Wallace, Idaho: Mining History and Wild Tales

[SunsetSurfer]

If you haven’t been to Wallace, Idaho, you’re missing one of the weirdest slices of American history—and I mean that in the best way. Picture this: an old mining town where every street is on the National Register, the mayor once declared war on the FBI, and there’s an entire museum dedicated to…brothels.

I landed in Wallace last spring thinking I’d spend an hour. I stayed two days. First stop was the Sierra Silver Mine Tour—hard hat, miner’s light, the works. The guide was a retired miner who called everyone “pardner” and told stories about underground fistfights, near-miss cave-ins, and the time a donkey went on strike (apparently, unions run deep in Wallace, even among livestock).

Downtown is pure Silver Valley: brick buildings, neon bars, and more mining memorabilia than you’ll ever need. The Oasis Bordello Museum is equal parts hilarious and eyebrow-raising. If you visit, ask about the madam’s pet bear. I’m not saying it’s haunted, but my phone shut off three times in the museum and I left with glitter on my shoes.

Food rec: The Fainting Goat Wine Bar—craft beer, live music, and locals swapping ghost stories. Oh, and there’s a bike path that runs along the old railroad, with killer views of the mountains and zero WiFi. Good place to disappear for a while.

**Question:** Who else has been to Wallace? Did you dig up any wild stories, or is my phone just allergic to ghosts? Share your strangest moments below!

[DeltaDigger]

Wallace is legendary! My grandpa worked in the mines—swore the ghosts there were real. We did the mine tour last summer, and the guide let us chip a piece of silver ore as a souvenir (don’t tell the feds). Oasis Bordello stories are worth the trip alone—ask about the “secret tunnel” if you get the chance.

[CactusCruiser]

I got lost in the Railroad Museum for hours—so much cool train history! Also, not to brag, but I survived the “Big Dipper” burger at The 1313 Club. Pro tip: avoid the chili if you value your taste buds.

[ForestForager]

We did the Route of the Hiawatha bike trail—it’s a bucket list ride! Finished with shakes at Red Light Garage (try the huckleberry). I’ll never forget the neon glow at night and all the old-timers swapping stories at the bar. Wallace is the real deal.