Summer in McCall is a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it kind of magic. One minute, the snow’s melting. The next? Town is buzzing, the lake is sparkling, and your days are suddenly full of patio drinks, paddleboards, and porch hangs.

But that’s the charm, right? Summer here doesn’t drag – it flies. And because the window is short and the to-do list is long, we’ve put together the ultimate guide to help you make the most of it. Think of this as your seasonal cheat sheet: where to go, what to do, and all the can’t-miss moments in between.

You’ve got sunshine to soak up. Let’s get to it!

1. Enjoy a Scoop

Tucked away in the heart of downtown McCall, Ice Cream Alley has been a much-loved summer tradition for nearly 40 years. Offering more than 25 flavors, including local favorites like Huckleberry and Lemon Pie, their mountain-sized scoops are drool-worthy. Open seasonally from Memorial Day to Labor Day, it’s the perfect spot to cool off after a day of exploring. ​

2. Don’t Miss the Best Barn Dance

Hosted by the McCall Folklore Society, the Summer Music Festival at Roseberry is one of Idaho’s most popular music events. Held annually in July at the historic Roseberry Townsite in front of the historic Roseberry Barn, the festival features a diverse lineup of artists. Bring a blanket, pack a picnic, and enjoy live music under the Idaho sky. ​Local breweries and food trucks also grace the festival grounds if you’d rather enjoy a local bite.

Want more live music? Visit our website (visitmccall.org) to see all the local festivals slated for summer including the McCall Music Society’s SummerFest, the Fourth of July Music Festival at Brundage, the Yellow Pine Harmonica Festival, and so much more!

3. Meander the River

If you do nothing else all summer, do this! Explore the tranquil waters of the Upper North Fork of the Payette River, affectionately known as “The Meanders.” This gentle, non-motorized zone is ideal for kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding, offering opportunities to spot local wildlife like moose, deer, and eagles. Rent equipment from local retailers like Backwoods Adventures, Home Town Sports, McCall Sports, and Gravity Sports or bring your own!

4. Hike to the Best View in Town

It’s no secret we L.O.V.E. hiking in McCall. One of the most iconic (and most accessible) offers a birds-eye view of Payette Lake and downtown. The hike to the Narrows Overlook in Ponderosa State Park provides not only stunning views but also picnic areas perfect for a leisurely lunch. We love that there are several options to get to this vantage point. Hike along the network of trails in the Park from one of several trailhead parking lots. Or if you would rather experience the view without the hike, there is also a small parking lot right near the overlook you can drive to.

5. Snap a Family Photo

Who can resist an oversized chair?! Capture a memorable family photo in McCall’s iconic Big Green Adirondack Chair, located at Gold Glove Park. This oversized chair is a fun and quirky photo opportunity. Let the kids play on the adjacent playground or run through the grass at one of our favorite City Parks. Explore more of our City Parks and open spaces by visiting visitmccall.org/things-to-do/activity/parks.

6. Beach It at Legacy Park

Right in the heart of downtown McCall, this lakeside gem is the go-to spot for sunny afternoons. With a sandy beach, shallow swim zone perfect for littles, and grassy areas made for sprawling out with a picnic, it’s easy to lose track of time here. The water’s just the right kind of refreshing, the view is pure Payette perfection. Plus, you’re only steps away from ice cream, coffee, or a post-swim burger.

7. Pick Huckleberries

Huckleberries may quite possibly be the best thing about summer in McCall. These round purple berries have a tart kick that make them the perfect addition to pies, ice cream, pancakes, syrup and more. While you can purchase fresh or frozen Idaho huckleberries at some farmer’s markets, the best way to get your huckleberry fix is by picking them yourself. Berries typically ripen between July and September and can be found along many hiking trails and forested areas. Remember to bring a container, pick responsibly, and be mindful of wildlife that also enjoy these tasty treats. ​Find a few of our favorite local huckleberry recipes by visiting the “Trip Ideas” tab at visitmccall.org.

8. Catch Live Music…Daily

We’ve already talked about the music festivals, but weekly live music should also be on your summer bucket list! With a fantastic slate of artists from around the region, catching a show on the patio, on the grass, or in a courtyard is commonplace in McCall. Visit our Event Calendar at visitmccall.org to see whose playing at venues like Brundage Mountain Resort, Tamarack Resort, Roseberry, Jug Mountain Ranch, Salmon River Brewery, Broken Horn Brewery, Café 634, and more!

