wallace

Where to Stay/How to Get There

Things To Do

Wallace is the perfect day trip, whether you want to be adventurous and experience the North Idaho wilderness or just want to meander downtown and explore the silver shops. 

For the Adventurous

Ride the Hiawatha

This iconic trail, once a railway route, takes cyclists and adventurers on a breathtaking 15-mile downhill ride through the scenic Bitterroot Mountains. As you pedal along, you'll pass through numerous tunnels - including the famous 1.66-mile long St. Paul Pass Tunnel, also known as the "Taft Tunnel" - and cross awe-inspiring trestle bridges, some as high as 230 feet above the valley floor. The trail winds through lush forests and open landscapes, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Hike the Pulaski Trail

Located just five minutes from Wallace, Idaho, the Pulaski Tunnel Trail retraces the harrowing route taken by Edward Pulaski's crew during their escape from the devastating 1910 fires. Spanning two miles, the trail leads hikers to an overlook across the creek from the Nicholson mine adit, famously known as the Pulaski Tunnel. It was here that "Big Ed" Pulaski heroically saved all but six of his 45-man firefighting crew in the midst of the intense August 1910 blaze.

Silver Mountain Gondola

Located about 15 minutes from Wallace (between Wallace and Coeur d’Alene), Silver Mountain is a small skill hill that also offers North America’s longest gondola ride. Offered during the summer, the 3.1 mile ride takes you to the top where you can enjoy lunch and possibly a cold beverage. 

Sierra Silver Mining Tour

Explore the history of the Silver Valley by taking a tour into a real silver mine. Its about an hour and a half and the trolley picks you up from downtown Wallace.

For a Chill Day

Meander Downtown Wallace

There are tons of adorable shops to explore…Even though I am not really a jewelry girl, the intricate designs made from local silver warranted a look. I also wandered into the North Idaho Trading Company, a very unique antique shop with an array of oddities and lots of taxidermies. 

Center of the Universe

Wallace has determined itself to be the Center of the Universe…as one lady told me, “If they can’t prove it isn’t true, it is”...works for me! This is actually just a marker on the sewer in the middle of the street. It was way too busy with cars for me to get a picture, but it’s a thing people do. 

The Oasis Bordello Tour

While browsing Google, I stumbled upon this intriguing piece of history and initially doubted its authenticity. To my surprise, it turned out to be very much real. Like many mining towns, Wallace, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, earned a reputation for its numerous brothels. The mining boom of the late 1800s attracted a substantial male population, prompting the establishment of these brothels to cater to their needs. One such brothel, which abruptly closed its doors in the late 1980s, now stands as a remarkable time capsule. I had the unique opportunity to tour this historical site, guided by an incredibly knowledgeable owner. Through the experience, I gained profound insights into the local history. I highly recommend this tour to anyone interested in delving into the fascinating past of Wallace, Idaho. Just make sure to check the hours before you go.

Where to Eat/Drink

After all the adventuring and wandering, you’ll need sustenance. I stopped into the Fainting Goat Wine Bar and Restaurant (not just because it’s a wine bar) for lunch, and it was a great choice. There were families too, so it seemed to be a popular stop, since the wine bar is in one section and the restaurant side on another. I ordered my standard Caesar with salmon, but if I went again, I’d order one of the brick oven pizzas. 

The other restaurant I wanted to try but haven’t yet is the Blackboard Marketplace. It’s one of the most well known in Wallace, and has an Italian restaurant, coffee shop, clothes shop, and bookstore all in one, yet also has one of the most upscale menus i’ve seen in North Idaho. 

Also worth checking out:

Wallace Brewing- Small local brewery with a comfortable interior. 

The Snake Pit- This one is about 20 minutes outside of Wallace and 35 minutes outside Coeur d’Alene. This restaurant is about 135 years old, and in that time has been not only a restaurant, but a hotel, a “house of ill repute” and a starting point for loggers and miners. Business has been traced back to 1879, and has been a large part of the community since. 

Wallace, Idaho, offers a fascinating journey into the past, with remnants of old brothels and a vibrant history around every corner. The town's unique charm and welcoming locals make it a standout destination, leaving a lasting impression on any traveler seeking a distinctive experience in the heart of Idaho.