America’s Best Small Mountain Town Has Legendary Fly Fishing, Easy Access to Yellowstone, and the Longest Main Street in the U.S.

An underrated gateway to our nation’s oldest national park, Island Park, Idaho, has a brand-new Scandinavian-inspired boutique hotel and an endless number of outdoor activities.

Ask any avid angler about fly fishing destinations out West, and there’s a very good chance they’ll tell you all about the renowned waters of Henry’s Fork — a tributary of the Snake River and one of the greatest trout fisheries in the United States. While the river is over 110 miles long, running from Big Springs to where it meets the South Fork of the Snake River, several of the most popular sections are found in Island Park, Idaho.

Although I’m always tempted by the possibility of catching a brown or rainbow trout, there was another reason I planned a trip to Island Park in June 2024: Yellowstone Peaks Hotel. A boutique property with 21 freestanding cabins, wood-fired soaking tubs, a dry sauna, and communal cold plunges, the unique hotel concept was dreamed up by part-time Island Park residents and proprietors Mara and Blake Hansen. Their new venture, which welcomed its first guests in May, is located right off Island Park’s famous 33-mile-long Main Street, a stretch of Highway 20 that goes straight through town and north toward West Yellowstone; the road is also commonly referred to as the longest Main Street in the United States.

Why Island Park Is the Best Small Mountain Town in the U.S. for 2024

Island Park may not initially appear as a mountain town; when you arrive, it presents as mostly flat. That’s because the area is inside an ancient caldera, formed about 1.3 million years ago from a large volcanic eruption. Take one look around you, though, and you’ll see the Centennial Mountains, a subrange of the Rockies that serves as a backdrop for life in Island Park. With an elevation of nearly 6,300 feet above sea level, this is one of the highest cities in Idaho. Yes, Island Park is technically categorized as a city (it was incorporated in 1947 to circumvent some of Idaho’s liquor laws), but its year-round population was last recorded as just under 300, so it counts as a small town in our book.

A mountainous landscape was just one factor we looked at when identifying T+L’s Best Small Mountain Town for 2024. It was also important for the community to have a deep appreciation of the great outdoors and a willingness to share their home’s natural wonders with visitors. In Island Park, we found just that — along with cozy accommodations, unbeatable proximity to Yellowstone, and some of the most amazing sunsets in the Rocky Mountains.

Where to Stay

Yellowstone Peaks Hotel

It’s safe to say the Hansens found a relatively untapped niche in the Island Park and West Yellowstone hospitality scene. “Choosing this spot for Yellowstone Peaks was a no-brainer for us. It's close to the national park, and that alone is just amazing, but what really got us was how untouched and pure Island Park felt,” Mara says. “Every time we visited, it felt like returning home, where nature takes over and you can't help but relax.”

The Hansens designed their minimalist, Scandinavian-inspired boutique hotel to cater to those who want a balance of adventure and high-quality rest. “We're aiming to be the place where you can just kick back, put your feet up, watch the sunset from your porch, chill in the wellness area, cook some yummy food outside on your private grill, or take a walk to check out the river only 200 meters away,” says Blake.

Each of the property’s 560-square-foot cabins is fully equipped for a multi-day (or even multi-week) vacation. There’s a full kitchen — including a stove, microwave, full refrigerator, and dishwasher — and a dining area, plus a king-sized bedroom, oversized custom bunk beds, and a queen pull-out sofa, allowing each cabin to sleep up to six guests. This level of thoughtfulness also extends to the decor. While simple, the overall ambience feels purposeful and rooted in a sense of place; each cabin also prominently features a custom piece of art hand-painted by Mara.

Yellowstone Peaks Hotel is open seasonally, in line with the West Entrance of Yellowstone National Park, which is typically open from April to early November. “This way, you can catch all the best times to explore and enjoy everything this area has to offer during those months,” says Mara.

Wander Camp Yellowstone

Travelers who want an overnight stay more akin to camping — but without the hassle of setting up a tent — can book a glamping tent at Wander Camp Yellowstone. Open from mid-May to late September, it sits on a working ranch just south of Henrys Lake. The 200-square-foot tents come in a range of layouts, from a single king bed to the Triple Tent, which houses three twin beds.

Henry’s Fork Lodge

Billed as “Idaho’s premier fishing lodge,” Henry’s Fork Lodge offers an exceptionally cozy experience for travelers — even if they’re not fishing. It’s the type of destination where afternoon naps, long conversations by the fire, and full immersion in nature are encouraged. There are six comfortably designed guest rooms inside the main lodge, but if you prefer a bit more privacy, consider booking one of the eight cottage suites — complete with sitting rooms, fireplaces, and separate bedrooms.

Things to Do

Go fly fishing at Harriman State Park.

According to Blake, the first thing to do in Island Park is “try your hand at fly fishing.” “Whether you go solo, with a guide, on a drift boat, or simply wading, it's an experience that disconnects you from the world. Focusing on that tiny fly dancing on the water is truly magical and a great way to unwind,” he says. While there are countless places to fly fish in the Island Park area, none is more renowned than Harriman State Park — a section of Henry’s Fork that was once known as Railroad Ranch and is still often referred to as “The Ranch.” This section of the river is catch-and-release only, and visitors must pay the park entrance fee and have an Idaho fishing license (you can purchase one online) in hand.

