Mountainside and lakefront recreation meet in McCall
Lakeside cottages and charming local businesses are a common sight in McCall, a small town between the peaks of the Seven Devils and Salmon River mountain ranges. On the southern shores of Payette Lake, the quiet Valley County community is home to winding wooded residential streets and a close-knit atmosphere. “McCall draws in people who are ready to leave busy city atmospheres behind and embrace the peace and quiet of nature,” says Ellen Ganz, a local real estate agent with Crawford Olson Real Estate Services. “The biggest draws are access to Payette Lake and the nearby ski resorts. We also have a great local business scene and waterfront restaurants.” The town’s community-centered atmosphere encourages supporting local businesses, and annual events bring residents together throughout the year.
Waterfront homes and private high-end neighborhoods
Log cabins and Craftsman-style builds make up most of the housing market in McCall, with waterfront homes featuring private docks and easy access to lakeside parks. Towering pine and fir trees line the town’s streets, and properties range from a quarter of an acre to over 5 acres. “A lot of snow is common in the winter,” Ganz says. “Sometimes we get over 6 feet, so most people invest in a car with four-wheel drive. The big blizzards are not for the faint of heart, but our streets are usually pretty well maintained.” Single-family homes of about 2,000 square feet or less range from the upper $300,000s to the upper $900,000s, while larger homes bordering Payette River, Payette Lake or one of the town’s popular golf courses range from around $1 million to $2.4 million. In McCall’s private neighborhoods like Whitetail Club, expansive estate-style homes can range from $2.5 million to $6 million. The community also has a wide selection of condos and townhomes, which start in the mid $200,000s and reach up to $1.5 million, while manufactured builds range from the upper $300,000s to the mid-$400,000s.
Top-rated public schools and dual credit courses with local universities
McCall is known for its top-rated public schools, with the McCall-Donnelly School District serving most local families. Highly rated nearby options include Barbara R. Morgan Elementary and Payette Lakes Middle. McCall-Donnelly High School offers a variety of dual credit courses through partnerships with the University of Idaho and the College of Western Idaho. High schoolers can also choose from an array of electives, from desktop publishing and construction technology to food production management and computer aided design. Additionally, the McCall Public Library hosts regular community programs, including illustration classes, tabletop gaming and language workshops.
Recreation on Payette Lake and an active skiing community
One of the biggest draws to McCall is its natural surroundings and access to Payette Lake. Legacy Park and Rotary Park both provide public water access for swimming and paddleboarding, with a handful of public boat launches across town. The community is also bookended by well-maintained golf courses. The McCall Municipal Golf Club is open to the public, with regular events and a bar and grill, while Whitetail Golf Club offers high-end amenities and special events and services for paying members. “There are two popular ski resorts within a 20-mile drive: Tamarack and Brundage Mountain,” Ganz says. “During holiday weekends in the winter, our hotels fill up with folks traveling for the slopes.” Ponderosa State Park lies just east of downtown McCall and has lakefront campsites, wooded hiking trails and a beach. In the winter months, the park is a popular place for snowshoeing and Nordic skiing.
Quaint cafes and art galleries in downtown McCall
Dozens of local businesses surround the intersection of North Third Street and Lenora Street, from quaint cafes to art galleries. Mountain Java, across the street from Payette Lake, serves baked goods, coffee and tea with locally made artwork for sale adorning the walls. My Father’s Place is a local favorite eatery serving charbroiled hamburgers and ice cream sundaes. Next door, Toll Station Pizza offers specialty pies, draft brews and Italian fare. For groceries, shoppers can visit the local Albertson’s, Ridley’s Family Markets or Natural Grocers.
A local farmers market and holiday celebrations
On Wednesdays and Saturdays from June to October, the McCall Farmers Market is held downtown and features dozens of vendors selling local produce, baked goods, flowers and more. The community also hosts seasonal events and holiday celebrations, like the annual Lakeside Liberty Fest on Independence Day. The event is complete with yoga in the park, a volleyball tournament and a fireworks display.
Bus routes to nearby towns and driving south to Boise
Idaho state Highway 55 spans roughly 110 miles south to Boise, while U.S. Route 95 can take drivers around 90 miles north to Grangeville or 100 miles south to Eagle. Treasure Valley Transit operates bus routes throughout McCall, providing transportation to nearby communities like New Meadows and Cascade.
![Jillian Pillow]()
Written By
Jillian Pillow
![Chad Jackson]()
Photography Contributed By
Chad Jackson
