Idaho City is seat of Boise County, located in southwestern Idaho, 24 miles northeast of Boise. The area is mountainous (elevation 4,400 feet/1,340 m) can is at the confluence of the Elk and Mores rivers.

One of Idaho's early boomtowns, it was founded in 1862 during the gold rush. At it's peak, it had a population of 30,000-40,000 and became a major hub of central and southwestern Idaho. It was designated as the territorial capital. When placer mining declined, the population followed, dwindling to as low as 1,000. By 1918 almost all mining activity had ceased. Fires, decay, and dredging disfigured the city.

Historic sites include the Masonic Hall, Gold Hill, St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Boise Basin Museum and Boot Hill Cemetery.

Tourism is the major industry in the city.