Over the years Idaho has seen dozens of parks, restaurants, and vintage icons sadly pass on for a variety of reasons. Financial troubles, competition, and the struggles of modern marketing can all take their toll on a business and cause them to close their doors for good, despite the best efforts of loyal customers and patrons. These nostalgic places may no longer be around in Idaho, but are still alive and well in our hearts.
- The Trolley Bar, Boise
The Trolley Bar/Flickr Formerly a local watering hole, and before that a vintage ice cream parlor, this old “Pullman car” was formerly one of the longest-running businesses in Boise.
- The Penny Candy Store, Coeur d’Alene
ttarasluk/Flickr This Idaho landmark was a throwback to Willy Wonka-style candy nirvana for locals. Candies, toffees, and sweet treats of every kind filled the shop to be bought by the pound, but sadly saw its last days in 2005.
- Grind Modern Burger, Boise
Christian D./Yelp There are precious few burger joints in Idaho that rise above the standard drive-in diner, but Grind Modern Burger in downtown Boise was a true gem for unique and gourmet burgers until its closing this year.
- Wild Waters, Coeur d’Alene
Adamthewoo/Flickr Once a thriving, family-owned water park, Wild Waters in Coeur d’Alene shut down admission in 2010 after years of financial and competitive difficulties. Today, the remnants of the park stand abandoned and deteriorating.
- The Coin Bar, Lewiston
Jakob Skierning/Flickr This retro arcade just outside downtown Lewiston was surprisingly short-lived. But at only .25 per game on vintage games like Pac-Man and Mortal Kombat, the closing of this nostalgic icon in 2009 was sorely missed.
- Blockbuster, Statewide
Michael Kappel/Flickr Of course we had to include this chain on our list! The iconic Blockbuster logo is now a haunting symbol of the rise and fall of changing technology. The few stores that remain are mere shells that stand as gutted reminders of this video store’s former glory.
- Deer Flat Mercantile, Huston
Andrew Filer/Flickr This old-time mercantile shop just outside Caldwell played a vital role in the area’s development over the course of nearly a century, until – like so many other historic general stores and businesses across the state – it finally closed its doors in 2005.
- Thunder Mountain Line
Chris Griffin/Flickr A scenic ride through the countryside on this western classic was once on every Idahoan’s bucket list. Unfrotunately, the company, which has operated since 2001, suspended operations just this year due to a variety of economic factors.
- Wallace Vintage Games, Wallace
Craig L./Yelp Part retro arcade, all parts awesome, this vintage store and small-town casino in Wallace was a must-stop until its closing a few years back.
It’s always a shame when wonderful Idaho businesses close their doors. What other childhood or modern favorites do you wish were still open?
The Trolley Bar/Flickr
Formerly a local watering hole, and before that a vintage ice cream parlor, this old “Pullman car” was formerly one of the longest-running businesses in Boise.
ttarasluk/Flickr
This Idaho landmark was a throwback to Willy Wonka-style candy nirvana for locals. Candies, toffees, and sweet treats of every kind filled the shop to be bought by the pound, but sadly saw its last days in 2005.
Christian D./Yelp
There are precious few burger joints in Idaho that rise above the standard drive-in diner, but Grind Modern Burger in downtown Boise was a true gem for unique and gourmet burgers until its closing this year.
Adamthewoo/Flickr
Once a thriving, family-owned water park, Wild Waters in Coeur d’Alene shut down admission in 2010 after years of financial and competitive difficulties. Today, the remnants of the park stand abandoned and deteriorating.
Jakob Skierning/Flickr
This retro arcade just outside downtown Lewiston was surprisingly short-lived. But at only .25 per game on vintage games like Pac-Man and Mortal Kombat, the closing of this nostalgic icon in 2009 was sorely missed.
Michael Kappel/Flickr
Of course we had to include this chain on our list! The iconic Blockbuster logo is now a haunting symbol of the rise and fall of changing technology. The few stores that remain are mere shells that stand as gutted reminders of this video store’s former glory.
Andrew Filer/Flickr
This old-time mercantile shop just outside Caldwell played a vital role in the area’s development over the course of nearly a century, until – like so many other historic general stores and businesses across the state – it finally closed its doors in 2005.
Chris Griffin/Flickr
A scenic ride through the countryside on this western classic was once on every Idahoan’s bucket list. Unfrotunately, the company, which has operated since 2001, suspended operations just this year due to a variety of economic factors.
Craig L./Yelp
Part retro arcade, all parts awesome, this vintage store and small-town casino in Wallace was a must-stop until its closing a few years back.
For vintage establishments that are still open and ready to bring back your best childhood memories, check out our top 10 Retro Places In Idaho.
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