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.
The trolley leaves from Cedar Street.
The trolley will take you to the Sierra Silver Mine, where you will join a one-hour tour, likely led by a former miner.
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.
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.
Our historic jaunt through Wallace is not complete without a stop at Nine Mile Cemetery, located one mile north of town off of 9 Mile Creek Road.
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.
Find it at the corner of 6th and Bank Streets.
For a day full of historic landmarks and charming small-town fun, make plans to spend time in Wallace, Idaho. Don’t miss the Northern Pacific Railroad Depot Museum, the Sierra Silver Mine tour, the Pulaski Tunnel Trail, Nine Mile Cemetery, the Oasis Bordello Museum, and the Wallace Stairs. Read our other article detailing how Wallace came to be the Center of the Universe.
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