Things to do & places to visit in Ketchum, Idaho, United States

Once a modest mining and ranching town, Ketchum is now a bustling resort town that became a popular ski destination with the settlement of nearby Sun Valley. Bald Mountain towers above the city and draws world class skiers every year. The surrounding wilderness provides a beautiful escape for hiking, trail riding, hunting and sports. Ernest Hemingway was known to have fallen in love with the valley and made his final home in Ketchum.

Ketchum city in Idaho, United States. Timezone: America/Boise, current date and time: Wednesday, May 08, 2024, 16:53.

Top things to do (30)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Sawtooth Wilderness Area (182 reviews)
- Look for the natural hot springs north of Ketchum!
National Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks • Forests

The 217,000 acres within the Sawtooth National Recreation Area include some 300 lakes, 40 wilderness trails and a forest of fir, spruce and pine. See more..
5.0 Black Tie Ski Rentals of Sun Valley (115 reviews)
- Fantastic
Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Gear Rentals

Black Tie Ski Rentals is a Full Service Ski and Snowboard Rental Delivery Company. No Lines, No Hassle. Let our professional ski techs safely fit you and your group with all your skiing needs, if there are any problems we are there to take care of it, and when you are done we pick everything up at a place that is convenient for you. Spend more time enjoying your ski vacation!! See more..
5.0 Galena Stage Stop Corrals (32 reviews)
- Perfect Day of riding!
Horseback Riding Tours

Galena Stage Stop Corrals is an easy 30 minute drive North from Sun Valley/Ketchum. Ride trails in the historic Galena Mining District with experienced guides and gentle mountain horses. Rides range in length from 1 hour to all day. Galena Stage Stop Corrals also offers wagon rides to the public along with a western Bar-B-Que every Thursday evening in conjunction with Galena Lodge.Beautiful, wooded trails, historic mining country, miner's cabin and a silver mine. Let us help you explore the Smokey Mountain's of Central Idaho. See more..
5.0 Fisher Creek Trail (18 reviews)
- This is a must ride trail
Biking Trails

Winding through the foothills of the White Cloud Range, this scenic bike trail provides magnificent views of the Sawtooth Valley with a toboggan-like downhill return after the arduous climb. See more..
5.0 Silver Creek Outfitters (16 reviews)
- Fly fishing Silver Creek
Spent More than 3 hours Speciality & Gift Shops

Bryan Hostetler! Wow! Silver Creek has a keeper in this guide! Bryan took me on a 3/4 day trip to Silver Creek on the "s turns". From the minute we threw out until the very last cast, we hooked, netted (and missed) rainbows and browns every 5 to 10 minutes. What was REALLY exciting was that we were using a 26 baetis casting into a 10 to 12 knot wind! Thank you Silver Creek, and thank you Bryan Hostetler for the best day fishing ever!!!! See more..
5.0 Fly Sun Valley (14 reviews)
- When the view from the tallest peak just isn't good enough
Other Outdoor Activities

Paragliding tandem flights are our specialty!! With no prior experience, you can soar the skies over Sun Valley with a professional USHPA certified paragliding tandem instructor. Just a few easy strides and you will be gliding through the air, securely connected and comfortably seated next to your pilot/instructor. Fly Sun Valley is the only fully insured and permitted paragliding operation of the Sun Valley Resort, conducting flights in cooperation with the Sun Valley Company and through an exclusive commercial permit issued by the US Forest Service. See more..
5.0 PK's Ski and Sports (13 reviews)
- Knowledgable and service oriented
Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Speciality & Gift Shops
I went here looking to demo some current skis for a few days. I was looking to purchase something in the near future but wasn't sure what size and width I wanted or would be best for my type of skiing. I was wanting to try out different sky types/widths for all mountain skiing. They were informative and customer oriented, offered some directions and information on ski types. I tried 3 different widths on 3 different days at the mountain. Ecah time getting a good feel for skis they suggested and narrowing down my comfort level on what I was looking for. By the 3rd day and with their help, I was able to determine the type and size of skis I wanted. I would have been blind without thier help!! To recap, their customer service, engagement, support and knowledge were top notch! See more..
5.0 Chapter One Bookstore (12 reviews)
- Chapter one bookstores customer care number//6289334182,,
Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops

