This Mountain Town in Idaho Feels Like It Belongs in Europe

I have a confession: I have never been to Europe. I have certainly dreamed about visiting, but I have yet to make it happen. As I sit and daydream about walking through the many European mountain towns I love to admire in photos and paintings, I am fortunate enough to live in Idaho, where there are places that give me a glimpse into what this once-in-a-lifetime trip overseas may be like. In fact, the town of Kellogg may be one of my favorite mountain towns to visit.

Kellogg is a small mountain town nestled in Idaho’s Panhandle. It is found at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and is surrounded by the Panhandle National Forest. While it is a town many people drive right by as they travel on Interstate 90 between Coeur d’Alene and Missoula, Montana, there is so much to see and do here. For example, if you love the outdoors, Kellogg must be a small town at the top of your bucket list.

The Coeur d’Alene River runs through Kellogg and is a great place to try your luck fishing. You can also spend your days hiking on the many trails in the area, including the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, a 72-mile paved path that takes you through the Silver Valley. The trail travels through Kellogg, but if you wish to explore this path in its entirety (such as on your bicycle), you’ll travel between the small towns of Mullan and Plummer.

Of course, you’ll also want to spend some time at Silver Mountain Resort. This is not only one of the best ski areas and summer resorts in northern Idaho, but it's also home to the longest gondola ride in America. These scenic gondola rides are 3.1 miles and begin in Kellogg and take you to the top of Silver Mountain.

If the weather is poor and you still want to be active and enjoy a thrill, plan a visit to Silver Rapids Indoor Waterpark. This is Idaho’s largest indoor water park, and you'll have a day of excitement and relaxation with attractions ranging from waterslides and a standing wave to a 315-foot lazy river.

But the great outdoors isn’t all that the small town of Kellogg has to offer visitors. This is also a town full of history with places like the Shoshone County Mining and Smelting Museum, where you can learn more about the area's mining history, and even the Crystal Gold Mine, where you can tour an underground mine.

Kellogg is known for its welcoming and family-friendly community. You can experience this neighborly area by attending the local farmers market, visiting one of the locally owned restaurants or bars like the Radio Brewing Company, shopping at locally owned businesses, or simply spending an afternoon in a city park. 

Kellogg is a small mountain town in Idaho that has so much to offer—it’s charming, full of activities, and the perfect getaway destination. If you are like me and dream of a European vacation, towns like Kellogg can transport you. And even better, your budget will thank you.

And if you are looking for another small town in northern Idaho that makes you feel like you’ve entered another country, check out Kellogg’s neighbor, Wallace.