About KetchumIn the late 19th century Ketchum sprang up almost overnight as a shipping and smelting center for the remote mountain mines surrounding the Wood River Valley. Ores and supplies were transported by the giant ore wagons of the Horace Lewis Fast Freight Line. These relics of the area's past are displayed in the Ore Wagon Museum on East Avenue next to City Hall and once again appear on the streets during the Wagon Days Celebration Labor Day weekend. The history and culture of Wood River Valley's sheep industry is spotlighted in October during the Trailing of the Sheep festival. The Ketchum Cemetery includes the grave of Ernest Hemingway.
As the gateway to the Sun Valley resort area and the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, the town offers an abundance of activities year-round. Such outdoor recreational activities as swimming, mountain biking and bicycling, hiking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and camping are foremost among Ketchum's attractions. For the spectator Ketchum offers some 30 art galleries and the nexStage Theatre, where local theater companies perform year-round. For theater information phone (208) 726-4857.
Visitor Centers Sun Valley Visitors Center 491 Sun Valley Rd. Ketchum, ID 83340. Phone:(208)726-3423 or (800)634-3347
Self-guiding ToursThe Sun Valley Museum of History, 1st Street and Washington Avenue, has a booklet about the history of Ketchum that includes a walking tour through the downtown area; phone (208) 726-8118.
ShoppingDowntown Ketchum offers more than 70 shops and restaurants offering everything from antiques and books to children's toys and specialty gifts.
Recreational Activities
Horseback Riding Galena Stage Stop Corrals-Trail Rides
Things to Do Sawtooth Botanical Garden
Ketchum, ID
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Best Western Plus Kentwood Lodge180 S Main St. Ketchum, ID 83340
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Best Western Tyrolean Lodge260 Cottonwood St. Ketchum, ID 83340
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