Chapter one bookstores customer care number//6289334182,,Bookstores like this are hard to find anywhere. Great selection of new releases and an impressive collection of used books. Amy made my three kids feel like they were See more..
5.0 Gail Severn Gallery (12 reviews)
- Fantastic Gallery
Closed now - 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Art Galleries

We have purchased several quality pieces of art here over the last several years. Always several good exhibitions going on. A fun place to visit. See more..
5.0 Gilman Contemporary (10 reviews)
- Great Photography
Wednesday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Art Galleries

Located in the resort community of Sun Valley, Gilman Contemporary has established itself as a leading contemporary gallery in the Northwest. The award-winning gallery represents established as well as up and coming artists whose recognition in the art world continues to grow. Collectors across the US and abroad appreciate the unparalleled service and knowledge L’Anne and her colleagues provide. Throughout the year, the gallery exhibits new work by each of their nationally and internationally celebrated painters, sculptors and photographers. Visit the gallery's website for information on our artists, exhibitions and follow us on Instagram for new art arrivals, installations and more. See more..
5.0 Independent Goods (5 reviews)
- A Lovely Little Gem
Wednesday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops

Independent Goods celebrates and features over 50 independent makers & artists and their stories of inspiration. The curated, handcrafted items home goods, jewelry, t-shirts, original artwork and are available in-store and online. The store design is a celebration of the mountain town and its culture. Independent Goods is locally owned and operated. See more..
5.0 Harvey Art Projects (2 reviews)
- Julie and Chelsie are the best
Points of Interest & Landmarks
GO!!! Incredible indigenous art from Australia, supporting women and their aboriginal culture. A must while in ketchum. See more..
5.0 Trailing Of The Sheep Festival (1 review)
- Multi-day festival unique to Idaho
Cultural Events

See more..
4.5 Redfish Outlet Lake (100 reviews)
- New Favorite Lake
Bodies of Water

A scenic lake with views of white-capped mountains. See more..
4.5 Sawtooth Botanical Garden (54 reviews)
- Tranquil Respite
Gardens

What a wonderful, quiet & tranqul place ! Loved the "Pet Memorial" area.... and the staff were ALL very pleasant and friendly. Outside of Butchart Gardens in British Columbia, this was one of the nicest gardens we've visited. Well worth the $5.00 donation entry fee. See more..
4.5 Ketchum Cemetery (40 reviews)
- Well Kept
Spent < 1 hour Cemeteries

This is a beautiful well kept little cemetery with the obvious famous attraction. We were staying next door and found this a lovely place to take a early morning stroll. If your a Hemingway fan then you will a very peaceful resting spot for him and some of his family. See more..
4.5 Sun Valley Center for the Arts (17 reviews)
- Great gallery, concerts and speakers!
Art Museums

The Center's main exhibition space and staff offices are located in Ketchum at the corner of Washington Avenue and Fifth Street, two blocks west of Main Street. Admission to The Center gallery is always free.Trained volunteer guides, known as docents, conduct free tours every Tuesday at 2pm. The Center generally schedules an evening tour for each exhibition and can arrange tours by appointment, in English or Spanish. Call 208.726.9491 ex 10 in advance of your visit to arrange a tour.The Center hosts six visual arts exhibitions a year. Most Center exhibitions are curated by Center staff, though The Center does on occasion collaborate with guest curators or display traveling exhibitions. Exhibitions focus on contemporary art but many exhibitions also include a historical component as well. Most exhibitions are part of multidisciplinary projects that explore ideas or concepts relevant to our times and of interest to our community. Multidisciplinary projects include visual arts exhibitions, music and dance performances, family events and talks leading thinkers and authors.Small lectures, performances and some classes are also held at our Ketchum facility. See more..
4.5 Zenergy Health Club & Spa (16 reviews)
- Go to Zenergy if you want the full health and beauty experience!
Wednesday: 6:00 AM - 8:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Health Clubs • Yoga & Pilates • Spas

