5 Small Towns in Idaho So Dreamy, You’ll Swear You’ve Seen Them on TV

Known for its status as a hidden giant of protected lands, Idaho is where you come when you want to be immersed in gorgeous landscapes. Although Idaho's beauty is well known, its adorable small towns can fly under the radar and aren't as high on many travelers' bucket lists as they should be. Western themed, on a lake, in the mountains, lush with potatoes (it’s a stereotype for a reason)—Idaho has you covered, and this list will prove it!

1. Ketchum

Location: Central Idaho near Bald Mountain

Why It’s So Dreamy: Nestled in the Sawtooth Mountains, Ketchum is an art-focused community with multiple galleries, and contains an oddly upscale feel to what is actually a former mining town. This long-term local popularity is due to a few things, including the surrounding nature with mountains, forests, valleys, and rivers, and its status as a certified Dark Sky Reserve. This means that the light pollution in this area is strictly controlled, and the views of the night sky are unbeatable.

2. Swan Valley

Location: Eastern Idaho near the Wyoming border

Why It’s So Dreamy: Come for the nature, stay for the nature, come back for the nature—you guessed it, Swan Valley is all about amazing outdoor experiences. Part of the Yellowstone ecosystem, this is where many of the larger species cross during the seasons (namely, moose, elk, and bears). Clearly, there are multiple wildlife spotting opportunities, but there’s also horseback riding, hiking, boating, biking, camping, and (the most popular) fly fishing on the Snake River. 

3. Stanley

Location: Central Idaho

Why It’s So Dreamy: If you want rustic and small, there’s nowhere better than this tiny town in the Sawtooth Mountains. Born out of the Gold Rush (and keeping with the very distinctly Western theme in its architecture), the town is surrounded on all sides by stunning nature and offers access to the mountains, numerous alpine lakes, the Salmon River, and multiple ranches.

4. Blackfoot

Location: Southeastern Idaho

Why It’s So Dreamy: For those who find potatoes to be an absolute staple in any diet and, dare we say, dreamy, this is the town for you! I mean, who wouldn’t want to visit the potato capital of the world? This is where the Potato Museum is, as well as where the Eastern Idaho State Fair is held (with a plethora of potato dishes served). However, outside of potatoes, this town carries an underrated beauty with a charming small downtown area and historic district, tree-lined streets, beautiful parks, and easy access to the Snake River. 

5. McCall

Location: Western Idaho on Payette Lake

Why It’s So Dreamy: McCall is not dissimilar to the small towns that dot the edges of Lake Tahoe in Nevada and California, with summers filled with lake activities and hiking on the nearby mountains, and winters offering numerous winter sports. As a result, the town is busy with tourists year-round, yet still retains its small size and delightful charm. 

What do you think about these lovely small towns in the Gem State? What other towns do you believe deserve a spot on my list? Let me know by filling out this nomination form. I'd love to hear from you.

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