The natural beauty of McCall is made even more majestic with a series of public art installations throughout the city. From historical legacies like the Civilian Conservation Corps memorial statue to works by the budding future artists of McCall like the Youth Art Installation on Railroad Avenue, this collection of public art is diverse, beautiful, and speaks to the spirit of the city. Follow the Art in the City self-guided bike tour to enjoy 9 of these delightful works of art.

Shortcut

(McCall Public Library)

This jovial bunch of children welcomes visitors to the McCall Public Library and is the perfect first stop on our public art tour. Created by artist Jane Dedecker, the staff at the Library have been known to add beach balls, winter scarves, and school books to the children to celebrate the seasons.

Youth Art Installation

(Railroad Avenue)

Even retaining walls in McCall are decorated to the nines! This installation was created by art students from the McCall-Donnelly High School Advanced Art Class and provides a welcome pop of color for drivers, pedestrians, and bikers along Railroad Avenue.

Taking Flight

(Corner of Pine & Railroad)

Artist Alisa Looney created this sculpture to represent our deep connection with nature, open skies, and free-flowing rivers. The bright blue steel installation joins a bird taking flight with a person staying grounded, all in a location that takes advantage of beautiful Payette Lake in the background!

Big Green Chair

(NE corner of Pine St. and Roosevelt Ave.)

This hidden gem is a perfect place to snap a family photo. Find it tucked away under the pines in a little popup park on the corner of Pine and Roosevelt. There are also several picnic tables here where you can stop and enjoy a snack.

Mountain Goats at Play

(Roosevelt Avenue)

Pull up a seat next to three colorful mountain goats in the Alpine Playhouse pedestrian plaza. Artist Matt Babcock’s bright red aluminum installation provides a fun public gathering place to soak in the sunshine. While you are there, check the Alpine Playhouse for the next performance dates!

Going to School

(Brown Park)

Brown Park is an idyllic place to spend an hour or two. Along with playground equipment, benches and ample green space to enjoy, this site is also where the historic McCall Mill used to be located and has a lovely shoreline path perfect for strolling.

Stalactites

(Legacy Park)

Legacy Park is in the center of it all and features a unique sculpture designed by Zella Bardsley that perfectly frames the view of Payette Lake and Brundage Mountain. While here, enjoy a volleyball court, picnic tables, splash fountain, and an enclosed swimming area.

CCC Worker Memorial

(Central Idaho Historical Museum)

During the Great Depression, more than 25 percent of Americans were suffering from unemployment. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was part of FDR’s New Deal and put America’s young men to work protecting the nation’s natural resources. The CCC accomplished remarkable feats for the environment and agriculture and had a lasting impact on the McCall area. The CCC Worker statue is a monument to their legacy and sits on the lawn of the Central Idaho Historical Museum. Tours of the museum are also available in June, July, and August Wednesday through Friday from 11 am to 3 pm.

Wings Over McCall

(Dienhard and Highway 55)

The last stop on our tour, but the first piece of art to welcome you into McCall! “Wings Over McCall” sits at the main intersection of Dienhard and Highway 55 against the backdrop of the McCall airport. This iconic sundial was designed by Ward Hooper.

McCall’s network of pathways give you a front row seat to some seriously beautiful views. From the golf course to Ponderosa State Park, Payette Lake to shady forests there is no shortage of natural beauty to see on a ride around town.

Your Starting Point

It is easy to hop on the trail at any point and make a loop of this route, but for an easy starting point, we like to start this ride on the separated paved pathway in front of Ridley’s Family Market. The path is smooth and wide and a perfect place to kick off your scenic ride.

Put a Spring in your Step (or Pedal)

From Ridley’s, head east toward the Payette Lakes Middle School then turn north to connect to the Spring Mountain Ranch paved pathway. This delightful stretch takes you along the outskirts of the city and past thick forested areas, the McCall Golf Course and past meadows and wetlands.

Pro Tip: There is a bike tuning station where the path passes Wooley Ave. in case you need to make any adjustments along the way!

Lick Creek Road

Continue along the Spring Mountain Ranch pathway until you reach Lick Creek Road. Turn west and head toward Ponderosa State Park. This section of the route is a road shared with vehicles, pedestrians, and bikes.

Ponderosa State Park

At the end of Lick Creek Road, turn north and ride into Ponderosa State Park. Take the Lakeview Trail at the park entrance to access the Peninsula Trail that follows the western shoreline of the Park. At this point, you can choose to explore the Visitors Center, Amphitheater, Activity Center, and beaches or extend your ride through the Park to see one of the most scenic overlooks in McCall.

Extension: Osprey Point & Narrows Overlook

The trails in the Park are dirt single track and the route to the overlook does climb in elevation, but the effort is worth the view! From the Peninsula Trail starting at the Activity Center, ride 3/4 of a mile and connect to the Huckleberry Bay Mountain Bike Trail at the Lily Marsh parking lot. This route will take you another mile to the northernmost point of the Park with two stunning overlooks.

Lakeside Cruise

When you are ready to head back into town, exit Ponderosa State Park and turn right onto Ruby Street. This turns into McCall Avenue and follows the perimeter of Payette Lake. Continue on to Mill Road, and then turn right onto Pine to put you right at Legacy Park.

Explore Downtown McCall

From Legacy Park, pedal through the downtown core and explore the shops and restaurants. If you are looping back to the starting point, meet up with the pathway system next to City Hall on E. Park Street. Ride past the McCall-Donnelly High School and Disc Golf Course until you reach the pathway’s intersection at Deinhard. From here, turn east (left) to get back to Ridley’s.

Extension: North Valley Rail Trail

If you haven’t had enough scenery for one day, extend your ride by continuing straight along the pathway at the Deinhard intersection. The route will take you to Mission street with a short section of “share the road” riding until a separated paved pathway near River Ranch begins. The paved pathway gives way to a natural surface pathway and marks the beginning of the North Valley Rail Trail. Ride the Rail Trail past the Activity Barn up to Heinrich Lane.