Ketchum IdahoATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Ketchum, Idaho.
1. Sawtooth Wilderness Area
PRISTINE MOUNTAIN WILDERNESS
Sawtooth Wilderness Area offers some of the most breathtaking alpine scenery in Idaho with six mountain ranges surrounding the Sun Valley area. Visitors can enjoy hiking, trail riding, and other outdoor activities while taking in the scenic views. The wilderness provides a beautiful escape for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
2. Bald Mountain
WORLD-CLASS SKIING DESTINATION
Bald Mountain towers above Ketchum and draws world-class skiers every year to its renowned slopes. The mountain offers exceptional skiing opportunities during winter months and hiking trails during the summer. Its prominence in the valley makes it an iconic landmark of the Ketchum and Sun Valley area.
3. Sawtooth Botanical Garden
ALPINE FLORA SHOWCASE
Sawtooth Botanical Garden is a beautiful outdoor space showcasing the native plants and ecosystems of the region. The garden offers visitors a chance to learn about local flora while enjoying peaceful surroundings. It serves as both an educational resource and a tranquil retreat for locals and tourists.
4. Ketchum Cemetery
HISTORIC RESTING PLACE
Ketchum Cemetery is a historic site that serves as the final resting place for many local residents, including the famous author Ernest Hemingway. The cemetery offers a glimpse into the area's past with gravestones dating back to the early days of settlement. Its peaceful setting and historical significance make it a meaningful place to visit.
5. Wood River Museum of History and Culture
LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
Wood River Museum of History and Culture preserves the rich heritage of the Upper Wood River Valley through various exhibits and artifacts. The museum showcases the region's cultural evolution from indigenous settlements to mining town to world-class ski destination. Visitors can explore collections of historical documents and photographs that tell the story of Ketchum and its surroundings.
6. Ketchum/Sun Valley Heritage and Ski Museum
SKIING HISTORY SHOWCASE
Ketchum/Sun Valley Heritage and Ski Museum, founded in 1995, is dedicated to preserving the social and cultural history of the Upper Wood River Valley. The museum features exhibits about indigenous groups, pioneer fur trappers, Ernest Hemingway's connection to the area, and the rise of the tourism and resort skiing industry. Open Monday through Saturday, it offers visitors a comprehensive look at how the region evolved into a premier ski destination.
7. Johnny G's
ICONIC LOCAL SUB SHOP
Johnny G's is a beloved family-owned sandwich shop claiming to serve the best subs in Idaho since 1998. The shop is decorated with local ski memorabilia, including patio booths made from old skis and professional skier Karl Fostvedt's trophies. With 20 specialty subs, build-your-own options, and one-dollar beer drafts, it offers an authentic taste of Ketchum's local culture.
8. The Gold Mine
UPSCALE THRIFT SHOPPING
The Gold Mine, opened in 1955 by 17 women who founded Ketchum's Community Library, is the town's crown jewel thrift store. As a safe haven for the rich and famous, the store often features unique designer finds for just a few dollars alongside sporting goods, household items, art, and furniture. The profits from this renowned thrift shop help fund the non-profit community library, making shopping here both a treasure hunt and a contribution to local culture.
9. Sawtooth National Recreation Area
VAST OUTDOOR PLAYGROUND
Sawtooth National Recreation Area surrounds Ketchum with over 750,000 acres of breathtaking wilderness and outdoor recreation opportunities. Visitors can enjoy activities including hiking, fishing, camping, rock climbing, and mountaineering amid stunning alpine scenery. The area showcases some of Idaho's most beautiful natural landscapes with crystal-clear lakes, flowing rivers, and dramatic mountain views.
10. Sawtooth Club
HISTORIC FINE DINING
Sawtooth Club is a popular restaurant offering American cuisine with vegetarian-friendly options in a classic atmosphere. The establishment combines fine dining with the rustic charm that characterizes Ketchum's mountain town aesthetic. Its menu and ambiance have made it a favorite among both locals and visitors to the Sun Valley area.
11. Pioneer Saloon
ICONIC WESTERN STEAKHOUSE
Pioneer Saloon is a beloved Ketchum institution known for its steakhouse fare, American classics, and lively bar scene. The restaurant's rustic western decor features authentic mining-era artifacts and memorabilia that celebrate the region's frontier history. Visitors and locals alike flock to this iconic establishment for its hearty portions and authentic Idaho atmosphere.
12. Redfish Outlet Lake
SCENIC MOUNTAIN LAKE
Redfish Outlet Lake is a stunning alpine lake located near Ketchum that offers spectacular mountain views and outdoor recreation opportunities. The crystal-clear waters are perfect for fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding during the warmer months. Its accessibility and natural beauty make it a popular destination for both day trips and longer outdoor adventures.
13. Pettit Lake
TRANQUIL ALPINE WATERS
Pettit Lake is a picturesque mountain lake nestled in the wilderness near Ketchum, offering serene natural surroundings and outdoor recreation. The lake is accessible via scenic hiking trails and provides opportunities for swimming, fishing, and non-motorized boating. Its pristine waters and magnificent mountain backdrop make it a photographer's dream and a perfect escape from urban life.
14. Enoteca
UPSCALE ITALIAN DINING
Enoteca brings sophisticated Italian cuisine and an extensive wine selection to the heart of Ketchum. The restaurant offers a menu of Italian favorites with vegetarian-friendly options in an elegant yet comfortable atmosphere. Its combination of fine dining and mountain town charm makes it a popular choice for special occasions and casual gatherings alike.
15. Sun Valley Resort
LEGENDARY MOUNTAIN GETAWAY
Sun Valley Resort is a world-renowned destination adjacent to Ketchum that offers exceptional skiing in winter and numerous outdoor activities in summer. The historic resort, which opened in 1936, was America's first destination ski resort and continues to attract celebrities and skiing enthusiasts from around the world. Its elegant lodges, championship golf course, and year-round recreational facilities make it the crown jewel of Idaho's tourism industry.