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Wallace Inn News
Two Idaho Towns Names Best Towns in America with Fewer than 10,000 Residents
While Idaho might be in the top 25% of the largest states by land area, it’s still one of the least populated states in the country. That means that many of its towns and cities were perfect candidates for Far and Wide’s list of the “Best U.S. Towns With Fewer Than 10,000 Residents.”…
Read Full Story »The 12 Best Rail Trails in the U.S.
The 12 best rail trails in the U.S. Walk or ride where trains once whistled through while you reconnect with nature Erika Mailman Written by Erika MailmanMonday June 12 2023 People have been talking about rail trails for a really long time (check out this helpful timeline from the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy…
Read Full Story »Fulfilling a bucket list cycling adventure on Idaho’s Coeur d’Alene Trail
Florida’s Pinellas Trail Is a Success Story That ... This E-Bike Life Home Trails & Tours Profiles News Buy The Book Resources Contact Fulfilling a bucket list cycling adventure on Idaho’s Coeur d’Alene Trail Posted by Dave Hogan | Aug 26, 2023 | Trails & Tours, Uncategorized…
Read Full Story »he Center of the Universe Is in Idaho—and It’s a Surprisingly Good Time
The Center of the Universe Is in Idaho—and It’s a Surprisingly Good Time Bordello museums, booze, and bike rides in Wallace, Idaho. By Jay Gentile Published on 8/29/2023 at 11:17 AM Wallace, Idaho Kirk Fisher/Shutterstock A nondescript manhole cover in the middle of a small Northern Idaho…
Read Full Story »Find Adventure & Solitude on These Spring Rides Out of Wallace, Idaho
The spring months are a special time to visit the Silver Valley and Wallace, Idaho, with a bike or quiver of bikes in tow. Crowds are unheard of this time of year, and there are a variety of ride types with varying distances, trail and road surfaces, and elevation gain to choose from. There is snow-free…
Read Full Story »7 Winter Adventures in Idaho’s Silver Valley
Derrick Knowles January 11, 2022 Idaho’s Silver Valley is a choose-your-own adventure winter getaway destination. Over a few-days stay in the historic mining town of Wallace, you can pick your path each day based on changing weather, snow conditions, or the proclivities of your travel mates. Choose…
Read Full Story »Mountaintops and Mines in the Silver Valley
On its surface, Wallace is an unassuming town in the Idaho panhandle. Nestled high in the silver-rich Bitterroot Mountains, you would never know that this historic mining town used to have more than a dozen brothels and was ravaged twice by wildfires. In addition to mine tours and museums, Wallace offers…
Read Full Story »Historic Wallace – Northern Idaho’s Best Kept Secret for Skiing
Wallace on a sunny winter day Exploration. Adventure. Culture. Those are the things I personally look for when skiing & snowboarding. Growing up a Midwest kid, I’ve always looked for mountains and ski-towns that were different and untainted… Special gems that are less corporate and…
Read Full Story »EXPLORING THE MINING HISTORY OF WALLACE & NORTH IDAHO
Nowadays people explore Idaho’s Panhandle via bike, boat and backpack, ever on the lookout for that hidden treasure of lake, trail or experience. But, in the not-too-distant past, scores prospected the Panhandle for riches buried beneath the earth. Here they discovered such immense treasure the…
Read Full Story »Wallace, Idaho Adventures: Hiking, Biking, History, Dining, and Nightlife
They still mine silver in the mountains around Wallace, Idaho—but equally rich treasures are above ground too. Wallace is a gateway to trails for every skill level of hiker and biker, while its small-town charm and quirky “live and let live” attitude is a pleasant contrast to bland…
Read Full Story »THE TOP 5 ADVENTURES IN (AND NEAR) WALLACE, IDAHO
Discovering new places that are off the beaten path is our jam. It’s 90% of the reason why we do what we do! (10% is for the food, obvi!) As we road tripped around Northern Idaho, we found some real hidden gems – many of which are in and around the small mining town of Wallace! It’s…
