When winter temperatures drop and summer heat climbs, a climate-controlled building with ample parking becomes genuinely appealing.
The state’s malls survived the retail apocalypse that gutted centers elsewhere, mainly because they never aimed for the stars in the first place.
You’re better off thinking of them as reliable workhorses rather than showhorses.
Most opened when Reagan was president and they’re still chugging along with the same no-nonsense attitude that defines Idaho itself.
1. Boise Towne Square, Idaho
Boise Towne Square is the largest retail complex in the entire state of Idaho.
The mall opened in 1988 after more than 20 years of planning.
It features over 150 stores under one roof.
Major anchor stores include Macy’s, JCPenney, and Dillard’s.
The mall also houses Idaho’s first Apple Store.
The shopping center spans multiple levels with wide corridors and comfortable seating areas.
You’ll find everything from clothing and electronics to home goods and specialty shops.
The food court offers diverse dining options for lunch or dinner.
Free parking surrounds the building with easy access from all sides.
Why It’s On This List: With more than 150 stores and multiple department stores, it offers the most comprehensive shopping experience in Idaho.
2. The Village at Meridian, Idaho
The Village at Meridian is an outdoor shopping destination that combines retail, dining, and entertainment.
You’ll find over 100 stores including Victoria’s Secret, American Eagle, Lululemon, and H&M.
The 209,000 square foot complex features a Main Street concept.
The mall includes a 14-screen movie theater and a bowling alley.
It’s perfect for spending an entire day with family.
Wide sidewalks connect all the shops in a pedestrian-friendly layout.
Covered walkways provide shade during summer and protection during rainy weather.
The outdoor setting creates a relaxed atmosphere compared to traditional enclosed malls.
Seasonal events and live music performances add to the community feel.
Why It’s On This List: The outdoor layout and mix of upscale retailers make it a pleasant place to shop year-round.
3. Grand Teton Mall, Idaho
Grand Teton Mall has been serving Idaho Falls since 1984.
The mall remains a popular shopping destination after 40 years of operation. Anchor stores include Dick’s Sporting Goods, Dillard’s, and JCPenney.
You’ll also find specialty shops like Hot Topic and Barnes & Noble. The mall features wheelchair accessible entryways and dining options including pretzel vendors.
The climate-controlled interior makes shopping comfortable in all seasons.
Eastern Idaho winters can be harsh, so locals appreciate the warm indoor environment. The mall sits conveniently off East 17th Street with plenty of parking spaces.
Regular shoppers know the layout well and can navigate efficiently.
Why It’s On This List: It’s the premier enclosed shopping destination in Eastern Idaho with excellent accessibility features.
4. Magic Valley Mall, Idaho
Magic Valley Mall opened in Twin Falls on October 29, 1986.
The enclosed mall spans 413,000 square feet with 63 stores. Current anchors include JCPenney, Hobby Lobby, Kohl’s, and Magic Valley Cinema 13.
The mall offers 2,324 parking spaces. Popular stores include American Eagle, GameStop, and Buckle.
Twin Falls residents have relied on this shopping center for nearly four decades.
The extensive parking lot means you’ll always find a spot, even during holiday shopping season. The cinema provides entertainment after you finish browsing the stores.
Food options range from quick snacks to sit-down meals.
Why It’s On This List: As Southern Idaho’s major shopping hub, it provides diverse retail options with ample parking.
5. Silver Lake Mall, Idaho
Silver Lake Mall is the largest enclosed shopping center in North Idaho.
Located in Coeur d’Alene, it serves the entire northern region of the state. The mall features anchor stores including Black Sheep Sporting Goods, Inspiro, and Planet Fitness.
It’s a convenient one-stop destination for residents across the Panhandle region.
North Idaho shoppers previously had to drive to Spokane for major retail options.
Silver Lake Mall changed that by bringing recognizable brands closer to home. The fitness center attracts health-conscious shoppers who can exercise and shop in one trip.
Local businesses mix with national chains throughout the complex.
Why It’s On This List: It’s the only major enclosed mall serving North Idaho’s growing population.
6. Pine Ridge Mall, Idaho
Pine Ridge Mall has served the Pocatello-Chubbuck area since 1981.
The mall features over 70 stores including JCPenney, Hobby Lobby, CAL Ranch, and Planet Fitness. Doors open early at 6:00 a.m. for mall walkers.
Next door is AMC’s Pine Ridge 11 theater. The climate-controlled complex is perfect for exercise and browsing sales.
Many retirees and health-conscious residents start their day with laps around the mall.
The smooth floors and consistent temperature make it ideal for low-impact exercise. You can walk a mile or two before the stores even open for business.
Security staff and other walkers create a safe, friendly morning atmosphere.
Why It’s On This List: The early opening hours and mall walker program make it especially welcoming for active seniors.
7. District 208, Idaho
District 208 in Nampa originally opened as Karcher Mall in August 1965.
It was the largest shopping mall in the Treasure Valley until 1988. The half-million-square-foot property is now anchored by Big 5 Sporting Goods, Jo-Ann Fabrics and Crafts, Mor Furniture, and Ross.
The shopping center continues to transform under new ownership.
Karcher Mall holds a special place in local history as a pioneer shopping destination.
Older residents remember when it was the only major mall for miles around. The rebranding to District 208 signals new energy while honoring six decades of service.
The mix of stores focuses on value and practicality rather than luxury brands.
Why It’s On This List: It’s a historic shopping landmark with 60 years of serving the Nampa community.
8. The Village at Riverstone, Idaho
The Village at Riverstone sits at the west entrance to Coeur d’Alene.