Zenergy is Sun Valley’s premier health club and spa. The Zenergy health club's 50,000 square foot facility includes the Pivot functional movement studio, indoor and outdoor saline pools, tennis courts, cardio & weight training gym, Pilates, and over 85 weekly classes in our group fitness, indoor cycling, and yoga studios. Our luxury spa offers a wide variety of services, including massage, acupuncture, reflexology, nail salon, hair studio, and tanning. See more..
4.5 Pettit Lake (14 reviews)
- paddle board, canoe and kayak heaven
Bodies of Water

located near Stanley Idaho in the heat of the Saw tooth mountains is a amazing lake that offers great hiking, paddle boarding, canoeing, fishing and lake kayaking. See more..
4.5 Lizzy's Fresh Coffee (8 reviews)
- Don't go here... :)
Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops • Coffeehouses

Lizzy's Fresh Coffee is a coffee roasterie. Enjoy a hand crafted coffee from our Coffee Bar Mon-Fri 8am-11am. Purchase freshly roasted coffees and coffee brewing equipment any time Mon-Fri 8-3. Shop online 24/7. Nationwide shipping and local pickup. See more..
4.5 Vault Consignment Shop (8 reviews)
- these women know what they are doing
Spent 1-2 hours Antique Shops
Great place to look for some unusual and beautiful antiques. These women have style and class...Love to come in and see what is available. See more..
4.5 Adam's Gulch Loop (6 reviews)
- Sun,Shade, and everything else
Spent 2-3 hours Biking Trails • Hiking Trails

Even though the entry says " private road", a second trip got us to the parking area ( very small area, so get there early). On two occasions, we encountered families on bikes scaling the trails. This location is a springboard for multiple hikes. You can choose from Sunnyside or Shadyside - take both for a good balance in your day. See more..
4.5 Magic Lantern Cinema (3 reviews)
- always a good selection of movies
Spent 2-3 hours Movie Theaters
The best movie theater in the valley. Always showing the newest movies, and great food and drink selection. See more..
4.0 Sun Valley Visitor Center (75 reviews)
- Very friendly man
Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Visitor Centers

the man who works in this small spot (a volunteer) was utterly helpful! even drove me to the airport to pick up a rental car! See more..
4.0 Sun Valley Museum of History (36 reviews)
- Want a good time, love the outdoors go tonSun Valley and Ketchum
Wednesday: 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums • History Museums

This small museum chronicles the area's history on and off the slopes. See more..
4.0 Whiskey Jacques (14 reviews)
- Love it!
Wednesday: 4:00 PM - 2:00 AM Bars & Clubs
Great place for just a lot of fun. This place has a great atmosphere and a great staff. Drinks are good and reasonable. See more..
4.0 Gold Mine Thrift Store (13 reviews)
- Treasures at the Gold Mine
Spent 1-2 hours Speciality & Gift Shops

Always plan a visit to the Gold Mine while in Ketchum! Some fantastic finds each time, including these amazing boots today. The staff are fun and helpful--Janice and Kay are the best! See more..
4.0 Wood River Valley Ore Wagon Museum (12 reviews)
- Unique History
Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums

We discovered this unique piece of history while wandering around Ketchum. The Ore wagons were lined up outside as if ready to be hitched up and move the ore. On going inside to read more on these it was interesting to find out that they are used annually for the parade during the Labour Day weekend, which was just a few days away. So we were lucky to see them out. Well worth a visit if you are in Ketchum, even better if you can see them being pulled by the 12 mules, would have loved to have seen this. See more..
4.0 Nexstage Theatre (1 review)
- Enjoyable Local Theatre in Ketchum - nexStage Theatre
Spent 2-3 hours Theaters

We went to nexStage Theatre. Its a small theatre (265 seats) so it looked like every seat had a great view. The lobby area is nice too with a fireplace. They do a variety of theatre events and other events (such as a murder mysterys). See more..
3.0 Easley Hot Springs Pool and Store (10 reviews)
- Love this place!
Wednesday: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Rides & Activities • Playgrounds

Our family-friendly hot springs pool and soaking tubs are enjoyable for all ages. The water is mineral-rich and chemical-free, fed from a geothermal spring. Snacks and treats are available in the store along with ice, firewood, and other miscellaneous camping items. The Easley campground is within walking distance and managed by the US Forest Service. Reservations can be made at www.recreation.gov Located 20 minutes (15 miles) north of Ketchum, this is a great stop as you adventure in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area or a fun afternoon outing from the Ketchum/Sun Valley area. See more..