Founded in 1881, Hailey was the product of the mining boom in the Wood River Valley in the 1880s. A fast growing community, Hailey has managed to keep its small town feel and to be quieter than its neighbors to the north, Ketchum and Sun Valley.
Hailey is the home to the majority of the year round residents of the Wood River Valley. The individuals who live in Hailey are the mainstay for the tourist industry, which thrives through out the Valley. Hailey is also is the home to the Sun Valley Airport with flights to service the popular resort destination.
Investor's such as resident movie star, Bruce Willis, continue to invest in the downtown area of Hailey and have been instrumental in the continued growth and development of the downtown area.
Hailey can be found along highway 75, 14 miles south of Sun Valley and approximately 70 miles north of Twin Falls, Idaho or I-84 in southern Idaho. This charming community is nestled in the southern end of the Wood River Valley in central Idaho.
The local Chamber of Commerce bills Hailey as "Idaho's Hometown in the Mountains" and the community lives up to that name with its friendly, welcoming atmosphere, fine restaurants, a good selection of lodging options and fantastic recreational opportunities.
With its location in the Wood River Valley at the edge of the Sawtooth and Challis National Forests and its proximity to the majestic Sawtooth Wilderness immediately to the north there are many recreational opportunities in Hailey.
The fourteen miles between Sun Valley and Hailey run through the entire length of the Wood River Valley. As you travel along Highway 75, bordering the Wood River, you will enjoy view of tree covered mountains and wildlife.
Much of the day to day work force for the northern portion of the Wood River Valley actually live in Bellevue and/or Hailey in the southern part. Their daily commute can make the drive between Hailey and Ketchum/Sun Valley a slow one, but the surrounding views as you travel along make the trip worth while.
Other Hailey, Idaho Resources
Official site for the City of Hailey, Idaho.