Read Full Story »Passage Into the Panhandle – Part 2
COMMUNITY Passage Into the Panhandle – Part 2 A Tale of Two Towns Gail Newbold | Photos by Kevin Kiernan Mar 15, 2019 Facebook22TwitterLinkedInSMSEmail Part 1 of this article, published in our January/February 2019 issue, focused on Priest Lake, the Roosevelt Grove of Ancient Cedars, Sandpoint,…
Read Full Story »Find Silver Treasures and Biking Adventures at the Center of the Universe | Visit Idaho
Visit Idaho Published on Mar 11, 2019 Episode 1: Take your adventure to new heights with a trip through northern Idaho. From the Center of the Universe to the crown jewel of rail to trail experiences and an adventure course that will have you zipping through the trees, there’s no slowing down…
Read Full Story »Wandering in Wallace, ID
Wandering in Wallace, ID By Melinda Larke - Cherry Valley Macaroni Kid Publisher Jun 21, 2018 Wandering in.png Last summer my husband spent a lot of time working around our house and on our property. This summer my husband asked for more family time, more work/fun balance with an emphasis on fun. I…
Read Full Story »TIME FOR A WALLACE, IDAHO SPRING SKIING GETAWAY
If you’re looking for your next spring ski trip basecamp, don’t overlook Idaho’s Silver Valley. The historic mining town of Wallace, Idaho, is garnering attention as a no-frills destination for skiers and snowboarders. Located in the Bitterroot Range of the Rocky Mountains a mere 15-minute…
Read Full Story »At Christmastime, This Idaho Town Has The Most Enchanting Main Street In The Country
At Christmastime, This Idaho Town Has The Most Enchanting Main Street In The Country There’s something undeniably magical about spending the holiday season in Idaho. It’s during this time of year that many of our towns undergo drastic transformations to showcase their Christmas spirit. Not…
Read Full Story »North Idaho’s Route of the Hiawatha: Cycling Heaven
I’m going to admit right now that I’d never heard of the Route of the Hiawatha before planning a trip to north Idaho. So if you’ve never heard about it either, don’t feel bad. But I suspect that if you’re much of a cyclist, you HAVE heard about this “rails to trails”…
Read Full Story »From Boom to Bust in the Backcountry—and Back Again
Get an inside look at Idaho’s Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, a stunning 72-mile pathway that has spurred economic revitalization in America’s silver heartland.
Read Full Story »In North Idaho's Silver Valley, food purveyors lured by opportunity and quality of life
Culture & Food » Food & Drink In North Idaho’s Silver Valley, food purveyors lured by opportunity and quality of life by Carrie Scozzaro March 29, 2018 Facebook Twitter Email Reddit Pinterest Wallace is worth a trip for both its food and scenic attractions. - WALLACE CHAMBER PHOTO Wallace…
Read Full Story »The Little Town In Idaho That Might Just Be The Most Unique Town In The World
The Little Town In Idaho That Might Just Be The Most Unique Town In The World Of all the towns in Idaho, it’s hard to choose just one to be the “most unique” — they’re all pretty special! But one charming town in the panhandle is so singular that it’s been recognized…
Read Full Story »This Hauntingly Beautiful Idaho Ghost Town Is Plagued With A Violent Past
Just a short drive from the more well-known town of Wallace in North Idaho is a town that is only known by few. The ruins of this abandoned town are impressive to say the least. The buildings still stand tall and it’s not hard to imagine the town bustling with people. However, the town’s…
Read Full Story »There’s A Stairway To Heaven Hiding In Idaho And It’s Absolutely Breathtaking
Wallace, Idaho is one of the most charming small towns in Idaho. It’s got a whole lot going for it. It’s even considered to be the center of the universe. It’s also one of the most beautiful places in the Gem State. Located in the panhandle, this ex mining town is nestled in between…
Read Full Story »High Times in the Bitterroots
0 0 0 0 Wallace Idaho true west The historic Idaho town of Wallace was named by Lucy Wallace to honor her opportunistic husband and founder, Col. William R. Wallace. Wallace, who wasn’t even a colonel, is legendary for buying the town’s original 80 acres with tender that was illegal Sioux…
