Exploring Emmett Idaho

LIFE IN EMMETT

Just over the foothills north of the Treasure Valley lies beautiful Emmett, Idaho. Descending into the Emmett Valley on Highway 16 offers stunning views of this fertile valley. Located at the base of Squaw Butte with the Payette River flowing through it, Emmett has abundant recreational opportunities year-round and yet is a throwback to simpler times. It is an unabashedly small town with everything you need found within the city limits. A variety of delicious restaurants, a great hospital, good schools, and most of all—friendly people — make Emmett the perfect place for those that truly appreciate quiet, small-town living.

Emmett has not experienced the rapid growth that the Treasure Valley has experienced. Although it has grown slowly over this past decade, it remains a community of almost 7,000. Tucked away in its own scenic valley, it is only a 30-minute drive to Eagle and other nearby cities.

Living in Emmett allows your children the freedom of walking and biking to nearby schools and parks. It is a safe and ideal place for raising children. And Emmett has tremendous hometown pride—from its small-town, high school football games to the annual Emmett Cherry Festival that attracts more than 50,000 visitors annually to this four-day event.

SCENIC RECREATION AND FUN

Nowhere in the Treasure Valley can one find the kind of rugged beauty that surrounds Emmett. Jutting nearly 5,900 feet above sea level, Squaw Butte lies at the north end of the Emmett Valley, rewarding hikers and mountain climbers with a breathtaking view of the fruitful valley below.

The Payette River provides abundant recreational activities from fishing to white-water rafting, favorite swimming holes, and hidden picnic areas. There are countless places to enjoy clean mountain air while camping along tranquil or fast-flowing sections of the river, teaming with fish and forested banks.

Surrounded by the Payette River is the beautiful 57-acre Gem Island Sports Complex, a regular hangout for families. The complex offers several play areas, including eight baseball fields, soccer fields, a skate park, basketball and volleyball courts, an amphitheater and a stocked fishing pond. A paved riverside walking path surrounds the complex. It’s a great place to spend a day with family, so be sure to pack a cooler, fishing poles, and your kids’ scooters, and enjoy the afternoon making memories.

The Little Gem Cycle Park, just east of Emmett off Highway 16, is one of the largest off-road vehicle parks in the West. Explore more than 2,000 acres of varied terrain with hills, ridges, and sandy areas. Seven miles northeast of Emmett is Black Canyon Reservoir. Open from mid-May through mid-September, this 1,100-acre reservoir features 12 miles of shoreline and is a favorite spot for boating, fishing, swimming, and camping.

Along with assorted outdoor recreational opportunities, Emmett also hosts a variety of community events. Each spring, anticipation begins for the opening of the Emmett Farmers Market, which runs from June through October. Experience locally grown fruits and vegetables, goat’s milk soap and cheese, unique woodworking, crafts, and more. As previously mentioned, the Emmett Cherry Festival brings more than 50,000 visitors to town. This free, family-friendly hometown tradition began in the 1930s to celebrate the abundance of the Emmett Valley and takes place the second full week of June each year. Starting on Wednesday and running through Saturday, the entire town of Emmett is transformed into a bustling family festival, offering free daily entertainment, parades, and nightly concerts.

On the third Saturday in July, Emmett is flooded with more than 1,000 classic cars as they participate in the Emmett Show and Shine followed by Emmett Cruise Night. Cowboys and residents alike take part in the Gem County Fair & Rodeo, held the first weekend in August.

Blessed with the grandeur of nature, a friendly hometown spirit, and a wide variety of community events, Emmett is an amazing place that residents love to call home.