Historic Wallace
Explore the stories, silver, and spirit that built Wallace—Idaho’s most legendary mining town and a place like no other.
Step Into the Silver Capital’s Storied Past
Founded in 1884 and known as the “Silver Capital of the World,” Wallace is a town like no other—rich with mining lore, historic triumphs, and small-town grit. Our entire downtown is on the National Register of Historic Places. From century-old architecture to captivating mine tours and museums, we invite you to walk through the past, meet the legends, and experience the true spirit of Idaho’s Silver Valley.
Museums
Explore local museums that bring the Silver Valley’s rich history to life—from mining and railroads to art, photography, and colorful local lore.
Northern Pacific Railroad Depot Museum
Step into Wallace’s railroad era at this beautifully restored 1901 chateau-style depot. Now a museum, it features artifacts, photos, and exhibits that highlight the vital role trains played in shaping the Silver Valley and the American West. Rescued from demolition during I-90 construction in 1985, the entire 90-ton building was relocated across the South Fork of the Coeur d’Alene River—preserving a piece of Wallace’s past for future generations.
For more information, please visit the Northern Pacific Railroad Depot Museum website.
Wallace District Mining Museum
Explore Wallace’s identity as the “Silver Capital of the World” through immersive mining exhibits, rare historical photos, and a compelling documentary. This museum tells the powerful story of the people, industry, and events that helped define not only the region—but also national labor and mining history.
Historic Wallace Photo Museum
Take a stunning visual journey through the lives, landscapes, and legacy of the Silver Valley. Set in a Kirtland Cutter-designed church, the museum showcases life-size images taken by photographers Thomas Barnard and Nellie Stockbridge between 1893 and 1965. With over 200,000 images, it is considered the best photographic collection in the Northwest.
For more information, visit the Museum’s website.
Oasis Bordello Museum
Set inside a preserved former brothel, this museum and tour offer a fascinating and entertaining glimpse into Wallace’s colorful mining-camp past. The Oasis Rooms, originally opened in 1895 as a saloon and “hotel,” operated until 1988—leaving behind rooms frozen in time. Tastefully presented and filled with personal touches, the museum captures a little-known chapter of local life.
Staff House Museum
Located in Kellogg, this 100+ year-old historic home once served the Bunker Hill Company and now hosts 13 exhibit rooms dedicated to the Silver Valley’s mining, smelting, and cultural heritage. Outdoor displays and period furnishings round out this engaging and well-preserved experience of Idaho’s industrial past.
Captain John Mullan Museum
Discover the legacy of the pioneering Mullan Road, built from 1859 to 1862 to connect the inland Pacific Northwest to the greater U.S. The museum shares the remarkable story of Captain John Mullan and the growth of the town that now bears his name—offering a fascinating look at transportation, engineering, and early exploration.
Old Mission state park
Home to the oldest standing building in Idaho, the Mission of the Sacred Heart was constructed in the 1850s by Jesuit missionaries and Coeur d’Alene tribal members. Inspired by Renaissance architecture but built with local materials and Native craftsmanship, the Mission sits high on a bluff overlooking the Coeur d’Alene River. Explore the restored Parish House, historic cemetery, and interpretive center with a film and gift shop. Nearby, the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes offers scenic access for cyclists, walkers, and runners alike.
Mine Tours
Step into Wallace’s underground past with guided mine tours that reveal the grit, gold, and silver that shaped Idaho’s most storied mining town.
Sierra Silver Mine Tour
Go underground in a real silver mine, led by former miners who lived the story. Step aboard the open-air trolley in downtown Wallace and ride through history before entering an authentic silver mine. Inside, you’ll learn how mining shaped this region and hear personal stories from your guide—a retired miner sharing first-hand experience. It’s a captivating, educational journey into the past.
For more information, visit the Sierra Silver Mine Tour website.
Crystal Gold Mine Tour
Step inside a real 1880s gold mine—lost to time and rediscovered over a century later. At Crystal Gold Mine, gleaming smithsonite crystals line the walls, and visible gold and silver still cling to the original quartz vein. After your tour, try your luck panning for gold—just like the early prospectors.
For more information, visit the Gold Mine Idaho website.
Mining Heritage Exhibit
Just a short walk from the Wallace Inn and adjacent to the Wallace Visitor Center (off I-90 Exit 61), this free outdoor museum offers an interactive glimpse into local mining history—with displays featuring a blasting tunnel, mule hoist, ore samples, and more.
Contact us for more information
Email: wallaceinn@thewallaceinn.com
Call Us: (208) 752-1252