Wallace, Idaho

Overview

Wallace, Idaho is what happens when a rugged mining town decides to age like a fine whiskey-strong, spicy, and full of stories. Tucked into the Silver Valley of the Idaho Panhandle, this quirky little city of just under 800 residents is the self-proclaimed "Center of the Universe"-a bold claim backed up by a manhole cover and a very convincing argument. Equal parts historic and hilarious, Wallace has leaned into its silver mining past, bordello tours, and Victorian architecture, all while serving up craft beer, bike trails, and enough personality to fill a mountain shaft. Located along I-90, about 50 miles from Coeur d'Alene, Wallace is the kind of place where history doesn't just live it parties in period costume.

Top Attractions

Sierra Silver Mine Tour

Hop on a trolley, don a hard hat, and head underground with a real retired miner as your guide-authentic, gritty, and unforgettable.

Northern Pacific Depot Railroad Museum

Classic railcars, model trains, and restored 1901 depot glamour travel back in steel-and-smoke style.

Oasis Bordello Museum

Preserved as it was when the ladies abruptly left in the late '80s-equal parts scandalous and historical.

Center of the Universe Manhole Cover

A tongue-in-cheek declaration backed by "no one can prove otherwise"-snap your selfie here and make it cosmic.

Pulaski Tunnel Trail

Follow in the footsteps of heroic ranger Ed Pulaski during the 1910 Fire this hike has heart and history.

Wallace Historic District

The entire downtown is on the National Register of Historic Places every brick has a backstory.

Unique Stories & Facts

• Underground Everything: The town is literally built on top of old mining tunnels like a layer cake with silver filling.
• Center of the Universe?: Town officials declared it so in 2004, claiming "no scientific proof to the contrary"-logic, Wallace-style.
• Last Stop for Ladies of the Night: Wallace was home to one of the last openly operating bordellos in the U.S., closing in 1988.
• Saved by Protest: When the interstate threatened to flatten the town in the 1970s, locals got it all declared historic interstate had to go around.

Best Travel Seasons

Popular Activities

• Mine Tours: Go underground with former miners and learn how silver built the town-bonus points for surviving in hard hats.
• Historic Walking Tours: Victorian buildings, ghost signs, and scandalous tales on every block.
• Route of the Hiawatha Trail: 15-mile scenic bike trail through tunnels and trestles-rentals available in Wallace.
• Sipping Through Silver: Craft breweries and bars tucked into century-old buildings-yes, they tell stories with every pint.
• Bordello Peek-Throughs: Tour the Oasis Museum and learn the not-so-secret past of Wallace's red-light district.
• Ghost Hunts & Lore Nights: Sign up for a haunted walking tour specters are allegedly abundant.

Famous Buffets Nearby (~20 Miles)

• Silver Corner Bar & Café: Not a buffet, but their portions are legendary. And the ceiling is covered in dollar bills.
• Connie's Café (Kellogg, 11 miles): Diner classics and massive breakfasts-bring your appetite and maybe a nap plan.

Casinos Nearby (~30 Miles)

• Kootenai River Inn Casino (Bonners Ferry - 30 miles): Classy riverfront casino with slots, table games, and scenic vibes. Note: More poker chips than party town, but still fun for a low-key night out.

Oddities Nearby (~20 Miles)

• Center of the Universe Manhole Cover: Because... it is. And science can't stop them.
• Wallace Mining Vault Tours: Peer into real vaults used to store silver Indiana Jones would approve.
• Lunar Landing Commemoration (No Kidding): Rumor has it miners celebrated Apollo 11 underground in a tinfoil hat parade.
• Wallace Skeleton Parade (Seasonal): Spooky season event where residents dress as historic figures... but dead.

Haunted Tourism Nearby (~20 Miles)

• Oasis Bordello Museum: Guests report creaky floors, perfume whiffs, and lights that flicker just right.
• Silver Slipper Saloon: Known for cold spots and "ghost tips"-bartenders swear by it.
• Pulaski Trail Campsite: Night hikers sometimes report shadow figures and phantom footsteps camp with care.

Local Events & Festivals

• Wallace Huckleberry Festival (August): Huckleberry pies, music, games, and everything purple and sweet.
• Center of the Universe Festival (July): Music, brews, and quantum metaphysics (kind of) a local pride parade with logic-proof claims.
• Fall for History Festival (October): Living history tours, costumed characters, and Victorian flair.
• Gyro Days & Lead Creek Derby (June): Annual float race, beer garden, and a seriously strange name (not food-related).

Lodging Options (Types and Recommendations)

Luxury: Ryan Hotel

Historic, elegant, and centrally located (from $190/night).

Mid-Range: Wallace Inn

Indoor pool, comfy rooms, great access to trails and museums (from $140/night).

Budget: Stardust Motel

Retro vibes and affordable rooms (from $90/night).

Camping: Blue Anchor RV Park (4 miles)

Forested and peaceful, near hiking and the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes (from $30/night).

Dining (Local Cuisine Highlights)

Fainting Goat Wine Bar

Small plates, killer wine list, and a steampunk-meets-silver-mine interior.

City Limits Pub & Grill

Local brews and hearty eats get the miner's mac and cheese.

Red Light Garage

Burgers, milkshakes, and a UFO sculpture out front. Naturally.

1313 Club

Old-school bar and grill with wild game specials and Wild West ambiance.

Travel Tips

• What to Pack: Layers, walking shoes, water bottle, and a sense of humor. Also: a flashlight for tunnels and curiosity for brothels.
• Safety: Very safe-just watch your step underground and don't challenge a miner to a drinking contest.
• Accessibility: Many downtown attractions are walkable and ADA accessible check ahead for cave and tunnel tours.

Nearby Destinations Within 20 Miles

• Kellogg (11 miles): Home to Silver Mountain Resort and North America's longest gondola.
• Lookout Pass (20 miles): Great skiing in winter, biking in summer.
• Mullan (10 miles): Quirky mountain town with its own mining history and a cool little museum.
• Enaville ("Snake Pit"): Legendary roadhouse with eclectic décor and game meat menu.

Recommended Duration of Stay

2-3 Days: Enough to mine for silver, sip some suds, ride a trestle, and hear ghost stories with a beer in hand.

Target Travelers

• History Buffs: Real-deal mining tales and museums galore.
• Ghost Hunters: Creaky floors and unexplained whispers await.
• Adventure Cyclists: Tunnels and trestles on the Hiawatha Trail = bucket list ride.
• Small Town Quirk Seekers: Where else can you stand at the Center of the Universe and tour a bordello in the same hour?

Listen to Our Podcast Episode!

"Wallace, Idaho: Where Mining Meets Mayhem (and a Manhole)" - Explore this quirky historic town.