Read Full Story »The Prettiest Town in Every State
Wallace, Idaho is a historic mining town with a small population of only 784. Although there is still silver mining done in the area — the town’s nickname is “Silver Capital of the World” — the mountains surrounding Wallace create a striking backdrop to the historic buildings…
Read Full Story »Much More Than Potatoes: Why Northern Idaho Is the Perfect Road Trip Destination
“Idaho? Why Idaho?” This is the reaction of my bewildered New Yorker friend when I tell her where I’m going for my first road trip ever. “Because I don’t know anything about it!” I tell her excitedly. Well, besides potatoes. I’ve traveled the world for 6 years…
Read Full Story »On the Lookout for the Snowiest Ski Resort in Idaho
Where is the snowiest ski resort in Idaho? Is it Sun Valley? How about Schweitzer? Nope. It’s a small spot nestled on the border between Montana and Idaho called Lookout Pass. With nearly 400″ of snow annually, our Idaho road trip wouldn’t be complete without releasing our inner powder…
Read Full Story »A WINTER WONDERLAND WORTH THE STOP: WALLACE IDAHO
Photo © Visit Idaho With tree-covered mountains soaring high above either side of the road, and the highway unfolding like an asphalt ribbon, stopping is not usually part of the plan for those traveling the 73-mile stretch of Interstate 90 across Idaho’s panhandle. Twenty-five years ago,…
Read Full Story »The Cutest Town in Every U.S. State
16.9K SHARES TRAVEL | SEPTEMBER 1, 2016 The Cutest Town in Every U.S. State Cities are so overrated Sure, cities are big and bustling and exciting, but there’s something special about small town livin’. Here, the most adorable little towns in every state. They may be tiny, but they have…
Read Full Story »Finding Adventure Gold in Idaho’s Silver Valley
Idaho’s Silver Valley is as rich with outdoor adventure as it was once was with silver… if you are willing to dig a little. The Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes and the Route of the Hiawatha are the cycling jewels of the area, but a little extra research turned up the somewhat mysterious…
Read Full Story »Wallace, Idaho Tiny Town Travels
Let’s be honest. You’ve never heard of Wallace, have you? This tiny town of just under 800 residents will knock your socks off (and in some cases, that’s literally happened). Hold on tight as we share some silver nuggets of what we learned about this tiny, yet mighty, town. Wallace, ID Tiny Town Travels…
Read Full Story »The Self-Proclaimed Center of the Universe is in Wallace, Idaho
On the corner of Bank Street and Sixth Street in the quaint mining town of Wallace, Idaho, you will find a manhole. Initially, it may seem like an unremarkable sewer cover, but step a bit closer and you’ll realize it is much, much more: It is the Center of the Universe. The town of Wallace is…
Read Full Story »America's Panhandles, Ranked From 1 to 10
Picture of a map of panhandles in the United States NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CARTOGRAPHY DEPARTMENT By Robert Reid It’s easy enough spotting a panhandle on a pan: Just look at the part you use to lift it off the stove. Identifying a panhandle on a state can be trickier. The USA, apparently, has 10…
Read Full Story »Wallace, Idaho: 5 Things We Love
The entire downtown of this Silver Valley mining town is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, its crenellated brick buildings in proud repose near a freeway bypass built to preserve them. Area code is 208. 1 Go to the Red Light Garage for huckleberry pancakes and shakes. Owners Jamie…
Read Full Story »Rails-to-Trails Hall of Fame routes in Idaho, Montana — and closer
WALLACE, Idaho — In many parts of the country, abandoned train tracks have been repurposed into multi-use exercise trails. The best of them — a little more than two dozen routes in all — are in the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Hall of Fame. Among those: Northern Idaho’s Trail…
Read Full Story »50 essential Western travel experiences
