Many People Don’t Know Ernest Hemingway Made This Small Town in Idaho His Home

If you paid attention during high school English class, you’ve likely heard of Ernest Hemingway and have read some of his works. This American novelist is well-known for his novels like "For Whom the Bell Tolls" and "The Old Man and the Sea." He even won the Pulitzer Prize in 1953 and the Nobel Prize in 1954. However, what many Idahoans may not know is that this famous writer made a small town in Idaho his home.

Ernest Hemingway had quite a writing background. His resume includes time as a journalist, a foreign correspondent, a short-story writer, and a popular novelist. He was also a big outdoorsman who loved spending time in nature. Some of his favorite pastimes were fishing and hunting, and these are a few of the things that led him to Sun Valley, a small mountain town in Idaho.

Hemingway had a home in Sun Valley, Idaho. However, it wasn’t a traditional home. Rather, he lived in the Sun Valley Lodge.

Hemingway lived in Room 206, and it is where he wrote some of his most popular works, including the well-known "For Whom the Bell Tolls." This room had an outdoor terrace where Hemingway often spent time. It wasn’t until 1959 that Hemingway moved out of the lodge and into a private home in Ketchum, a small town just a short distance from the lodge.

You can visit the Sun Valley Lodge today and find pictures of Hemingway and other celebrities displayed along the walls in the main hallways. You can also stay in Hemingway's old room. This room is dedicated to Hemingway and features unique photographs of his life and even his old typewriter.

One of Hemingway’s favorite places to visit in Ketchum was the Pioneer Saloon. This restaurant has a western theme and some of the best steak and prime rib in the area. And while the food will certainly capture your attention, when visiting the Pioneer Saloon today, pay attention to the items hanging on the wall. You may just see some of Hemingway’s personal belongings. Visiting this restaurant is one of the best things to do in the Sun Valley area.

Hemingway fans will also want to visit Silver Creek near Sun Valley. This was a popular place for Hemingway to get out and enjoy nature. After Hemingway's death, his son Jack established the Silver Creek Preserve, which is now a popular fishing destination in central Idaho.

When in Sun Valley and the Ketchum areas, you will not only get to visit some of the places where Hemingway spent his time, but you can also visit his final resting place. In the Ketchum Cemetery is Hemingway’s grave, which is quite often covered in pens and alcohol bottles.

Ernest Hemingway left quite a legacy in a small town in Idaho. Do you know of any other famous individuals who made Idaho their home? What are some of your favorite things to do in Sun Valley, ID? Let me know by filling out this nomination form. I'd love to hear from you and get ideas for my next adventure.

If you are feeling inspired, make sure to plan your next adventure using Only In Your State's itinerary planner. I also recommend checking out my list (which includes Sun Valley!) of popular tourist spots in Idaho that I tried to hate but ended up loving.