Kristine Bretall, Wood River Museum Community Engagement Manager December of 1937 brought Santa and his ‘reindeer’ to Sun Valley’s Challenger Inn for the first time (and the last time for the reindeer)! Sun Valley’s opening season was the 1936-1937 winter season, and when the resort closed in April of 1937 for spring, the resort addressed some key needs for their guests: more entertainment options for winter and summer, and of critical importance, a more affordable option for lodging and … [Read more...] about Reindeer Games in Sun Valley
Sun Valley
The Challenger Inn
Kristine Bretall, Wood River Museum Community Engagement Manager Here, we look back on an old image of kids on skis approaching the Challenger Inn from the pond near the Sun Valley Opera House in about 1955. The shot was taken for publicity purposes by the Union Pacific Railroad, which owned Sun Valley Resort at the time. From the start of the resort in December 1936, Union Pacific’s goal was to get travelers to arrive by train and stay at the resort for all their needs. The Sun Valley … [Read more...] about The Challenger Inn
The Great Sun Valley Game Book
Jam-packed with inside jokes and local references, “The Great Sun Valley Game Book” is a fantastic glimpse into the culture of Sun Valley and Ketchum in 1981. Featuring games, illustrations, parody songs, and quotes from novelty t-shirts, few items give such a personal perspective into the atmosphere of Sun Valley at the time. As the book’s creators, Sue Parr and Nicki Lee Foster, write in its introduction, “More than just a place, the valley is a way of life and once you’ve come under the spell … [Read more...] about The Great Sun Valley Game Book
The Great Sun Valley Game Book
Jam-packed with inside jokes and local references, “The Great Sun Valley Game Book” is a fantastic glimpse into the culture of Sun Valley and Ketchum in 1981. Featuring games, illustrations, parody songs, and quotes from novelty t-shirts, few items give such a personal perspective into the atmosphere of Sun Valley at the time. As the book’s creators, Sue Parr and Nicki Lee Foster, write in its introduction, “More than just a place, the valley is a way of life and once you’ve come under the spell … [Read more...] about The Great Sun Valley Game Book
Summer Clearance Event!
Starting September 11, 2026: It's time for us to clear the decks in preparation for the BIG Fall Opening—while you clean up on summer gear and apparel! Discounts start at 20% and increase until they reach 70%. Here's the schedule: Typical hours: 10:00am-6pm. Gold Mine Thrift is located at 331 Walnut Avenue in Ketchum. Proceeds from the Gold Mine stores help support books, literacy, and programs at The Community Library. View/download our Seasonal Sales Schedule here. See what's new on … [Read more...] about Summer Clearance Event!