Cycle high in the sky The Route of the Hiawatha, ID The West has lots of bike trails. So why go all the way to Northern Idaho to pedal? Because if your criterion is an incredibly scenic trail that a normal, not-insane person can do, this is the best bike ride in the world. The trail follows the path…
Read Full Story »My Top 10 'Authentic' Small Towns in America
There are “artsy” small towns. “Outdoorsy” ones. “Swank” ones. “Cool” ones. But this list is different. It’s about “real,” “authentic” American small towns… where nature is beautiful, shops are unique, and smiles are genuine. And some of them may surprise you… No. 10 - WOODSTOCK, NEW YORK - Woodstock…
Read Full Story »Wallace, Idaho Offers Winning Weekend Getaway
In the northern portion of the state of Idaho, just below Alberta and British Columbia, lies the tiny town of Wallace, Idaho. Popular for its historic charm, mountain access and helpful locals, it makes for a charming weekend getaway. If you’re planning making the journey, there are a few items…
Read Full Story »Northwest U.S. hosts many of best of Rails to Trails routes
WALLACE, IDAHO — In many parts of the country, abandoned train tracks have been repurposed into multi-use exercise trails. The best of them — a little more than two dozen routes in all — are in the Rail-to-Trails Conservancy Hall of Fame, and several of those are located in the Northwest…
Read Full Story »What Are the Most Scenic Rail Trails in the U.S.?
A:Rail trails are the ultimate in reusing and recycling. Converted from former railroad corridors, these multi-use paths carve gentle grades through cities and the countryside, making them family-friendly routes for hiking and biking. To date, there are more than 1,800 rail trails open nationwide, covering…
Read Full Story »Traverse Idaho by bike on the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes
Traverse Idaho by bike on the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes No time to bicycle across cross the country? Cross a state on this 72-mile paved trail across skinny, and scenic, Northern Idaho. By Bill Thorness Special to The Seattle Times PREV 1 of 2 NEXT Ray and Jodi Rasker of Bozeman, Mont., hauled…
Read Full Story »Wayward Wallace Discovers Silver Lining in Idaho
Billed as the “Silver Capital of the World,” Wallace is a living ghost town located in what is known as the Silver Valley of northern Idaho. Although the town has about 1,000 residents, Wallace packs a powerful punch for its small size. These days, Wallace has found its silver in the lucrative…
Read Full Story »12 Most Beautiful Paths—No Car Required
The Route of the Hiawatha Bike Trail (cycling), Idaho and Montana The pine-forested Bitterroot Mountains (part of the Northern Rockies) supply the deep-green backdrop for one of the country’s most exhilarating rails-to-trails bike-path conversions (completed in 2001). This former stretch of mountain…
Read Full Story »Silver City: Wallace, Idaho
Ron Dionne, 61, boards an elevator at the Galena Mine in Wallace, Idaho (pop. 784), and descends 3,000 feet to a tunnel that he and his crew are drilling and blasting to expose lead-silver seams embedded in the rock walls. “Here’s a pretty good vein,” says Dionne, a second-generation…
Read Full Story »Take a Step Back in Time in Wallace, Idaho
Idaho To visit this remarkably preserved town is to step back into the turn of the century. Indeed, the entire downtown district, a virtual compendium of architectural styles, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. One can take a self-guiding walking tour of 38 historic buildings constructed…
Read Full Story »Historic Wallace, Idaho
Few places are as emboldened with history, recreation and natural beauty as the path Interstate 90 cuts across the panhandle of North Idaho. The Silver Valley of North Idaho offers much at an enjoyable pace and values rarely found in today’s travels. The hub of the region is the last town entirely…
Read Full Story »North Idaho TravelCast: Wallace, Idaho
Wallace Idaho was featured on the Idaho Travel Network, a website dedicated to visitors and locals sharing travel experiences in North Idaho.