9. Explore a Farmer’s Market

Our local markets may be small, but they pack a big punch. Local growers, ranchers, bakers, and artisans come together each week to offer a wide variety of local delights. Every week offers something just a bit different and there is always something new to try. Three markets run each summer in the area:

McCall Farmers Market

Wednesdays and Saturdays 10am-1pm
Mid June – September
Located at 2nd and Lenora (between the library and the lake)

Donnelly Farmers Market

Wednesday 3pm – 6pm
Mid June – September
Located next to the Donnelly Bible Church

New Meadows Farmers Market

Saturday 10am – 2pm
Mid June – September
Located at Dorsey Warr Memorial Park

10. Take a Sunset Cruise Around Payette Lake

Climb aboard and cruise into golden hour. Whether you’re a first-timer or a lifelong lake lover, a ride on The IDAHO with McCall Lake Cruises is a summer must. These laid-back, scenic tours offer unbeatable views of Payette Lake’s sparkling shoreline, with just the right blend of fun facts, local lore, and fresh mountain air. Opt for a sunset cruise – think golden light on the water, cool breezes, and maybe even a glass of wine in hand – or a midday 90-minute cruise perfect for a family outing. You can also charter private cruises for events!

Bonus Bucket List Experience: There is now another one-of-a-kind way to tour the lake with Payette Pedal Party. This 15-passenger bike boat is one of the most fun and entertaining ways to get on the water. Part pub crawl, part workout, the crew on the Payette Pedal Party creates one memorable experience. Hop on a public tour or book the entire boat!

11. Smell a Ponderosa Pine

Sounds weird, right? But trust us on this one. Not only are these beautiful trees special to our landscape, but their bark actually smells like butterscotch. Really! The magic comes from compounds in the bark. So lean in and give it a sniff and catch the unmistakable candy-like aroma – especially strong on warmer days. We promise we won’t judge! These majestic trees are abundant in the McCall area, especially within Ponderosa State Park.

12. Hop on the Lift for a Scenic Chairlift Ride

A view without the climb! Even if you are an avid skier, there is something completely different about riding a chairlift in the summer. The warm breeze as you fly up the mountain over the trees and wildflowers, the expansive views. It really is something you have to experience to fully appreciate. Both Tamarack Resort and Brundage Mountain Resort offer Scenic Chairlift Rides along with lift-serviced mountain biking each summer.

13. Ooh and Aah at the Fireworks

Nothing says “summer in McCall” quite like watching fireworks explode over the glassy surface of Payette Lake while the flotilla of boats bob beneath. McCall’s Fourth of July celebration, Lakeside Liberty Fest hosted by the City of McCall, is always one for the books and try as we might, a photo never quite does it justice. So bring a blanket, grab a dinner to go from one of our local restaurants and settle in at Legacy Park for a show that’s pure small-town magic.

14. Tee Off on Summer

Whether you prefer an early morning tee time or a twilight round, golf in McCall comes with a side of scenic beauty. With pristine fairways, towering pines, and the kind of crisp mountain air that makes every drive feel just a little sweeter, it’s no wonder this is a golfer’s paradise. Choose from scenic courses like McCall Golf Club, Jug Mountain Ranch, Osprey Meadows, MeadowCreek, Whitetail Club, or the Cascade Golf Course, each offering its own blend of challenging play and postcard-worthy views. Not up for a full round (or know the kids won’t last more than a few holes)? Check out the new Par 3 course at Jug Mountain Ranch.

15. Splash Through Some Whitewater

Idaho is known as the Whitewater State and for good reason. There is certainly no shortage of rapids to satisfy thrill seekers around the McCall area and our expert guides and outfitters have you covered with everything from half-day to multi-day trips. Bring your sunscreen, sense of adventure, and get ready to yell “paddle forward!” as you charge through the rapids.

For families and first-timers, opt for more mellow stretches like the Cabarton along the Payette River. Ready for something a bit more wild? Book a guided day trip on the Salmon River with seasoned guides. Find a list of river outfitters on our website at visitmccall.org.

16. Eat a Famous Gingersnap

One bite and you’ll understand why Stacey Cakes is less of a bakery and more of a local legend. The gingersnap cookies here are crackly, chewy, perfectly spicy – and yes, always worth waiting in line for. It also doesn’t hurt that this delightful bakery is chock-full of other delicious fare like “Twixters,” scones, quiche, cookies, cakes, and more to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Bonus Points! While newer on the McCall scene, Paikka is already a place to add to your must-stop list. We can’t get enough of the fresh flavors that come from this farmhouse sourdough bakery along Highway 55. The bagels are to die for, and the coffee cake is nothing short of sinful.

