Spotlight on Idaho City
From downtown Boise, it’s a 45 minute drive through mountains along a crystal clear river to reach Idaho City. That is unless you stop at one of the dozen historic markers along the way. The sheer number gives you an idea of the importance of Idaho City. Today, with more than 22 intact historic buildings, some dating back to 1864, Idaho City is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Idaho City is part of the Boise Basin, a 200 square-mile area that also includes the historic mining towns of Placerville, Centerville and Pioneer City
Once gold was discovered in 1862, Idaho City’s population soared. By 1863 it was the largest city in the Pacific Northwest -- larger than Portland, Oregon. It is estimated that more than $250 million was taken from the area in the two decades following the discovery, which makes it the richest strike in America. More gold was taken from the Boise Basin than the California Gold Rush and the Klondike in Alaska.
By 1868 the city had such amenities as opera and theater houses, 250 businesses, including music stores, tailors, bakeries, bowling alleys, all types of retail establishments and of course breweries, pool halls and saloons.
More than 100 years later, Idaho City still thrives. Preserving and sharing the history of Idaho City is a key economic component. During the summer tourist months, thousands of people visit the area. Volunteers keep the museums and historic houses open for the public, staff the Visitors Center and help with upkeep of the buildings.
Business District
Contemporary businesses thrive by catering to the summer visitors that flock to Idaho City for an authentic taste of a mining town. But when it’s winter and the tourists aren’t around, businesses find real success in taking care of the local people who support them throughout the entire year. 
In a small town it pays to diversify, and a prime example is Donna’s Place. What started as a gift shop, eventually expanded into a restaurant, small grocery store, ice cream parlor and video rental.
“We wanted to be an asset to the community and we’re here for the long haul,” said owner Skip Myers. He and his wife, Donna have been in business for 18 years and attribute their success to staying in touch with what the local residents want and need, and making sure they are well taken care of.
Down the street, Trudy’s Kitchen is a gathering place for locals and visitors alike. Owner Trudy Jackson has lived in Idaho City for 48 years and attributes her success to doing what she loves, and expanding to meet the needs of the community. Along with the restaurant, she caters for private functions and also has RV and cabin rentals. “I am committed to my community and the feeling runs both ways,” says Jackson. “The community supports me and it’s a wonderful place to live.”
Attracting new business and revitalizing the downtown tops the list of things to accomplish for Mayor Jackie Bridwell. “We have empty buildings that need to be occupied and our residents are good employees,” said Bridwell.
The quality of life is what attracts and keeps most people here -- clean air, world-class hunting, fishing, hiking trails, snowmobiling, and four-wheeling. But perhaps the most coveted perk -- Idaho City is a genuine small town with genuine small town atmosphere.
Everybody knows their neighbor and generally looks after one another. Top that off with a low crime rate, it’s an “absolutely wonderful place to raise your kids and a great place to retire,” said Bridwell. And since she’s not only the mayor, but a 35-year resident of Idaho City, she should know.
Businesses looking to relocate to a small town in close proximity of a large metropolitan area are in luck. There’s plenty of space available to rent, or land to build your own building, and if you are hankering to start a business, opportunities abound. “There are a few businesses for sale,” said Bridwell. “And we could use a hotel, bank, clothing store and another gas station.