Why This Idaho Town Deserves More Attention
With about 825 residents, the Idaho Panhandle town of Wallace exemplifies the idea that great things often come in small packages. The community is sandwiched between two scenic mountain ranges, Lookout Pass to the east and Silver Mountain to the west, serving as a gateway to some of the state's best recreation and postcard scenes. Coupled with the town’s colorful mining heritage, Wallace may be small, but its history, natural landscapes, and hospitality are larger than life. Let's take a closer look at Wallace — one Idaho town that deserves more attention.
Why is Wallace Underrated?
Like other small communities, Wallace is an underdog destination, often overshadowed by the state’s flashier attractions. While thousands flock to crowd-pleasers such as Silverwood Theme Park in Athol or Shoshone Falls near Twin Falls, Idaho’s small towns are frequently overlooked. However, experienced travelers know that sometimes the road less traveled holds the best surprises, and Wallace is no exception. This Silver Valley town may be small, but its frozen-in-time charms and breathtaking natural surroundings are extraordinary. Contrasting the overwhelming atmosphere of long theme park lines and shoulder-to-shoulder tourist attractions, Wallace offers the chance to slow down, reconnect with nature, and travel back in time without the stress of crowds. While Wallace is definitely on the quieter side, embracing the serenity is half the allure of visiting this Old-World Idaho town.
Wallace: A Boom Town With Ups and Downs
Wallace is a town with humble beginnings, but it boasts a rollercoaster history. It was originally founded in 1884 during a surge in migration to the region due to the discovery of gold in the area. The town was named after Col. William R. Wallace, who settled here to oversee his mining operations. Initially an agricultural town, the ongoing discovery of additional veins of precious metals meant the community grew quickly, continuing its transformation into an Idaho mining hub. However, Wallace and his namesake town endured a dramatic string of town-altering disasters, including two devastating fires — one in 1890 and another in 1910; the latter became known as the Great Fire. It was followed soon after by the Great Flood of 1913.
Despite these tragedies, which included labor strife and violence, Wallace persevered, rebuilding each time with funds from the mines. But the town’s mining industry also had its ups and downs, including the price of silver collapsing in 1893 and additional revolts in response to poor working conditions. Wallace’s population eventually declined with the town’s mining industry fortunes, especially after World War II. A single mine remains in operation: the nearby Lucky Friday mine, which is about seven miles east of Wallace. By infusing its history and heritage into local tourist attractions, Wallace continues to keep its spirit of resilience alive.
Wallace Attractions That Deserve More Attention
Route of the Hiawatha Trail
As one of the closest towns to the Route of the Hiawatha Trail, Wallace is the perfect homebase for a day of spectacular scenes. This former railroad line was once celebrated as one of the country’s most picturesque stretches of track. Today, it has been transformed into a beautiful rail-to-trail path for biking and hiking, offering stunning views as it winds through the Bitterroot Mountains and Idaho Panhandle National Forest. Along the way, adventurers can pass through nine tunnels and seven trestle bridges. While this all may sound a bit overwhelming, bear in mind that this iconic trail is mostly downhill and offers shuttle services to transport travelers and bikes back to the top. Generally open from mid-May through mid-September, trail passes, shuttle tickets, and bike rentals can be obtained at the Lookout Pass Ski Area, a short drive from downtown Wallace.
Pulaski Tunnel Trail
A five-minute drive from Wallace will bring you to the Pulaski Tunnel Trail, another gorgeous attraction in the Idaho Panhandle National Forest. This landmark route blends nature and local history, tracing a portion of the trail taken by US Forest Service ranger “Big Ed” Pulaski as he led his firefighting crew to safety during the Great Fire of 1910. The landscape has since regenerated, its damage long concealed with a lush cover of trees, and hikers can also enjoy the charms of Placer Creek and its cascade. Alongside these charming scenes, hikers can learn more about the history of the escape route by reading posted plaques along the way.
Sierra Silver Mine Tour
Beginning in downtown Wallace, sightseers can hop aboard the Sierra Silver Mine trolley to begin their adventure into the past. Following a narrated trolley ride through town, experienced miners will guide attendees belowground to a genuine silver mine. From there, the guide will showcase equipment demonstrations and tell exciting tales of the region’s 130-year mining history. Available in spring, summer, and fall, this family-friendly tour is a great way to encourage learning in an exciting, interactive way.
Wallace Historic District and Mining Museum
Back aboveground, the Wallace Historic District is waiting to be explored on a self-guided walking tour. Wallace's downtown has been recognized on the National Register of Historic Places since 1979, and a glance at its architecture makes it clear why. With one of Idaho’s best-preserved historic downtowns, much of the townscape features beautifully preserved Victorian buildings, alongside other architectural styles, including Classical Revival, Renaissance Revival, and vernacular. Among these historic landmarks, the Wallace District Mining Museum is another downtown treasure. The museum boasts 50 exhibits, over 5,000 photos, and interactive displays across 7,000 square feet. This thoughtfully curated collection of artifacts and educational models tells a captivating story of the Coeur d'Alene mining district and the Silver Valley, from exciting highs to tragic lows.
What Sets Wallace Apart from Other Idaho Towns?
Historic mining towns may not be a rare find in Idaho, but Wallace shines as one of the best, thanks to its remarkable preservation. The historic buildings in downtown Wallace are enough to transport visitors back in time, but attractions like the Sierra Silver Mine Tour and Wallace District Mining Museum make your journey through time that much more immersive. Combined with Wallace’s access to the Pulaski Tunnel Trail and Route of the Hiawatha, this mining town depicts the power of historic and natural preservation. Wallace remains a tourist destination — but considering all that it has to offer, it also remains one Idaho town that deserves more attention.