17. Get Artsy

Around every corner in McCall, there’s a surprise waiting: sculptures, murals, mosaic benches, even art in the bus shelters. And summer is the best time to tour McCall’s living gallery.

Start at Art Roberts Park to snap a photo with the famous “The Bearing Wall” bears, then stroll through town and explore the history artfully designed into the Centennial Park Mosaic, the murals on Railroad Avenue, the “Mountain Goats” at the Alpine Theater, and the “Stalactites” in Legacy Park. Pick up the “Art Walk” map from Gallery 55 or the McCall Public Library so you won’t miss any of the 15+ art installations scattered throughout the city.

18. Zip Line Through the Trees

Feel the wind in your hair and the thrill in your stomach on the zip line through the forest canopy. Choose from two local zip line tours: Tamarack Zipline Adventures and Zip McCall Adventures. At Tamarack, you’ll tackle eight zip lines and two suspension bridges in a full canopy tour that brings the forest to life in a whole new way. Over at Zip McCall Adventures, they have the longest ziplines West of the Mississippi, three tree houses, and two suspension bridges high above the forest floor. On top of all that their Aerial Adventure Park is great family fun! Either way, it’s part thrill ride, part nature tour, and 100% mountain summer magic.

19. Take the Family on a Trail Ride

Trade four wheels for four hooves and explore the backcountry the old-fashioned way with Yahoo Corrals. Located just north of McCall on Warren Wagon Road, these guided horseback rides take you along scenic trails through the Payette National Forest, with plenty of time to soak in the views and maybe even spot a deer or two. Perfect for beginners and kids, the gentle horses and friendly guides make it a fun and memorable way to see McCall from a whole new perspective. Choose from 1-hour, 2-hour, or half-day rides.

20. Spend a Night Under the Stars

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or testing the waters with your first s’mores session, camping in the McCall area is the kind of experience that makes you forget about your inbox and remember what the stars look like. Some of the very best memories are made around a campfire – trust us! Around here, there is no shortage of campsite options – from state parks to RV parks to Forest Service campgrounds, find them all in our full Summer Camping Guide at visitmccall.org.

21. Step Back in Time

Celebrate McCall’s rich history with a visit to the Central Idaho Historical Museum. The museum spans a four-acre campus featuring eight structures, including the Fire Warden’s House. This three-story log home was built in 1937 by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Beyond the Fire Warden’s House, the museum offers exhibits on the CCC, fire lookouts, the McCall Mill, and the timber industry…everything that built the McCall you know and love today.

22. Catch a Fish

There is ample opportunity to cast a line into the lakes and rivers around McCall, but there is a hidden gem that is our go-to family fishing hole. Nestled within a city park on the southern edge of Cascade, Fischer Pond offers an ideal setting for anglers of all ages, especially young fishing enthusiasts. This 1.7-acre pond is known for good bank fishing opportunities, particularly in early summer and fall. The surrounding park also offers horseshoe pits, volleyball courts, and picnic tables, making it a perfect spot for a family afternoon. Adjacent to The Strand, a greenbelt that follows the Payette River, Fischer Pond is a great spot to pair fishing with a leisurely stroll along the river. ​

23. Spend an Evening at the Playhouse

Experience the vibrant local arts scene by attending a performance at McCall’s Alpine Playhouse, the epicenter of performing arts in the area. This intimate theater hosts a variety of productions throughout the year, including plays, concerts, and film festivals. Notable events include the Seven Devils Playwrights Conference and the Children’s Theater. The recreation and scenery may get a lot of attention, but the arts in McCall have a way of stealing the show!

24. Pedal the Pathways

With all the adrenaline-inducing single-track in the area, we can sometimes forget about how much we love our urban, multi-use trails. The paved pathways and designated bike routes, the boardwalk, and the lake loop- these are the routes we take daily. The ones that make it possible to take a bike ride as a family, enjoy an evening cruise, or go downtown for dinner without having to worry about where to park the car. So, hop on a bike and pedal the pathways this summer! You can also find three self-guided biking tours on our website at visitmccall.org. Choose from the “Iconic McCall,” the “Art in the City,” or “The Scenic Route” tour and see the best McCall has to offer on two wheels!

25. Pick Up a Local Gem

Retail therapy is always a good idea. And once you check all these bucket list items off your list, be sure to pick up a little something to remember your summer adventures in McCall! Fortunately, behind each storefront is a trove of unique finds from home décor and antiques to clothing and gifts. Spend a few hours browsing the shops and cap off a summer to remember in McCall.