Discover Wallace: Mining History and Trails

The entire city of Wallace is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its historic character is reflected in the homes of the Historic District, a walking tour of Historic Wallace, and several museums. Mining and railroads are also part of the city’s story. Trails range from a paved route through Wallace to regional trails for a variety of activities.

Historic Wallace and Architecture

There is a walking tour of Historic Wallace. Homes in the Historic District showcase regional variations of the American Colonial Revival and Bungalow styles, as well as the Queen Anne and English Cottage styles that were popular in the 1930s. The Monument Center of the Universe is located at the corner of Bank Street and Sixth Street.

Museums with Different Focuses

The Historic Wallace Photo Museum displays large-format photographs by Thomas Barnard and Nellie Stockbridge: images from their studio and the surrounding community, dating from 1893 to 1965. The original collection includes more than 200,000 images and has been fully digitized; it is held at the University of Idaho Library.

The Oasis Bordello Museum preserves a former brothel exactly as it was when it closed in 1988. The Northern Pacific Depot Museum covers the history of railroad transportation in the Coeur d’Alene Mining District and the depot itself. The museum also recreates an early, once-operational train station.

Mining in Wallace

On the Sierra Silver Mine Tour, former miners lead visitors through a real silver mine. The tour includes a narrated ride on a historic streetcar through Historic Wallace, both on the way to the mine and on the return trip. This experience focuses on mining and a ride through Historic Wallace.

The Mine Heritage Exhibition offers a different perspective on the subject: it is a free, family-friendly four-acre riverside park that also serves as an open-air museum.

Trails Around Wallace

The Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes passes through Wallace. This 72-mile paved trail is for pedestrians, road cyclists, e-bikes, and inline skaters. In addition, hundreds of miles of trails for hikers, cyclists, horseback riders, ATV riders, and snowmobilers can be accessed from Wallace. Conditions on individual trails may change, so check the conditions on your chosen route before setting out.

Near Wallace, the Pulaski Tunnel Trail begins at a signed trailhead on Forest Service Road 456. It follows the West Fork of Placer Creek and leads to a viewpoint across from the tunnel. The Route of the Hiawatha bike trail lies southeast of Wallace. These regional trails complement the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, which passes through Wallace, with more options for different activities.

Plan Your Visit

Wallace hosts the Craft Beer Fest every year. Before traveling, check the latest dates and whether the event is still taking place.

Discover more destinations: Kellogg, Mullan.

View the main travel overview: Shoshone County.