When I think of flea markets, Idaho is not the first one that comes to mind.
In fact, I could see myself going to be in just about any other state for this, but Idaho?
That is new to me.
I made my decisions, but they are based on opinion, not science, just so you know.
The 7 Best Flea Markets in Idaho
Overall, Idaho is probably the last place in the United States I would ever go to for a flea market–unless maybe I can buy potatoes there, which the state is most known for.
However, I have opened my mind a bit based on my findings of this area’s local market offerings, but I still remain a bit skeptical overall about Idaho.
I am not sure why.
I just never heard much about the place.
1. Moscow Farmer’s Market
The Moscow Farmers Market ranks the number two of 16 things to do in this Idaho city based on Trip Adviser user reviews.
As of 2022, it runs on Saturdays from May to October.
It usually happens right downtown and features all the farm products you can imagine.
Local agriculture eats include cheese, wine, organic meat, and of course, fruits and vegetables.
The event also features handcrafted goods and live music shows.
It typically runs from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
It is fun reading reviews of past market-goers, one of whom seems especially dedicated.
There is talk of having to show up as early as possible to seek out the best stuff from berry or duck egg sellers, for instance.
2. Capital City Public Market
This event ranks #40 of 112 things to do in Boise.
People who visited the Capital City Public Market gave it almost as good of a rating as they did the Moscow one.
This Public Market event takes place in the Grove Plaza on Saturdays in 2022 from April to December.
Typical runtimes are usually between 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
You can buy local meats, fruits and veggies, wines, and more.
Woodworking, glass, paintings, prints, and pottery also are found here.
Learning what I could get here piqued my interest, especially when I found out they sold spices.
That’s one of my number one favorite things to buy from a flea or farmer’s market.
I also would not mind trying one of those Momo dumplings, which have meat or vegetables stuffed inside.
They sound yummy.
3. Russell Up Flea Market in Idaho (a.k.a. Pocatello Flea Markets)
If I were to decide to go to Idaho after all, and I could choose any market I want, I would go here if I want more furniture.
I have seen what I could find there, including antique horizontal dresser chests, living room cabinets, and end tables or nightstands.
I perceive items here coming from the same era that some early televisions came in, circa 1955.
Not all the furnishings are from that decade though—probably not.
All I know, is I like old furniture styles that are not too bulky but do have some unique features, such as the box end tables with angled legs.
Anyway, I found out people come here for the opportunity to “buy and eat it all” for a dollar, according to Bob Villa contributor Manasa Reddigari.
I have not seen a date on the article post I reference, however, and this market may have not existed since 2015.
I am mentioning it because it ended up on a “best flea markets in every state” list.
Update: I found more information later.
At least as of 2018, the Russel Up Market is known as an open market, which runs every weekend from May-October.
Word has it that this market also serves the public on Fridays.
After my research, I would definitely choose this place above most other Idaho markets.
That is based on my interests, one of which is old furniture and things I can actually use for the place I live.
4. Treasure Valley Indoor Flea Market
Other than making the mistake of saying, “Covid permitting” on their website, I think I would maybe go here if I had the chance.
It has that famous antique show when you view the items you could acquire from it.
I would buy a few items from it, hoping I could receive an appraisal of thousands of dollars for the item.
Obviously, they did not mean to suggest that Covid would permit you to go here.
They meant to say, so I assume, that as long as most of the country stays well that buyers and sellers should be able to resume market operations here.
Events may take place again starting in October 2022 and five times every year after that.
Typical hours run from 9-5 on Saturday and 10-4 on Sunday.
5. Coeur D’Alene Flea Markets
Apparently, tourists like coming here.
However, Henna Singla of Trip Hobo says it’s “basically nothing but an antique shop.”
It is at the Paris Flea Market in Couer D’ Alene.
I checked out some of their product.
One thing that caught my eye is a leather couch with the buttons on it, and it came with a matching footstool.
It looked more comfortable than my futon in my living room.
They also have a multitude of miscellaneous trinkets and décor.
You can buy framed art, seasonal crafts, and both hideous dishes and formal dinnerware with gold trims and floral prints on them.
On one hand, I picture someone buying an ugly holiday sweater from here.
However, you could find some gems here if you dig through what some people might literally call “rummage” or even “rubbish.”
As far as I know, this indoor market is open every day, and it’s not really an occasional, festive event.
I guess everyone has a different idea of what a flea market is.
6. L.A. Junk Antiques and Flea Market
This store historically operated every day in Boise.
It appears to have resumed its normal hours in 2022.
They also host and/or are a part of a flea market that takes place here every third Saturday of the month.
Like the Couer D’alene store, L.A. Junk seems to cater to tourists, and they apparently have a section they set aside for visitors who travel to the area.
7. Glenns Fairy Flea Market
Glenns Fairy made at least one “best flea market list” for Idaho, but after the third discovery of a tourist-oriented flea market, I feel discouraged.
Yes, I want to travel to different places and find out what they have.
However, I just do not have as good of a feeling about this one or at least a few other ones that seem to run their business around people who don’t even live there.
Anyway, this market event happens at the Elmore County Fairgrounds Exhibit Building.
Apparently, it runs every first Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
I do not know what the dates will be for 2022, however.
It at least is on the grounds where activities would occur.
I would not mind going to this location, at least, to witness a rodeo in person.
That might be a reason to come here – not for this flea market.
The 7 Best Flea Markets in Idaho – Summary Table
| Flea Market | Address |
|---|---|
| Moscow Farmer’s Market | 101-155 W 4th St, Moscow, ID 83843 |
| Capital City Public Market | 827 W Main St, Boise, ID 83702 |
| Russell Up Flea Market in Idaho | 8200 W Portneuf Rd, Pocatello, ID 83204. |
| Treasure Valley Indoor Flea Market | 5610 N Glenwood St, Garden City, ID 83614 |
| Coeur D'alene Flea Markets | 105 E. Wallace Ave., Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814 |
| L.A. Junk Antiques and Flea Market | 600 N Latah St, Boise, ID 83706 |
| Glenns Fairy Flea Market | 110 E 2nd Ave PO Box 910. Glenns Ferry, ID 83623 |
Idaho Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Idaho Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
What can you get at an Idaho flea market?
If you go to the right ones, they probably have furniture, lamps, tables chairs, or other household goods.
They might also have handcrafted vases, handbags, or other artisan items.
Some of them do attract collectors.
I just cannot figure out why, but not all of them are “bad” or “boring.”
Is a farmer’s market the same as a flea market in Idaho?
Not just in Idaho, but anywhere you go, many flea markets and farmer’s markets are one and the same.
The primary difference is that a farmer’s market sells fresh, local produce and meat.
Not all flea markets do, although, they could.
And both do have a festival feel, that typically includes hot and cold beverages, ethnic cuisine, and local art and music.
Are the small flea markets in Idaho a waste of time?
Any flea market, rummage sale, or farmer’s market can be a waste of time.
On the other hand, you might get lucky.
It may feel like gambling sometimes unless the place tells you in advance what they have.
It is best to make a day or a weekend out of this if you are traveling from out of town.
Maybe you want to hit a string of markets or outdoor sales that all run near each other or on the same block.
How does a person start a flea market. We live in small town. No craft fairs or flea markets. I have a friend who refoes old furniture, antiques, etc. Thinking of trying to set up a flea market. Need to know what is required so I can start doing some research
It’s Glenn’s Ferry. They were originally a ford in the Snake river for wagons.