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For its abundance of rare minerals, Idaho is called the Gem State. But Idaho is more than just its industry. It's a Pacific Northwest destination with a deep history and distinct culture in each of its 199 municipalities. There's something unconventional that makes these eight "gems" in their own right. Island Park boasts one of the longest Main Streets in the US.

Designed for pioneers to survive harsh winters, modern Hailey attracts visitors with unique festivals in the Wood River Valley. From Clark Fork, you can drive up the scenic lakefront Highway 200 to discover Hope, a tiny town along the immense Lake Pend Oreille. Each craving to share their unique story with curious travelers, these Idaho towns are truly one of a kind.

Bonners Ferry

Bonners Ferry is tucked near the western Idaho border. Home to around 2,700 residents, the locals enjoy the Kootenay River from their doorstep and the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge at their backdoor. The small town's seclusion and unspoiled nature are worth the winding journey along U.S. Highway 95, with picturesque landscapes and lower traffic than other major interstates. Whether you're in for adventures or rejuvenation in the fresh mountain and forest air, the remoteness鈥攕o uncommon in the city鈥攁dds a flair of drama. Bonners Ferry takes pride in caring for the environment, which leads to a thriving agriculture and timber sector, plus growing tourism.

The nearby refuge draws outdoor enthusiasts with waterfalls and hiking trails for all levels, plus fishing and wildlife like bald eagles and moose. You can explore the pristine Kaniksu National Forest for days, with camping, fishing, and canoeing. The closest urban center is 78 miles south, Coeur d'Alene, while Schweitzer, an iconic skiing mountain and resort, is just 46 minutes south, a hop from Sandpoint on Lake Pend Oreille. Offering a sliver of peace from the city, you can browse downtown attractions in the views of the Selkirk and Cabinet mountain ranges. Stop for a guide from the visitor center next to the riverfront Boundary County Museum. Northwest Peak is also under an hour away in Montana.

Clark Fork

Not far from the border with Montana, Clark Fork is another northern Idaho gem. This unconventional town defines a tranquil escape; you'll feel blessed to have stumbled right off Highway 200. Adventures begin along the picturesque journey, primarily via winding scenic routes through forests and watersides. Tangled amid rivers, lakes, and mountain ranges, Scotchman Peak is the watchman to the northeast, and Clark Fork River adds a lace of charm. Tucked within the Cabinet Mountains, these natural barriers guard the authentic and serene community of some 550, draw mountainous rigor, and inspire thousands of tourists and locals alike.

In the seclusion of Idaho's iconic rugged beauty and low crowds, you can look forward to all kinds of hiking trails, fishing spots, and kayaking in the warmer months. Scotchman Peak is a moderate day hike with amazing views to the top and a chance meet-cute with a mountain goat family with babies. Away from major highways and cities, the community supported by tourism caters to an inviting retreat with hospitality with the popular Clark Fork Lodge, a mobile park, a grocery store, and a cute coffee shop, Scotchman's Coffee Roastery. After all the river and mountain views, absorb some local vibes at Cabinet Mountain Bar & Grill.

Hailey

After the beautiful fall display sheds its leaves in the northern end of the Rockies, the area receives plenty of snow. With modern amenities, it is a real draw for Hailey, a small town east of Boise, designed for early pioneers to survive harsh winters. There's plenty to do in summertime Wood River Valley, like hiking, swimming, waterskiing, and fishing, plus regular festivals, like the Northern Rockies Music Festival and the Trailing of the Sheep. The Sun Valley Film Festival attracts cinema fans, while the Liberty Theater is a historic landmark dedicated to independent films and live performances. The Blaine County Historical Museum exhibits Native American and early pioneer life.

Come October, the small town celebrates the state's over-a-century-and-a-half-old tradition of sheepherding. The Big Sheep parade occurs annually from their summer pastures, along the Main, to their winter pastures. It brings out awe in nearly as many spectators, particularly the young ones. After the spectacle, the crowd migrates to Roberta McKercher Park, with food trucks, arts and crafts, plus eccentric souvenirs. Just north, Sawtooth Botanical Garden is a peaceful flower-filled area with a greenhouse, perfect for scented strolls and meditation. Places like Buttercup Hill Trail Head and the Quigley Canyon turn into top skiing spots when the flakes fly.

Hope

There's Hope along the eastern shore of Lake Pend Oreille. Just up the shore from Clark Fork, you'll be hard-pressed to find a friendlier community in isolation. Home to only 96, Hope fits its name perfectly, with views over verdant forest onto the clear lake under the setting sun. Catering to a homegrown vibe, she's a charming blend of amenities on a quaint and comfortable escape. In addition to its quiet solitude, Hope packs a serious punch in outdoor adventures. From gliding along the vast lake on a boat, one can also swim and enjoy easy access to explore along the scenic lakefront Highway 200 or take a hike around the perimeter.

The scenery and roaming wildlife transport you into a real-life fairytale where you can run into representatives from its large population of white-tailed deer, geese, plus bald eagles overhead. From Old Ice House Pizzeria to a skinny church peak reflecting in the waters, stop by Pringle Park and take up an offer from Eagle Charters, Idaho, to catch your dinner. There's B's Beacon for breakfast and more amenities next door in East Hope. Pend Oreille Shores Resort offers sought-after hospitality with lake views plus access to trails, Sam Owen Campground, and Pearl's on the Lake on a small peninsula. The lakeside hub, Sandpoint, is north.

