Kate’s Cattlemen's Restaurant. You’ll find all types of entrees on the menu, from delicious omelets to crave-worthy hamburgers. It may just become one of your new favorite places to eat in Idaho!
No matter if you stay in Riggins for a day or a week, be prepared to fall in love. It’s impossible not to!
Have you spent time in the tiny historic town of Riggins, Idaho? If so, what are your favorite things to do in Riggins, Idaho? What are some of your favorite day trips in Idaho? We’d love to hear all about your experiences in the comments! And if you want to learn more about this Idaho small town, visit the Riggins official website.
If you are looking for another small town in Idaho to visit, consider the teeny tiny town of Avery. And if you need gear for your upcoming adventures, visit REI or Backcountry.
Idaho is full of delightfully historic towns that ooze new frontier promise, weathered architecture, and small-town charm. But of all the quaint towns that fit the rustic, rural lifestyle Idaho has come to be known for, few can live up to the iconic Wild West status of Idaho City. This humble gem looks straight out of a Clint Eastwood movie and fully embraces its unique culture. But while the old-fashioned saloons and rich history here are incredible, there is so much more to love about this cozy town!
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Welcome to one of the coolest small towns on earth: Idaho City. Population: under 500.
This welcoming small town began as "Bannock" in 1862, a mining town within the Boise Basin that flourished and produced more gold than anywhere else in the region. You'll find Idaho City about an hour outside of Boise in Southern Idaho, but it feels lightyears away from the bustling life of the capital.
Some say the town was forged by fire. A brochure from the 1970s once called Idaho City the "Ghost Town that Refused to Die."
Much like every old mining town and those seen in classic shoot-em-up movies, nearly every building in Idaho City has always been predominantly made of wood. When multiple fires scorched the town in the 1860s, burning it to the ground, like a phoenix... it just kept rising time and time again. Even the town's most recent fires haven't crumbled the town's enduring community spirit.
In this wonderfully rugged town, you'll find incredible stories around every corner, starting with the architecture.
The Visitor Center should definitely be your first stop for directions to the best historical places in the city. And believe me, there's a lot of them.
This unique little nugget of a town was once wilderness inhabited only by Native Americans, with the occasional mountain man passing through. Within months of the first mine strike, the area became the largest settlement in the Pacific Northwest, with a population that surpassed Portland in size by 1863.
Historic Downtown is the best place to start to admire these weathered old buildings and historic structures!
You'll find a big sign that lists all of the buildings, so you know what you're looking at.
Every structure has a tale to tell, whether it's still in use or is a preserved part of the past. The Idaho Territorial Penitentiary, Masonic Temple, and more are just waiting to be discovered! And the oldest general store in the state is here as well - the Boise Basin Mercantile - although it no longer acts as a grocery and necessities shop.
The Boise Basin Museum is a must-visit to learn more about the history of the area and to admire Western antiques, mining equipment, and local collections.
But don't mistake this idyllic small town for a hokey Western movie set. This gem embraces all of the small-town mountain adventures we've come to know and love, like off-roading, camping, fishing, and hiking. There are countless things to do in Idaho City!
These headstones are so old that they're not even made of stone at all - they're made of wood! Fascinatingly, this seemingly small cemetery holds the graves of over 3,000 people, only a fraction of whom have been identified, and of those, very few are known to have died of natural causes. Like the wild and dangerous western town that it once was, in Idaho City, it was far more common to catch a bullet in the streets than reach old age. Stand-offs and poker games gone wrong were all too common.
And getting to this wonderfully historic town (or leaving) is best experienced on the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway.
If you've been around for a while, you already know that Idaho City has some pretty epic hot springs hiding around town - both natural and man-made. This means you're definitely going to want to stick around for a spell and hike a few local trails to really earn that much-needed soak! Then, head to Diamond Lil's for some steak and drinks to end a fantastic weekend here.