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Taking the High Road
Okay, so before I started, I was a little afraid of the Hiawatha Trail in Idaho (a mountainous state in the US, bordering Canada), given its long, dark tunnels, high trestles and gravel roadbed. Well, turns out that the tunnel is more like fun. But it’s also haunted….I think. The trestles sure…
Read Full Story »Wallace Inn: Wallace, Idaho
In addition to serving as director of operations at the Wallace Inn, Rick Shaffer has another title–prime minister of historic Wallce, Idaho. In filling both roles, the longtime tourism professional knows customer service is priority one.
Read Full Story »Destination: Wallace, Idaho
If you traveled east on I-90 through Idaho from 1967 to 1991, you’ll remember Wallace, Idaho, the mountain town that defied and then finessed the federal government out of running the interstate straight through town. Led by the late Harry Magnuson, the town’s elders managed to get every single building…
Read Full Story »Wallace featured in Great Places in America: Streets
During the course of its 126-year history, Bank Street has brushed up against fate — and total ruin — three times. The street was rebuilt twice after two devastating forest fires around the turn of the 20th century, including the largest in U.S. history in 1910. Sixty years later, Bank Street…
Read Full Story »Trail of the Month: October 2010
For trail lovers around the country, these two Idaho rail-trails hardly need an introduction: the 73-mile Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes and the 15-mile Route of the Hiawatha. They’ve been featured multiple times in Rails to Trails magazine, and in countless “Tell Us” responses, letters and summer remembrances.…
Read Full Story »America's Coolest Small Towns
Preservation and industriousness are key in Wallace, a former mining town in northwest Idaho where every single building (including a brothel that closed its doors in 1988 after pressure from the Feds) is on the National Register of Historic Places. The Oasis Bordello Museum remains trapped in time,…
Read Full Story »Full steam ahead along the Milwaukee Road
Pedaling into Taft Tunnel, which burrows beneath the Bitterroot Mountains at the Montana-Idaho border, my sons and I quickly plunged into blackness. Scents of damp rock, the sounds of water running down the walls and an abrupt drop in temperature enveloped us in otherworldliness.
Read Full Story »Get tunnel vision in Idaho
The Bitterroot Mountains of northern Idaho aren’t terrifically hospitable, and getting the railroad through here back in the early 1900s — a necessary task to better connect the industrial cities of the Great Lakes with the Pacific Northwest — was no easy feat. In one 15-mile stretch…
Read Full Story »Head North to Wallace
A manhole cover at the intersection of Bank and Sixth streets in downtown Wallace declares the town to be “The Center of the Universe” - a claim most visitors will cheerfully dismiss as local boosterism. However, for the next few weeks, Wallace will definitely be the focus of the firefighting world.…
Read Full Story »Brake for these towns
Up here in the Idaho Panhandle, Sandpoint and other lake resorts get all the press. But Wallace is a gem. The silver-mining capital’s 19th-century downtown is on the National Register of Historic Places, and there’s great outdoor recreation like the Route of the Hiawatha - one of the country’s most…
Read Full Story »10 great places to (bike) ride the rails
This beautiful trail includes the 1.7-mile St. Paul Pass tunnel, so bring a bike light. There’s also the magnificent Clear Creek trestle, a 760-foot span that stands 220 feet high. There’s even a shuttle so you don’t have to pedal back to the start. skilookout.com/hiawatha
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Wallace Inn News
November 01, 2023 | Two Idaho Towns Names Best Towns in America with Fewer than 10,000 Residents
While Idaho might be in the top 25% of the largest states by land area, it’s still one of the least populated states in the country. That means that many of its towns and cities were perfect candidates for Far and Wide’s list of the “Best U.S. Towns With Fewer Than 10,000 Residents.”…
Read Full Story »November 01, 2023 | The 12 Best Rail Trails in the U.S.
The 12 best rail trails in the U.S. Walk or ride where trains once whistled through while you reconnect with nature Erika Mailman Written by Erika MailmanMonday June 12 2023 People have been talking about rail trails for a really long time (check out this helpful timeline from the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy…
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