The Longest Main Street in America and the Small Towns It Passes Through

If you’ve ever driven through a quaint American town and admired its Main Street, you’re not alone. From diners and drugstores to post offices and porch swings, Main Street is the heart of small-town life. But did you know that the longest Main Street in America isn't in a big city or sprawling suburb? It winds through a rugged stretch of Idaho wilderness, measuring a jaw-dropping 33 miles long. Welcome to Island Park, Idaho—home to the longest continuous Main Street in the United States.

Main Street, Island Park-style, is less about storefronts and soda fountains and more about log cabins, fly shops, and miles of forested beauty. Running parallel to US Highway 20, Island Park’s Main Street is a quirky byproduct of zoning laws, tourism, and geography. But its story is anything but ordinary.

A One-Lane Town With a 33-Mile Main Street

Located just 22 miles from the west entrance of Yellowstone National Park, Island Park is one of the narrowest, most spread-out incorporated towns in the country. The town was officially incorporated in 1947 to allow businesses along US 20 to sell liquor legally at a time when unincorporated areas couldn't. To accomplish this, early town planners drew Island Park like a thin ribbon along the highway, resulting in a town that is only about 500 feet wide in most places but stretches a full 33 miles in length. And because nearly the entire town follows a single road, that road became known as the town's Main Street.

Today, that means if you’re cruising through Island Park on US 20, you’re on Main Street—for more than half an hour.

A Road Through Nature

While many Main Streets boast coffee shops and boutiques, Island Park's Main Street is a celebration of Idaho's rugged natural beauty. You’ll drive past pine-covered mountains, clear streams, and scenic vistas, often with more elk and moose sightings than cars. The area is a haven for anglers, hikers, snowmobilers, and nature lovers of all kinds.

You won't find a bustling downtown district with skyscrapers here. Instead, you’ll find fly-fishing lodges, mountain cabins, historic inns, RV parks and campgrounds, trailheads and scenic overlooks.

The Henry's Fork of the Snake River runs nearby, offering world-renowned trout fishing and kayaking. Outdoor gear shops dot the roadside, catering to the thousands of visitors who use Island Park as a basecamp for Yellowstone and the greater Targhee-Caribou National Forest.

Small Towns and Stops Along the Way

Although Island Park is technically a single town, it’s made up of several smaller communities and neighborhoods along the 33-mile stretch. Each has its own flavor, attractions, and slice of Main Street charm. Here are a few worth stopping for:

Last Chance

Once a stop for stagecoaches, Last Chance is now a popular area for fishing and vacation rentals. You’ll find riverside cabins, friendly outfitters, and easy access to trails and water activities. The area is named because it was the “last chance” to stop before heading into Yellowstone.

Mack's Inn

This historic area began as a family-owned lodge and resort in the 1900s. Today, Mack's Inn features cozy cabins, a general store, and even float trips on the river. It’s a great stop for families and those looking to spend the day on the water.

Big Springs

One of the largest natural springs in the country, Big Springs pumps out 120 million gallons of crystal-clear water per day. A boardwalk and nature trail give visitors the chance to see wildlife and even feed the massive rainbow trout that hang out near the spring’s edge.

Shotgun Village

Less of a village and more of a community hub, Shotgun features a few scattered homes, vacation rentals, and access to nearby ATV and snowmobile trails. It’s quieter and more off-the-grid than other spots along the Main Street corridor.

Flat Rock

Ideal for campers and stargazers, Flat Rock has public campgrounds, wooded trails, and peaceful river views. It’s a prime spot for travelers looking to stay overnight and escape the crowds.

Activities Along America’s Longest Main Street

Whether you're planning a week-long getaway or just passing through, Island Park's Main Street offers plenty of fun, seasonal activities. In summer, visitors can enjoy fly fishing on the Henry’s Fork, hiking in Harriman State Park, kayaking or floating from Mack's Inn, ATV and trail riding, and camping under the stars.

Winter transforms the region into a snowy playground, perfect for snowmobiling on hundreds of miles of groomed trails, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing in the forests, and ice fishing on Island Park Reservoir. After a long day, there’s nothing better than warming up in one of the area’s cozy cabins and lodges.

Year-round activities include scenic drives with panoramic views, wildlife spotting—from moose and elk to eagles—and exploring the local shops and general stores. The dramatic landscape offers endless opportunities for photographers and nature enthusiasts.

Quirky Facts That Make Island Park Stand Out

• Narrowest town in America: Only about 500 feet wide in many places

• Highest average snowfall in Idaho: Over 200 inches per year

• Named for an actual island: The area was once known for its “islands” of trees surrounded by meadows

• Liquor laws shaped the town: It was incorporated to allow legal alcohol sales along the highway

Where to Eat, Sleep, and Refuel

There’s no shortage of rustic lodges, cozy cabins, and local eateries along Main Street. A few beloved spots include:

• TroutHunter Lodge & Restaurant — Known for hearty breakfasts and riverside views

• Connie's Restaurant — A down-home diner serving burgers, pancakes, and Idaho potatoes

• Cafe Sabor — A fun stop for Mexican food with a view

• Mountain Mayhem — Great for gifts, gear, and local color

Whether you’re fueling up on pancakes or renting a snowmobile, most services are clustered in areas like Mack’s Inn and Last Chance, making it easy to plan your stops. Island Park is accessible via US Highway 20, which becomes Main Street as soon as you enter the town limits. It’s about 22 miles from West Yellowstone, 90 miles from Idaho Falls, and 120 miles from Jackson, Wyoming. The drive itself is a stunner, with open skies, distant mountains, and plenty of photo ops along the way.

Why It Matters

In a world of towering cities and high-speed highways, Island Park’s 33-mile Main Street is a refreshing reminder that the heart of America can still be found in wide-open spaces, quiet cabins, and long, scenic roads. It may not have the bustling sidewalks of Manhattan or the neon lights of Vegas, but Main Street in Island Park holds its own magic.

It’s a place where time slows down, nature takes center stage, and the idea of Main Street becomes something even bigger than expected. Because here, Main Street isn’t just a few blocks long. It stretches for miles—through forests, over rivers, and into your memory.

So next time you find yourself on the road in eastern Idaho, take the long way. Slow down. And enjoy the longest Main Street in America, one mile at a time.