According to Allcitycodes, Ketchum, Idaho is a small city located in the Wood River Valley of central Idaho. It is situated at an elevation of 5,839 feet above sea level and is surrounded by the Sawtooth Mountains to the east and west. The city covers an area of 4.5 square miles and has a population of approximately 2,700 people.
Ketchum is known for its spectacular mountain scenery and outdoor recreation opportunities. It is surrounded by three wilderness areas: the Sawtooth Wilderness to the east, the White Cloud Wilderness to the south, and the Boulder-White Clouds Wilderness to the west. The area is home to a variety of wildlife including elk, moose, deer, bear, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, marmots, coyotes, eagles and other birds of prey.
The climate in Ketchum is mild with warm summers and cold winters. Average summer temperatures range from 65°F in July to 37°F in January while average winter temperatures range from 28°F in December to -14°F in February. Snowfall averages about 150 inches annually with most occurring between November and April.
Ketchum has a vibrant downtown area that includes retail stores, restaurants, galleries and other businesses as well as several parks such as Atkinson Park which offers walking paths shaded by cottonwood trees along with an outdoor amphitheater for performances during summer months.
The city also hosts several popular events throughout the year including Wagon Days where participants dress up in western attire while participating in parades and rodeos; Sun Valley Jazz Jamboree featuring music from local jazz artists; SkiFest offering ski demonstrations on Bald Mountain; Sun Valley Summer Symphony which showcases classical music performances at various venues around town; and Harvest Festival celebrating local food with cooking classes and farm tours.
Ketchum provides ample opportunities for outdoor recreation such as hiking trails that lead to alpine lakes or scenic overlooks; fishing spots along Silver Creek or Big Wood River; biking trails through lush forests or open meadows; skiing down Bald Mountain slopes or snowshoeing through snow-covered forests; camping under starry skies or canoeing down gentle rivers; horseback riding through peaceful valleys or rock climbing up steep cliffs; plus much more.
With its stunning natural beauty combined with plenty of recreational activities available year-round Ketchum provides residents with a unique opportunity to enjoy all that nature has to offer in one beautiful location.
History of Ketchum, Idaho
Ketchum, Idaho is the county seat of Blaine County and is a small town nestled in the Wood River Valley of the Rocky Mountains. The town has a rich history dating back to the late 1800s when miners first settled in the area in search of gold and silver deposits. The town was officially incorporated in 1880 and named after David Ketchum, one of its earliest settlers.
In its early years, Ketchum was a bustling mining town with several saloons, hotels, stores and churches. The population grew steadily until World War II when it began to decline as many people moved away to find work elsewhere. After the war ended, however, Ketchum began to experience a resurgence as more people moved into the area for its recreational opportunities such as skiing at nearby Sun Valley Resort.
The 1970s saw further growth with new businesses opening up in downtown Ketchum and an influx of tourists coming to experience its outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing and skiing. This trend has continued into the present day with Ketchum now offering plenty of cultural attractions such as art galleries, restaurants and shops while still maintaining its small-town charm.
Ketchum is also home to some notable landmarks including Bald Mountain which offers some of the best skiing in North America; Galena Lodge which provides stunning views from atop its perch on Galena Summit; Redfish Lake which is popular for boating and fishing; Sawtooth National Recreation Area which features numerous hiking trails; Sun Valley Resort which is renowned for its ski runs; Silver Creek Preserve which protects over 8500 acres of wetlands habitat; Big Wood River which offers whitewater rafting opportunities; plus many more.
Ketchum’s unique combination of natural beauty and recreational activities makes it an ideal destination for visitors looking for an unforgettable experience in Idaho’s mountains.
Economy of Ketchum, Idaho
Ketchum, Idaho is an attractive destination for residents and visitors alike. Located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Ketchum boasts a variety of recreational opportunities, stunning landscapes and a vibrant cultural scene. The town also has a strong economy that provides a variety of employment opportunities and services to its citizens.
Ketchum’s economy is driven by tourism, with visitors coming from all over the world to experience its natural beauty and outdoor activities. The Sun Valley Resort is one of the main draws, offering skiing, snowboarding, ice skating and more. Other major attractions include Sawtooth National Recreation Area, Redfish Lake and Silver Creek Preserve. In addition to recreation-based tourism, Ketchum also attracts people who come to take advantage of its numerous cultural attractions such as art galleries and restaurants.
The town’s economy is also supported by other industries such as construction, retail trade and health care services. Construction plays an important role in Ketchum’s economy with many new homes being built each year to accommodate the growing population. Retail trade includes stores offering goods ranging from clothing to outdoor equipment while health care services provide medical care for both residents and visitors alike.
Ketchum’s economic performance has been strong over the years due in part to its diversified industry base as well as its commitment to encouraging investment in new businesses. The town has also benefited from recent investments in infrastructure such as roads and utilities which have made it easier for businesses to operate here. As Ketchum continues to attract new residents and visitors with its unique combination of natural beauty and recreational activities, it is likely that the local economy will remain strong for many years to come.
Politics in Ketchum, Idaho
Ketchum, Idaho is a small town with a population of just over 3,000 people. Despite its size, the town has a vibrant political culture and its residents take an active interest in local and state politics.
Ketchum is located in Blaine County which is part of the Idaho State Legislature’s District 25. In recent years, there have been several notable elections in the county including the 2018 election for governor where Brad Little was voted into office. The town also elects representatives to serve on the Blaine County Board of Commissioners which helps to shape local policy.
The town of Ketchum also has its own mayor who is elected every two years by popular vote. The current mayor is Nina Jonas who was elected in 2020 and serves as the city’s chief executive officer. She is responsible for managing day-to-day operations and overseeing all city departments including public safety, parks and recreation, public works and more.
Like most towns in Idaho, Ketchum leans strongly towards conservative values such as fiscal responsibility, limited government intervention and individual liberty. Residents of Ketchum are typically very supportive of Second Amendment rights as well as traditional family values such as marriage between one man and one woman.
Ketchum has an active political culture with residents that are passionate about their beliefs and their right to express them through their votes at the polls or through other methods such as petition drives or protests. This political engagement ensures that Ketchum remains an attractive place to live for those looking for a safe community with strong conservative values.