**Top 5 Cities to Film in Idaho**
Idaho may not be the first state that comes to mind when thinking about filming locations, but it has much to offer. With its beautiful landscapes, charming small towns, and wide-open spaces, Idaho is a great choice for filmmakers. Whether you need mountains, rivers, or forests, Idaho has a variety of natural settings. It also has welcoming communities and plenty of space for filming. Movieinsure.com is a proud provider of short term film production insurance and annual film production insurance for the state of Idaho. Here are the top five cities to film in Idaho.
1. **Boise**
Boise, the capital of Idaho, is the largest city in the state. It is also one of the best cities to film in because it offers both urban and natural settings. Filmmakers can capture shots of Boise’s downtown area, which has modern buildings, art galleries, and restaurants. But if you move just outside the city, you will find parks, rivers, and trails. This makes Boise a versatile place to shoot films.
One popular spot for filming is the Boise River Greenbelt. This scenic path runs along the Boise River and is surrounded by trees and wildlife. The peaceful setting is perfect for outdoor scenes and nature shots. In downtown Boise, you can find the Idaho State Capitol building, which offers a grand and historic backdrop.
Boise’s blend of city life and outdoor beauty makes it a great location for different types of films. Whether you are filming a romantic drama or an action movie, Boise can provide the perfect setting.
2. **Coeur d’Alene**
Coeur d’Alene is located in northern Idaho and is famous for its stunning lake and mountain views. It’s a favorite for filmmakers who want to capture the natural beauty of Idaho’s landscapes. Lake Coeur d’Alene is the centerpiece of the city, and its crystal-clear waters and surrounding mountains make it a picturesque location for filming.
Many filmmakers use Coeur d’Alene for scenes that involve water activities like boating, swimming, or fishing. The lake’s calm waters and scenic beauty create a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. In the winter, the surrounding mountains offer a snowy wonderland, perfect for winter sports scenes or holiday-themed movies.
The city of Coeur d’Alene itself has a small-town charm, with its quaint streets and welcoming community. The combination of the lake, mountains, and friendly atmosphere makes Coeur d’Alene an excellent place for filming, especially for films that focus on nature or small-town life.
3. **Idaho Falls**
Idaho Falls is located in southeastern Idaho and is another great city for filmmakers. The city is known for its beautiful Snake River, which runs through the heart of Idaho Falls. The river provides a stunning backdrop for outdoor scenes, with its rushing water and scenic views.
The city’s famous Idaho Falls waterfall is a popular spot for filming. The falls are located right in the city, making them easy to access. The waterfall, combined with the city’s parks and green spaces, creates a peaceful and scenic setting for many types of films.
Idaho Falls is also close to some of Idaho’s most beautiful natural landmarks, including Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park. These nearby locations offer filmmakers even more opportunities to capture breathtaking landscapes. The mix of urban settings, rivers, and access to nature makes Idaho Falls a top choice for filming in Idaho.
4. **Sun Valley**
Sun Valley is Idaho’s most famous resort town. Known for its world-class skiing and luxury lifestyle, Sun Valley is a perfect location for films that need a glamorous or adventurous backdrop. The town is surrounded by mountains, and in the winter, it becomes a snowy paradise, making it ideal for films with winter sports or holiday themes.
Sun Valley’s ski resorts have been used in several movies and TV shows, thanks to their stunning mountain views and top-notch facilities. In addition to skiing, the town offers many other outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The natural beauty of the area is perfect for filmmakers who want to capture adventure or explore the outdoors.
In the summer, Sun Valley transforms into a green and lush landscape, with wildflowers blooming in the meadows and clear blue skies. This makes it a great location for year-round filming. The town’s mix of outdoor adventure and luxury lifestyle makes Sun Valley a unique and attractive place to film in Idaho.
5. **Twin Falls**
Twin Falls is located in southern Idaho and is best known for its breathtaking waterfalls and dramatic landscapes. Shoshone Falls, located near Twin Falls, is one of the most impressive natural wonders in Idaho. The falls are taller than Niagara Falls and provide a stunning backdrop for any film. The roaring water and towering cliffs make this a dramatic and unforgettable location for filming.
The Snake River Canyon, also near Twin Falls, is another popular spot for filmmakers. The canyon’s deep, rocky walls and winding river make it a great location for action scenes, adventure films, or even science fiction movies. The Perrine Bridge, which crosses the canyon, adds an extra element of drama and is often used in films that need a bold, daring setting.
Twin Falls also has a charming downtown area with local shops and cafes. The contrast between the natural beauty of the waterfalls and canyons and the small-town feel of the city gives filmmakers a variety of options for shooting different types of scenes. Twin Falls is a fantastic choice for filmmakers who want to capture both nature’s beauty and the charm of Idaho’s communities.
In conclusion, Idaho is a hidden gem for filmmakers. The state’s natural beauty, from its rivers and lakes to its mountains and canyons, makes it a perfect place to film outdoor scenes. But Idaho’s cities also offer plenty of options for urban settings, with their charming downtown areas and historic landmarks.
Boise is the state’s largest city and offers a great mix of modern urban life and natural beauty. Coeur d’Alene, with its stunning lake and mountain views, is a dream location for nature-focused films. Idaho Falls, with its beautiful river and waterfall, provides a peaceful and scenic setting, while Sun Valley’s luxury lifestyle and outdoor adventure make it perfect for films that need a glamorous backdrop. Finally, Twin Falls, with its dramatic waterfalls and canyons, offers filmmakers some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the state.
No matter what type of film you are making, Idaho has something to offer. Its variety of landscapes and welcoming communities make it a fantastic place to bring your film to life. Whether you need a bustling city, a peaceful river, or a dramatic waterfall, Idaho’s top cities provide endless possibilities for filmmakers.