There Are 6 Must-See Historic Landmarks In The Charming Town Of Wallace, Idaho
By Rachel Pfutzenreuter|Published March 09, 2022
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Rachel Pfutzenreuter
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Rachel lives just north of Chicago, she has two boys and a dog named Sky. She is always planning her next trip, and loves to help friends, family, and her readers find their next adventure.
Look no further than Wallace, Idaho for a charming town that is chock full of historic must-see landmarks for you to explore. Visiting Wallace, the self-proclaimed Center of the Universe, will leave you enthralled with this historic mining town that gained notoriety along the railroad line.
One of the most notable historic landmarks in Wallace is the Union Pacific Depot Railroad Museum, the original train depot from 1901.
The depot was moved 200 feet from the other side of the Coeur d’ Alene River when I-90 came through in 1986. The entire town of Wallace is listed on the Register of Historic Landmarks.
Next, hop on the Sierra Silver Mine Tour Trolley, for an interesting look at Wallace on the way out to the mine.
Wallace is part of the Silver Valley, with over a billion ounces of silver mined in the area since the 1800s. To learn more about mining, visit the Wallace Mining Museum.
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A mile south of town on Moon Pass Road, we find the Pulaski Tunnel Trail, a two-mile interpretive walk informing visitors about the Great Fire of 1910.
Ranger Ed Pulaski, for whom the trail is named, is credited with keeping 39 of his men safe during the fire as they hid in an abandoned mine along this path.
Sixth Street turns into 9 Mile Creek Road as you head out of town, a mile later turn left on Cemetery Road. Visit graves from the 1800s, from the early mining days. For a list of those buried here, inquire at the Wallace Visitor Center at 10 River Street.
Now we pay homage to the Oasis Bordello Museum, preserved just as it was when they closed the doors on this former house of ill-repute in 1988 – almost 100 years after it was established.
Call before you go, as it has seasonal hours and closings which may not be reflected on the website.
The last historic landmark on our journey is the restored Wallace Stairs. In the 1880s residents used these stairs to go into town from their houses up in the hills.
In the winter the steps have been known to function as a ski jump or a slide. Find one flight of these stairs at 5th and Bank Streets.
Maybe not the most historic landmark, but definitely a unique attraction, the Center of the Universe, in the form of a manhole cover, is another must-see in Wallace.
