Top 5 Towns to Visit in Idaho
Of the fifty states, Idaho is a real jewel, so it’s no wonder we call it the Gem State. This place is gorgeous wherever you go, filled with wilderness areas, greenery, clear lakes, vacation towns and resorts, towering mountains, and more. Wherever you travel you’re bound to find somewhere you can hike, fish, boat, see wild animals, and enjoy the majesty of the natural world.
Here are five places we think you should visit. Whether you’re visiting Idaho or you live here, we’ve selected these places based on their beauty.
Nampa
In Canyon County Idaho, Nampa is a city of 105,500 residents. It’s just northeast of Lake Lowell, where you can enjoy fishing, boating, hiking, and viewing the wildlife. There’s a lot to do in the city, too. If you like to golf, check out Centennial Golf Course or Ridgecrest Golf Club.
The city has fun, educational museums, including Warhawk Air Museum, Orma J. Smith Museum of Natural History, Canyon Country Historical Nampa Train Depot Museum, Children’s Museum of Idaho, and others.
Stanley
Stanly is a tiny town with a big draw. Though this mountain town has a population of under 100 residents, that doesn’t mean you won’t find plenty of accommodations and things to do.
First, there are plenty of accommodations for tourists, including Mountain Village Resort, Redroot Cabins, Redfish Riverside Inn, and Sawtooth Hotel. You’ll also discover some excellent restaurants, like Stanley Supper Club, Sawtooth Luce’s Restaurant, and Mountain Village Restaurant. And yes, despite the sparse population, there are other great places to eat.
Stanley is on the bank of the Salmon River, and the town has grand views of the White Cloud and Sawtooth mountains. During the summer, go fishing in the alpine lakes, which are stocked with trout, and enjoy the hiking trails. Head over to White Cloud Rafting Adventures to raft along the Salmon River.
McCall
McCall is a mountain town with a population of 3,400 people, and it’s a choice spot that Idaho residents enjoy visiting because they know what a beautiful place it is.
Nestled around the southern shore of Payette Lake, if you like snowy winters, you’ll want to visit this town. McCall has the heaviest average snowfall in Idaho. Nearby Brundage Mountain has skiing all winter and cross-country skiing is also popular here. Plus, McCall has a yearly winter carnival in January that lasts 10 days. The town canceled the 2021 carnival because of COVID, but you can look forward to attending in 2022. The event features live music, fireworks, ice sculptures, a beer garden, and a Mardi Gras parade.
Coeur d’Alene
The city of Coeur d’Alene boasts a population of 55,000 and sits on the shores of the enormous Lake Coeur d’Alene. The area has over 55 lakes, but Lake Coeur d’Alene is the giant among them.
There’s so much to do here for nature lovers on and off the lake. Take a cruise, or go sailing, kayaking, or whitewater rafting. Go hiking around the lake, or fishing off a boat or from the shore.
The city has 18 golf courses, so if you want to be out in the sunshine and fresh air but not around the lake, that’s a great option. Coeur d’Alene even has a theme park called Silverwood which features shows, games, and over 65 rides. Visit the Boulder Beach section to hit a waterside or two.
Shoshone Falls
You’ve heard of Niagara Falls, but have you heard of the series of waterfalls that are 45 feet taller? While Shoshone Falls in Idaho has the nickname “The Niagara Falls of the West,” it’s 212 feet tall, while Niagara Falls is 167 feet tall.
Shoshone Falls Park is just outside of Twin Falls, Idaho, a city of 51,000 residents and the seat of Twin Falls County and you can find accommodations in the city, plus plenty of restaurants and more. Eateries you’ll want to try include Idaho Joes, Scooter’s Chillin’-N-Grillin’, and Jasmine Thai Cuisine. Also check out Herrett Center, a natural history museum, and Twin Falls County Museum.
Shoshone Falls is part of Shoshone Falls Park, which has more to do than just watching the incredible waterfalls. It has hiking trails, picnic areas, a swimming area, playgrounds, and grassy areas. There’s a picnic section that overlooks the falls.
There’s so much natural beauty in Idaho, and visiting these spots is a great way to spend a vacation. Meanwhile, if you live in Nampa or Coeur d’Alene and need a place to store seasonal items, sports equipment, or anything else personal or business-related, rent self storage with Storelocal. We’re professionals in self storage and are happy to help with your needs.