Island Park

This unique town stretching along the scenic Highway 20 boasts one of the country's longest Main Streets. From Henrys Lake to the north to Box Canyon in the south, it's easy to explore the local bounty of restaurants and shops run by passionate locals. Upper Coffeepot Campground is a popular stay along Henrys Fork. The 585-acre Henrys Lake State Park offers campsites, hiking trails, fishing, and boating among native wildlife. Encompassing an impressive share of outdoor adventures year-round, the nearby Harriman State Park is a huge wildlife reserve with trails, camping, horseback riding, skiing, and fishing.

Yellowstone Horses at Eagle Ridge Ranch offers a beautiful two-hour morning tour, a Dutch oven dinner while the horses graze, plus a hot tub and boat rentals for Island Park Reservoir. From Keefer Park to the dog-friendly Draper Preserve with a scenic boardwalk, many enjoy a thrilling drive to the top of Sawtell Peak for a 360-degree view. The 13-mile-long journey via the unpaved road is absolutely gorgeous at sunrise, through seasonal blooms and wildlife like mountain goats. Catch the sunset well grounded, but your spirit still soaring at Henrys Lake Marina. When the flakes fly, trails like the Buttercup Hill Trail Head turn to skiing alongside the Rotarun Ski Area.

Lewiston

The Nimiipuu lived in this area since ancient times and were integral in helping Lewis and Clark in the early 1800s. Home to roughly 35,000 today, Lewiston draws visitors for great history and culture, the historic, tree-lined Main Street with eclectic shops and dining, and the gateway to Hells Canyon. Learn about the explorers in their footsteps through the Lewis Clark Valley, with picnics and cultural events. Hells Gate State Park is home to the Lewis and Clark Discovery Center. The Lewis and Clark National Historical Trail extends east and west into the neighboring states. Hells Canyon bursts with traces of miners, Indigenous American villages, wildlife, and 4,500-year-old rock carvings.

The nation's deepest river gorge attracts jet boat thrills, paddleboarders, kayakers, and fishermen for steelhead. There's also the white-sand beaches. Many follow up the outdoor adventures with a flourishing wine scene. Chase scenic views around the river bend on a bike ride along the paved trails before the local wineries and breweries lure you in. The terroir where the Clearwater and Snake rivers meet and the climate of the valley resembles France's Burgundy and Bordeaux regions with Rhone, so Bordeaux and Spanish varietals thrive here. Without the hordes of visitors in tasting rooms, meet the winemakers and enjoy top-quality wines.

Lowman

Lying low within central Idaho's wilderness, Lowman feels really serene, only 75 miles north of Boise. Home to only 26 residents, lush nature reigns along the South Fork of the Payette River. The enchanting journey via forested highways is intensified by the winding mountain roads, although limited to reliable vehicles during the snowy winter months. With a pine scent blasting through your rolled-down windows, Lowman welcomes you into the heart of Boise National Forest for a real escape from civilization. Directly on Highway 21, aka the "Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway," the secluded town has appeal for outdoorsy people of every activity level. The area drowned in tranquility is perfect for fishing, hiking, and wildlife watching in the picturesque backdrop.

Boasting all kinds of natural features like flats in the west and mountains peaking just northeast, many campsites welcome visitors to get their adventures started. Relax and soak in the therapeutic waters of the natural hot springs amid a stunning forested backdrop minutes east. Right on the doorstep of Lowman Inn, the popular Kirkham Hot Springs offers geothermal soaking pools and small hot spring waterfalls on the bank of the Payette River. You can easily access another spring west along the river from the Pine Flats parking area. Clamber around the upper鈥攙ery small and hot鈥攁nd enjoy the best soak in the middle of the Pine Flats Hot Springs. The sound of the river and the bubbles of the springs, plus a beautiful cascade, envelop you in a magical atmosphere.

St. Anthony

This eastern Idaho gem combines outdoor adventure with quirky charm along the rambunctious Snake River. Home to the spectacular St. Anthony Sand Dunes, these are one of a kind in the state to explore via climbing and photography over 10,000 acres. The dunes reach up to 400 feet in height, attracting off-road adventurers and sandboarders among naturists who study them. St. Anthony Sandbar is a popular summer attraction at the heart of town with a slide, sand to build castles, a roped-off swimming area, a rope swing, and a diving board. Take a dip after a hot hike and enjoy picnicking in scenic park surrounds, plus tubing and kayaking down Henry's Fork.

There's plenty to see in town, like the Bubble Land Bridge with great views across, fishing, plus access to the Greenbelt nature trail. It's a really peaceful place for relaxation and camping next to a thundering waterfall. Just west, the historic St. Anthony Railroad Bridge is another beautiful viewpoint over the river. The locals celebrate their heritage over the three-day Pioneer Days in July with a rodeo, a parade, and a pageant. The nondescript Big J's Pizza & Burgers plates deliciousness next door to the 1909 Fremont County Courthouse, built in the classical revival style. Nearby, the seasonal Yellowstone Bear 麻豆AV offers a safari-like experience with grizzly and black bears, elk, and bison.

While some have a taste for unconventional tourism, others crave a small-town escape, enjoying surprises along the way. These eight offer the solitude and the unique experiences you desire. Journeying through Idaho's iconic wilderness, you will discover real-life gems submerged in unspoiled scenery and the stillness of the area that captivates your soul.

From hot springs in Lowman to Hope on Lake Pend Oreille, these towns are perfect for a romantic escape, the first family camping trip of the year, or ever. Some of the most rewarding experiences are atypical. So whether you are an avid outdoorsman or photographer or just getting started, Idaho's most unconventional towns have a personalized itinerary right for you.