A historic mining town that has found new life as an outdoor paradise
Kellogg, huddled in the heart of Idaho’s Silver Valley, combines a rich industrial heritage with its new life as a vacation destination. “It’s a small, quaint, beautiful town in a valley surrounded by mountains,” says Realtor Jill Spiker with AlliedTeam Realty, a native of the Silver Valley region. “There’s a lot of history there with the silver mines and smelting, but it’s mostly become a ski resort town now. It’s very popular year-round, though, not just in the winter.” While part-time residents enter and leave with the seasons, permanent locals take advantage of the area’s many opportunities for outdoor recreation and its quiet, small-town atmosphere.
A mix of seasonal condos and permanent residences
As with many ski-centric towns, Kellogg has its fair share of seasonal residents. “Most people who keep a second home here do so with the condos near the base,” Spiker says. These can cost anywhere from $165,000 to $400,000, depending on square footage. Across the interstate, quiet neighborhoods of bungalows, midcentury split-levels and Dutch gambrel colonials sit in the shadow of the mountain pines. “The permanent homes in the area have become a draw for retirees because it’s so quiet,” Spiker adds. “It’s not as big with families, but there are some very affordable properties around.” Prices for single-family homes range from around $155,000 to $575,000 depending on the acreage, number of bedrooms and build year.
The Silver Mountain Resort offers many year-round opportunities
The Coeur d’Alene River cuts through the center of town, popular with local anglers. Kellogg’s biggest draw is the Silver Mountain Resort, which offers plenty of recreation opportunities regardless of the weather. “It’s a fun destination year-round for visitors,” Spiker says. “There’s a gondola at the base in town which takes you up the mountain, so you park and ride right to the top without having to drive up a narrow mountain road. They have the water park for the kids, great skiing and tubing hills, and mountain bike trails during summer.” The town also boasts its own skatepark, the Galena Ridge Golf Course and proximity to the Shoshone County Public Shooting Range. Sampling local specialties is another summer attraction. “Huckleberries grow up in the mountains, and people like to go up and pick them along the trails,” Spiker says.
Mountain bike races and the Mining and Smelting Museum appeal to summer visitors
In the warmer months, Kellogg appeals to visitors with a range of outdoor entertainment options. “All through the summer, they have outdoor concerts at the resort base,” Spiker says. “And they hold mountain bike race events, too. Tours of the historic mines are also popular, especially with the older locals.” The Shoshone County Mining and Smelting Museum opens on Memorial Day, shutting down when winter weather draws attention to the ski slopes.
Humdinger Drive-in has been a community favorite for over 50 years
Residents can pick up groceries at Yoke’s Fresh Market in the center of town, or at the Grocery Outlet in nearby Smelterville. Smelterville is also home to the closest Walmart Supercenter for any daily household necessities. “Kellogg is pretty limited when it comes to shopping and restaurants,” Spiker says. “There are a few restaurants, and the best are probably going to be associated with the base of the gondola. One of my favorites is Humdinger Drive-in, which is a burger place where you order and eat in your car or at picnic tables. It’s open year-round, and they have good burgers, home-cut fries and ice cream. It’s been around at least 50 years.” Other options include Chinese at Wah Hing Restaurant, coffee at The Beanery and cold beers at Radio Brewing Company.
Interstate 90 is the major commuter artery of Kellogg
Interstate 90 cuts through the center of Kellogg, connecting it with downtown Coeur d’Alene and further on to Spokane, Washington. “People do the Coeur d’Alene commute all the time, though mostly they’re heading to Kellogg,” Spiker explains. “Dave Smith Motors is the biggest employer in the area, a huge car dealership that I think sells the most cars in the world, and it’s right off the highway.” I-90 is also the most direct route to Spokane International Airport, a trip that takes roughly one hour.
Four schools comprise the Kellogg Joint School District
Students in Kellogg attend public schools in the Kellogg Joint School District, given an overall grade of C from Niche. Pinehurst Elementary earns a B-minus. Canyon Elementary Science Magnet School, an alternative option, scores a C-plus. Kellogg Middle also receives a B-minus. Kellogg High is rated C-plus, boasting a highly decorated boys' golf squad.
