Hailey, Idaho
Overview
Founded in 1881, Hailey was the product of the mining boom in the Wood River Valley in the 1880s. A fast growing community, Hailey has managed to keep its small town feel and to be quieter than its neighbors to the north, Ketchum and Sun Valley.
Hailey is the home to the majority of the year round residents of the Wood River Valley. The individuals who live in Hailey are the mainstay for the tourist industry, which thrives through out the Valley. Hailey is also is the home to the Sun Valley Airport with flights to service the popular resort destination.
Investor's such as resident movie star, Bruce Willis, continue to invest in the downtown area of Hailey and have been instrumental in the continued growth and development of the downtown area.
Location
Hailey can be found along highway 75, 14 miles south of Sun Valley and approximately 70 miles north of Twin Falls, Idaho or I-84 in southern Idaho. This charming community is nestled in the southern end of the Wood River Valley in central Idaho.
Lodging and Services
The local Chamber of Commerce bills Hailey as "Idaho's Hometown in the Mountains" and the community lives up to that name with its friendly, welcoming atmosphere, fine restaurants, a good selection of lodging options and fantastic recreational opportunities.
Activities
With its location in the Wood River Valley at the edge of the Sawtooth and Challis National Forests and its proximity to the majestic Sawtooth Wilderness immediately to the north there are many recreational opportunities in Hailey.
- Cross country Skiing
From the groomed and daily maintained trails found at the Sun Valley resort and near Galena Lodge, to the more rustic trails found in the backcountry, you will be amazed at the quiet serenity and winter wildlife you will enjoy cross country skiing. - Skiing
Obviously people gravitate to the Wood River Valley in the winter to enjoy the world class ski mountains owned and maintained by the Sun Valley Resort – just a short 14 miles to the north from Hailey. - Hiking
There are numerous trails of all kinds, from easy to difficult in the canyons and valleys that surround Hailey. Guides in the area can supply fully supported day and multi-day wilderness adventure trips in Idaho - Mountain Biking
Don’t forget to bring your mountain bike when visiting Hailey. You can enjoy the paved pathway that runs the entire length of the Valley from Hailey to Sun Valley, or you can enjoy the scenic, more technical rides in the surrounding mountains. - Fly Fishing
The streams, rivers and lakes in the area provide many opportunities for the avid angler to enjoy casting a fly into the waters.
Attractions
- Blaine County Historical Museum
This historical museum features displays including school, kitchen, living room. The museum also has political campaign items, tools, military uniforms, agricultural and mining artifacts, china etc. - Company of Fools
This is a local theater group that each season selects plays that will not only challenge its artists but creates an opportunity to dialogue with its community.
Getting Here
The fourteen miles between Sun Valley and Hailey run through the entire length of the Wood River Valley. As you travel along Highway 75, bordering the Wood River, you will enjoy view of tree covered mountains and wildlife.
Much of the day to day work force for the northern portion of the Wood River Valley actually live in Bellevue and/or Hailey in the southern part. Their daily commute can make the drive between Hailey and Ketchum/Sun Valley a slow one, but the surrounding views as you travel along make the trip worth while.
