Things to do in Idaho City

Ever wish you could go back in time but keep all the nice things from now? I found myself in Idaho City, walking down old streets. The buildings are from the gold days, but you can still have fun things there. This small town high up in the hills surprised me in a good way.

You may not think of Idaho first when you want to travel, but you should. And Idaho City? It brings you a mix of old ways and things to do outside. It is a place you will not forget.

A Brief Introduction to Idaho City

Locating between the Boise Mountains and Boise, Idaho City was at one time the largest city in the Pacific Northwest during the gold rush in the 1860s. Nowadays, this is a small town with a population of about 500 that keeps its rich history and provides the visitors with a strange trip to the past and very many modern feats.

Top Things to Do in Idaho City

1] Soak in Idaho City Hot Springs

Things to do around the hot springs came up virtually every time locals were asked about the must-do activities. And for good reason! The Springs at Idaho City provides a wonderful retreat into naturally heated mineral waters surrounded by pine woods.

I stopped by this place for an afternoon treat after a tiring hiking day, and it is exactly what my tired muscles needed. The private soaking pools can be booked in advance and I really suggest it, especially on weekends.

Book your hot springs experience at least a week in advance through Tiqets to secure your spot. Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated while soaking!

2] Step Back in Time at the Boise Basin Museum

If you wonder what Idaho is most famous for, rich mining history would definitely be one of the things. Boise Basin Museum

on Montgomery Street contains a wide range of Gold Rush artifacts, historic photographs and interesting collections concerning the period of boom years in the area.

The Chinese exhibition took my attention it specifically speaks of a massive contribution by the Chinese immigrants to the development of Idaho City. History fanatics would find the admission fee of $5 more than worth their while.

3] Hunt for Treasures in Antique Shops -

Idaho City antique shops are legendary to collectors. The downtown is the home of a number of quaint shops for which you can scavenge for vintage gems – from mining gear to Victorian furnishings..

My favorite spots include:

Idaho City Trading Post – A treasure trove of western memorabilia and local crafts

Miner’s Exchange – Specializing in gold rush era artifacts and jewelry

Past Times Antiques – Filled with charming vintage home goods

4] Explore the Historic Cemetery

It may sound macabre, but Idaho City Pioneer Cemetery provides an interesting look at hardships and successes of pioneer life. Established in 1860s, the cemetery has elaborate headstones and narrates the tales of miners, pioneers, and early settlers.

The inspirational stories of all those who persevered were expressed in the stones of the serene grounds, and I found myself touched as I walked through it. If you are interested in genealogy or history of America, you should definitely visit this place.

5] Hike the Scenic Trails

The tourism in the state of Idaho has been thriving in the recent past, and one of the reasons why is because the state offers some incredible outdoor opportunities. The Idaho City is a great starting point for hiking adventures as there are also some trails for hikers of all abilities.

The Charcoal Gulch Trail is a moderate 3-mile trail with great views of the local mountains around. For something more daring, take the Adelmann Mine Trail, along which you will pass by historic mining operations.

During my visit in fall, the golden aspen leaves created a magical atmosphere that made every step worth it. I booked my hiking guide through Wegotrip, which I’d recommend for first-time visitors to the area.

6. Attend Seasonal Festivals

The Idaho City festivals attract tourists all year round with the small town beauty and local authentic culture. If your visit happens to fall between any of these events, you can call yourself lucky.

Idaho City Days (June) – It has parades, live music, gold panning contest.
Chili Cook-Off (September) – It is a competition by local chefs for the best chili recipe.
Christmas in a Mining Town (December) – Holiday celebrations in Victorian theme with carolers and craft fairs.

7. Indulge in Local Cuisine

After a day of exploration, go to one of Idaho City’s cozy food joints. Trudy’s Kitchen provides ample frontier style food, and Diamond Lil’s steakhouse is of quality cuts in the saloon setting.

Come the dessert, do not forget to try the huckleberry ice cream at the Ice Cream Parlor. Huckleberries are local to these parts, and this sugary delight demonstrates what Idaho is most famous for in terms of local tastes.

8. Take a Scenic Drive on the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway -

Renting a car from Localrent.com makes it easy to explore beyond Idaho City. The Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway (Highway 21) offers breathtaking views of forests, mountains, and wildlife.

The journey from Boise to Idaho City is especially amazing in the fall when the leaves change to brilliant reds and golds. Make sure to stop at points where they’ve designated as viewpoints for a photo opportunity and a look out for wildlife.

9. Gold Panning Adventures

Consider following your inner prospector and go on a gold panning adventure. There are some outfitters in town where one can rent equipment and receive information about the best techniques and places.

The Boise River still has deposits of gold and even though it is not likely to make you rich, finding even the tiniest amounts of gold is exciting. I spent a nice sunny afternoon with my knees in the cool waters and the meditative process of panning came as a surprise, but it was very relaxing.

10] Stargaze in the Mountain Darkness -

Out of city lights, Idaho City has awesome stargazing experiences. On clear nights, find a nice vantage point at the Boise Basin Campground and gaze into the sky to see the Milky Way span the heavens.

If your visit is in August, you may see the Perseid meteor shower – I saw more than 30 shooting stars during a short hour!

Where to Stay in Idaho City

1] Idaho City Hotel – Historic building with period furnishings

2] Cozy cabins – Available through Booking.com or Hotels.com

3] Camping – Several campgrounds in the surrounding Boise National Forest

I stayed at a cozy cabin I found through Hotellook, which offered the right amount of wilderness solitude and livable luxury with a wood-burning stove and all the rest of the trappings of modern living.

Getting to Idaho City

Idaho City is just 39 miles northeast of Boise, making it an easy day trip or weekend getaway.

1] Fly into Boise Airport– Major airlines including Air India and Qatar Airways offer connections to Boise with just one stop from major hubs.

2] Rent a car – Services like Economybookings.com offer competitive rates from Boise Airport.

Services like Economybookings.com offer competitive rates from Boise Airport.

3] Airport transfers -Welcome Pickups or Kiwitaxi can arrange direct transport to Idaho City.

For international travelers, I recommend getting a local eSIM from Airalo or Drimsim to stay connected while exploring the area.

Best Time to Visit

Travel Insurance and Safety

Idaho City is generally safe, but its remote mountain location makes travel insurance advisable. I always use Visitorscoverage for domestic trips like this.
Cell service can be spotty in the mountains, so download offline maps before exploring hiking trails. For flight delays or cancellations, Compensair can help you navigate the compensation process.

Conclusion

Idaho City provides a nice combination of history, outdoor adventure, and hometown hospitality that make for a memorable getaway. No matter if you’re soaking in hot springs, or looking for antiques, or traversing scenic hiking trails, this mountain town conveys the things that make Idaho unique.

With the continued growth of tourism in Idaho the off the crowd tourism destinations can be found in smaller cities like Idaho City. The next time someone will ask you – “Is Idaho worth seeing?” you can freely tell them about this Boise Mountain’s hidden gem.

Ready to plan your Idaho adventure? Book your accommodations through Booking.com or MakeMyTrip.com, compare flights on Kiwi.com or Aviasales, and start creating memories in one of America’s most underrated destinations!