Visit Mesa Falls.

Upper and Lower Mesa Falls are worth checking out when in Island Park, and there are multiple ways to experience both. For information on the local geology, flora, and fauna, start your exploration at the historic Mesa Falls Visitor Center. From there, it’s just a short walk to the powerful, 114-foot-tall Upper Mesa Falls. The upper parking lot of the visitor center is also where you’ll find the trailhead of the Mesa Falls Nature Trail, a two-mile out-and-back route that takes you down to Lower Mesa Falls. The Lower Mesa Falls can also be seen from the Grandview Overlook, just a mile south of the visitor center.

Spend time in Yellowstone.

“Of course, visiting Yellowstone National Park is a must,” says Mara. “Just a stone's throw away, it's a world-renowned treasure with its geysers, wildlife, and stunning landscapes. Exploring Yellowstone is an unforgettable adventure that complements your Island Park getaway perfectly.” Given the popularity of the park in summer, it’s best to start early and allow extra time to reach your destination; traffic can come to a halt when herds of bison are crossing the road or all the cars have stopped to look at an animal. The wildlife and iconic Yellowstone sights — such as Old Faithful and the Grand Prismatic Spring — are worth it, though.

Rent a UTV or snowmobile.

Adventurous travelers have their pick of heart-pumping activities in Island Park, but snowmobiling and driving a UTV are certainly at the top of the list. In the summer, local outfitter High Mountain Adventures provides UTV rentals as well as tours to Big Springs Loop and Sawtell Peak. Come winter, the Island Park area has over 950 miles of groomed trails to explore via snowmobile; High Mountain Adventures also offers rentals of any gear you’d need, including bibs, gloves, and helmets.

Walk to Johnny Sack’s Cabin.

There are a variety of hiking trails in and around town, and one of the easier routes also happens to go to one of the most photographed spots in Island Park: the Johnny Sack Cabin. A 0.8-mile out-and-back fully paved path meanders along Big Springs (the headwaters of Henry's Fork) and leads to the historic log cabin, a structure that was originally built in the 1930s and has remained notable for its craftsmanship.

Where to Eat and Drink

Angler’s Riverfront Restaurant

For what the Hansens call “amazing riverside seating,” head to Angler’s Riverfront Restaurant, which sits directly off Henry’s Fork. “We highly recommend their truffle fries — they're absolutely delicious. For a main course, you can't go wrong with the Idaho trout served with lemon butter veggies and risotto,” says Mara.

Last Chance Bar & Grill at TroutHunter Lodge

You’ll find Last Chance Bar & Grill at TroutHunter Lodge just across the street from Yellowstone Peaks Hotel. Another dining option that has stunning river views, this is the type of place that beckons to travelers who’ve just completed a day on the river or a trek through Yellowstone. “Their bar serves top-notch cocktails, making it a perfect spot for dining. Personally, I always go for their pork chop with pineapple salsa — it's a definite winner,” says Blake.

The Pine Cone

One of the newest additions to town, The Pine Cone opened this June. With coffee, bagels, milkshakes, and soft-serve ice cream on the menu, it’s ideal for a pre-adventure pick-me-up or a post-hike treat.

Café Sabor

Although Café Sabor has locations throughout Idaho and Utah, the Island Park outpost is a local favorite for a couple of reasons. For starters, the Mexican menu boasts a variety of filling appetizers and generous mains. Think nachos, enchiladas, and platters of sizzling fajitas. Plus, the patio provides a fabulous view of the river — adding to the already top-notch dining experience.

The Best Times to Visit

The best time to visit Island Park depends entirely on what you plan to see and do in the area. If you’re interested in fishing, plan your trip in the late spring, summer, or fall — from April through October. Early summer is also the perfect time to see the wildflowers. “In June, the wildflowers burst into full bloom, painting the landscape with a riot of colors and creating a truly magical atmosphere. It's amazing to see the variety and abundance of flowers everywhere you look,” says Mara. Summer is the peak season for visiting Yellowstone, so it’s best to depart Island Park on the early side in order to avoid long lines at the West Yellowstone entrance.

Fall is also a beautiful — and quieter — time to visit Island Park. “The whole area transforms with vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold as the leaves change. It's a breathtaking sight, and it really feels like nature's own canvas,” says Blake. He also adds that this time of the year is when the trumpeter swans begin to arrive at Henry's Fork. “Witnessing these majestic birds is a spectacle in itself and adds to the charm of the season.”

If you’re able to handle the cold, winter can be just as appealing. Snowfall is typically plentiful in this part of the state, making possible a wide range of powder-friendly activities — from snowmobiling and ice fishing to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

How to Get There

Island Park is a little over two hours from Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) — three hours if you don’t care to drive over the steep Teton Pass — and it’s about 90 minutes from Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA). In the summer and early fall, Delta and United Airlines offer flights to the smaller Yellowstone Airport (WYS) from Salt Lake City and Denver; from there, it’s only 35 minutes to Island Park. A car is essential for getting to and exploring Island Park and the surrounding area, including Yellowstone National Park.

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