Idaho is home to charming small towns nestled in mountain valleys, set along rivers, and steeped in unique histories. These delightful places offer a window into Idaho’s cultural heritage and rugged natural beauty. While the bustling city of Boise garners much of the state’s attention, Idaho’s small towns should not be overlooked. They provide opportunities to immerse yourself in the outdoors, learn about Idaho’s past, and experience local arts, dining, and shopping.

If you want to discover the heart of Idaho beyond the crowded tourist destinations, check out these fine sandpoint idaho homes for sale, and then add these captivating small towns to your Idaho travel itinerary. Below are 5 small towns in Idaho that serve up history, scenery, and adventure making them worth a visit.

1. McCall

Situated on the southern shore of Payette Lake and surrounded by the Payette National Forest, McCall is a scenic mountain town with plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities. In winter, Brundage Mountain Resort offers skiing and snowboarding, while summer brings hiking, mountain biking, boating, and fishing. The town’s main street has shops, restaurants, and art galleries to explore. Don’t miss Ponderosa State Park just north of town, home to an iconic western-style theme park.

2. Wallace

Wallace calls itself the “Center of the Universe” and this small town has a big personality. Once a thriving silver mining town, Wallace emerged as a cultural hub filled with cafes, breweries, distilleries, and shops housed in historic brick buildings. The town embraces its roots with mining tours and exhibits at the Oasis Bordello Museum. Nearby Sierra Silver Mine Tour and the Route of the Hiawatha bike trail offer more ways to experience Wallace’s mining heritage.

3. Idaho City

Step back in time in Idaho City, a National Historic Landmark that offers a glimpse into Idaho’s Gold Rush era. The 1860s-era log cabins and clapboard buildings that line the town’s main street now house shops and restaurants. Take a stroll down Main Street or follow the paved walking path to view over 20 historic wooden structures. Don’t miss the Boise Basin Museum to learn about the area’s mining history. The Mores Creek Recreation Area provides camping, fishing and hiking opportunities just 4 miles from town.

4. Stanley

Outdoor adventure abounds in Stanley, a small town surrounded by the Salmon River Mountains. Photographers flock here to capture the iconic view of the Sawtooth Mountains from the main street. Outdoor activities range from whitewater rafting and kayaking on the Salmon River to hiking and biking the nearby trails and roads. After a day of adventure, relax in the natural hot springs or grab a locally brewed beer at the Stanley Baking Company.

5. Shoshone

Soak in the Old West ambiance of Shoshone, situated along the Lincoln Highway and Snake River. Start at the historic Shoshone Ice Caves for a cool subterranean adventure. Don’t miss the museums highlighting Shoshone’s heritage, including the Shoshone Indian Museum and the Lincoln County Historical Museum. Grab a burger and shake from the 1950s-style Maiden Lane Cafe or sip local wines at the Linehouse Brewing Company. End the day watching the sunset over the Snake River.

With their small town charm, unique historic identities, and abundance of outdoor recreation, these five Idaho towns offer the perfect escape. Exploring the local shops, restaurants, museums and natural spaces lets you experience the best of small town Idaho.