This 209,000 square foot Main Street center features full-service restaurants and a 14-screen cinema. The pedestrian-friendly design includes retail shops on the first level.
Above the stores are 122 residential units. The mixed-use development combines shopping with comfortable walkability.
The design mimics traditional downtown shopping districts from earlier eras.
You can stroll from store to store without dealing with parking lots between destinations. The residential component means the area stays active even after retail hours.
Restaurants offer outdoor seating during pleasant weather months.
Why It’s On This List: The Main Street layout creates an old-fashioned shopping experience with modern amenities.
9. Downtown Boise Shopping District, Idaho
Downtown Boise offers a vibrant shopping and dining scene along its walkable streets.
You can stroll to more than 100 restaurants and shops. The mix includes independent boutiques alongside national retailers.
The area maintains its historic charm while offering modern shopping convenience. It’s perfect for those who enjoy exploring on foot.
Street parking and nearby garages provide convenient access to the shopping district.
The Basque Block adds cultural flavor with specialty food shops and restaurants. You’ll discover unique finds in locally-owned stores that you won’t see anywhere else.
Coffee shops and cafes provide rest stops between shopping excursions.
Why It’s On This List: The walkable downtown provides a unique alternative to traditional enclosed malls.
10. Downtown Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Downtown Coeur d’Alene’s Sherman Avenue features lamp-post and cobblestone charm.
Family-owned stores like Everson’s Jewelry and the Sports Cellar have thrived for generations. You’ll find art galleries, clothing boutiques, toy stores, and antique shops.
The Plaza Shops is an upscale enclosed mall that hosts book signings, fashion shows, and concerts. From wine shops to brew pubs, the downtown offers diverse shopping experiences.
The lakefront location adds scenic beauty to your shopping trip.
You can browse stores, then walk to the beach for a relaxing break. Seasonal festivals and events bring extra energy to the downtown streets.
Local business owners often know regular customers by name.
Why It’s On This List: The historic downtown preserves small-town shopping while welcoming trendy new boutiques.
11. Lewiston Center Mall, Idaho
Lewiston Center Mall serves the north-central region of Idaho at 1810 19th Avenue.
The mall provides essential shopping options for the Lewiston community. Hobby Lobby moved into the center in spring 2025.
Planet Fitness anchors the mall with its fitness facility. While smaller than other Idaho malls, it remains a convenient local option.
Lewiston’s location in a valley makes this mall a regional gathering spot.
Shoppers from surrounding towns drive in for access to stores not available elsewhere. The mall serves both sides of the Idaho-Washington border.
Its compact size makes it easy to visit all the stores in a single trip.
Why It’s On This List: It’s the primary enclosed shopping destination for residents in the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley.
12. Palouse Empire Mall, Idaho
Palouse Empire Mall is located at 1850 West Pullman Road in Moscow.
The mall serves the college town of Moscow and the surrounding Palouse region. It’s conveniently situated near the University of Idaho campus.
Local residents rely on it for everyday shopping needs. The mall provides a climate-controlled alternative to outdoor shopping.
The university community brings steady foot traffic throughout the academic year.
Students mix with long-time Moscow residents in the common areas and stores. The mall adapts to serve both temporary student shoppers and permanent community members.
Back-to-school season brings especially busy crowds each fall.
Why It’s On This List: It’s Moscow’s main shopping center, serving both students and long-time residents.
13. Teton Village Center, Idaho
Teton Village Center sits on Yellowstone Highway in Rexburg and serves as a key neighborhood shopping hub.
The open-air center includes everyday essentials like a grocery store, pharmacy, and casual dining, making it a practical stop for local residents.
Plenty of surface parking surrounds the center, so shoppers can park close to the stores they use most often.
Families appreciate being able to grab groceries, prescriptions, and takeout in a single visit.
The convenient location near residential neighborhoods keeps traffic steady throughout the week.
Simple layouts and short walking distances make it easy to navigate, even for those who prefer shorter outings.
Why It’s On This List: It is a practical, easy-access stop for Rexburg locals who value convenience over traditional enclosed mall glitz.
14. Downtown Idaho Falls Shopping District, Idaho
Downtown Idaho Falls offers a charming alternative to traditional mall shopping.
Park Avenue and surrounding streets feature dozens of locally-owned boutiques and specialty shops. You’ll find everything from bookstores to jewelry shops.
The Handmade Shop, Born Again Bookstore, and Idaho Mountain Trading are local favorites. The walkable downtown makes browsing easy and enjoyable.
The Snake River Greenbelt runs through downtown, adding natural beauty to shopping trips.
You can park once and explore multiple blocks on foot without moving your car. Street-level retail creates an intimate shopping experience compared to large mall corridors.
Local merchants often carry unique items crafted by regional artisans.
Why It’s On This List: The historic downtown provides unique shopping experiences you won’t find in chain stores.
15. Eastside Marketplace, Idaho
Eastside Marketplace is located at 1420 South Blaine Street in Moscow.
The shopping center serves the eastern side of Moscow with convenient access. It offers a mix of retailers and service businesses.
Local shoppers appreciate the easy parking and familiar stores. It’s become a reliable neighborhood shopping destination over the years.
The center benefits from Highway 95 traffic passing through Moscow.
Travelers often stop here for supplies or quick shopping needs. The location makes it more accessible than downtown for those coming from the south.
The mix of tenants continues to evolve with community needs.
Why It’s On This List: It provides essential shopping options on Moscow’s growing east side with easy access off Highway 95.