A Day Trip to Idaho City: The Perfect Getaway

Katie Williams worked in partnership with Visit Idaho to create this Travel Tip.

Since moving back to Boise, I’ve been on a mission to uncover the best day trips from the capitol city. When I realized Idaho City, a place I explored as a child, was only an hour away, I knew I had to return for another “ghost town” adventure. 

Idaho City is nestled in the Boise Basin and holds a special place in history as the largest city in the Northwest more than a century ago. At the time, there were over 7,000 people calling Idaho City home, even surpassing Portland, Oregon! The prospect of gold brought hordes of miners to Idaho City, but as the mining boom faded, so did the population. Today, Idaho City has about 500 residents, and while it’s no longer technically a ghost town, it still has great charm and history.

Getting to Idaho City

If you’re coming from Boise, you’ll want to cruise along the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway (ID 21) for the best views from Boise to Idaho City. The drive only takes about one hour, and you’ll pass Lucky Peak Reservoir and drive through beautiful mountains the rest of the way there.

What to do in Idaho City

Find yourself a parking spot and start exploring this history packed town. You’ll first notice the incredible old architecture and storefronts that exude “Wild West” vibes. Many of the buildings have been rebuilt due to fires but have been preserved and refurbished.

Don’t miss the chance to visit the old Idaho Territorial Penitentiary, the Pest House and County Jail, and the Fire House. You also will want to be sure to take a stroll along the boardwalk to admire the old homes, trading post, antique shops—especially the BoCo Sluice Box— and the City Hall building.

You might want to consider timing your trip to align with Idaho City Days when the city is bustling with people, and there is a parade and art booths around town.

For anyone eager to dive deeper into the town’s history, the Simply Fun – Historic Walking Tour was a highlight for me. Led by the knowledgeable local guide, Rhonda, this tour offers a journey through the history of the town. She’ll take you inside the County Courthouse, granting you access to their collections of ledgers and artifacts housed inside a historic bank vault. Additionally, you’ll get to step foot inside the courtroom to see original furniture from Idaho City’s past. To secure your spot for this walking tour, visit the site.

If you’re a history buff, make sure not to miss the Boise Basin Museum. Inside you’ll learn about the rich history of the 19th century, particularly during the Gold Rush era.

Hiking around Idaho City

Since Idaho City is located in the mountains, there are a lot of hiking options nearby! I wanted a short hike and ended up doing the Charcoal Gulch hike. It’s only a few minutes away from downtown, and the hike is about a four-mile roundtrip that’s mostly uphill.

If you want an easy trail and have kids with you, try the Buena Vista Loop. It’s about 1.8 miles and is a leisurely looped trail that will take you through the forest.

Where to Eat in Idaho City

If you’re looking for some down-home Idaho grub, there are a few saloons and restaurants for you to try. One of my personal obsessions is Diamond Lil’s Steakhouse & Saloon, where you can enjoy delicious food and unique decor. If you’re looking for a bit more upscale cuisine, try BoCo Social for fresh fish and steak selections.

Another great option is Trudy’s Kitchen, where you can order all types of food but save room for their delicious pies. And if you’re in the mood for some entertainment, swing by The Gold Mine Grill & Saloon to sing your heart out during karaoke night.

If you’re a coffee lover, be sure to check out the recently opened Wallula Coffee. They serve a nice selection of traditional coffee options and sell locally-made souvenirs. For a delightful treat, head over to the newly renovated Sarsaparilla Ice Cream Parlor, where you can indulge in a scoop of their ice cream.

Soak in the Hot Springs

No trip to Idaho City would be complete without a stop at The Springs. This hot springs retreat is worth the detour, but you’ll want to make a reservation in advance. I recommend booking the private pool for an hour and ordering some food and drinks before heading back to Boise.

Stay the Night in Idaho City

While Idaho City is a perfect day trip getaway, you can also stay the night! Here are some great options that I can personally recommend having stayed at both!

Smoke Jumper Tiny Home Resort

The Smoke Jumper is perfect if you’re looking for a unique place to stay in Idaho! This tiny home resort is in a prime location within walking distance of historic downtown Idaho City and right next to Sarsaparilla Ice Cream Parlor.

Each individual tiny home within the resort is available to rent, including an ADA-accessible unit that is all on one level. These tiny homes have great amenities, including a spacious bathroom, comfortable king-size beds, privacy-enhancing “smart glass,” a mini-kitchen, a fire pit with a cooktop, and cozy Adirondack chairs for fireside relaxation.

Additionally, guests can enjoy the luxury of a hot tub, as well as public spaces featuring a movie theatre and on-site laundry facilities.

402 Montgomery

If you want to feel like you’ve stepped back in time to the ambiance of an old Western film, then 402 Montgomery is the perfect Airbnb for you. This converted old home is nestled within the historic district of Idaho City and mimics an old 1800s saloon. The attention to detail is incredible, and it will be sure to transport you back in time!

This Airbnb has the capacity to accommodate up to four people and has a  wood-burning stove, a nice kitchen, and a Victrola record player! It’s the perfect getaway to unwind and relish in a unique atmosphere.

Idaho City is one of those places you’ll never forget and is sure to transport you to another time period. The history, adventure and authenticity will have you coming back for more year after year.

Katie Williams is a world traveler and blogger at Traveling Spud. She documents her adventures around the globe and shenanigans in her home state of Idaho. Follow her on her blog Traveling Spud or her Instagram.