Thedailymiaminews– Wallace, a town in the Idaho Panhandle with a population of around 825, is a perfect example of the saying “good things come in small packages.” The neighborhood is located between two beautiful mountain ranges: Lookout Pass to the east and Silver Mountain to the west. It is a gateway to some of the best recreational activities and postcard-worthy views in the state. Wallace may be a small town, but its history, natural surroundings, and hospitality are larger than life, especially when you consider the town’s colorful mining legacy. Wallace is one town in Idaho that deserves greater attention, so let’s examine it more closely.
What is the reason that Wallace is not given enough credit?
Wallace is a little community that is often overlooked in favor of the state’s more glamorous attractions, making it an underdog destination like other minor communities. Idaho’s little communities are sometimes ignored, even as thousands of people go to popular attractions like Silverwood Theme Park in Athol or Shoshone Falls near Twin Falls. However, Wallace is no exception to the rule that seasoned travelers are aware that the route less traveled can sometimes lead to the most exciting surprises. This village in Silver Valley is modest, yet it has incredible natural beauty and a unique character that makes it feel like it is stuck in time. Wallace provides an opportunity to unwind, reconnect with nature, and travel back in time without the stress of crowds, in contrast to the overwhelming environment of lengthy lines at amusement parks and shoulder-to-shoulder tourist sites. Wallace is a quiet community, but that is part of the charm of visiting this Old-World Idaho hamlet.
Wallace: A Boom Town with Its Highs and Lows
Wallace is a town that started out little, but it has a long and interesting history. The organization was first established in 1884, when there was a large influx of people moving to the region because gold was discovered there. Col. William R. Wallace, who came to this place to manage his mining activities, is the person for whom the town was named. The settlement began as an agricultural hamlet, but it swiftly flourished and became a mining hub in Idaho due to the constant finding of more veins of valuable metals. Wallace and the town that shares his name, on the other hand, went through a series of tragedies that changed the town in a big way. These disasters included two terrible fires, one in 1890 and another in 1910, the second of which became known as the Great Fire. The Great Flood of 1913 came shortly after that.
Wallace continued to push through these catastrophes, which included worker conflict and bloodshed, and rebuilt each time with money from the mines. However, the mining business in the town also experienced fluctuations, such as the price of silver plummeting in 1893 and further revolts in reaction to unsatisfactory working conditions. Wallace’s population subsequently decreased along with the town’s mining industry fortunes, particularly after World War II. The Lucky Friday mine, which is located about seven miles east of Wallace, is the only mine that is still in operation. Wallace continues to keep its spirit of resilience alive by incorporating its history and legacy into local tourist attractions.
Wallace Attractions That Should Get More Recognition
The Hiawatha Trail Route
Wallace is an ideal place to stay for a day of breathtaking views because it is one of the villages closest to the Route of the Hiawatha Trail. This historic railroad line was once considered one of the most beautiful segments of track in the country. Today, it has been converted into a spectacular rail-to-trail system for bicycling and hiking, providing breathtaking views as it winds through the Bitterroot Mountains and Idaho Panhandle National Forest. Adventurers can travel through nine tunnels and seven trestle bridges on their journey. Although this may seem a little intimidating, keep in mind that this famous trail is primarily downhill and has shuttle services to take guests and their bikes back to the top. The Lookout Pass Ski Area, which is a short drive from downtown Wallace, is usually open from mid-May to mid-September. You can buy trail passes, shuttle tickets, and bike rentals there.
The Pulaski Tunnel Trail
The Pulaski Tunnel Trail, another beautiful sight in the Idaho Panhandle National Forest, is just a five-minute drive from Wallace. This historic route combines the beauty of nature with the history of the area. It follows a section of the path that was walked by “Big Ed” Pulaski, a ranger of the United States Forest Service, when he escorted his staff to safety during the Great Fire of 1910. The terrain has since recovered, its destruction long hidden beneath a thick layer of trees. Hikers can also enjoy the beauty of Placer Creek and its waterfall. Hikers can read the plaques that are displayed along the path to learn more about the history of the escape route, in addition to enjoying the beautiful scenery.
Sierra Silver Mine Tour
Sightseers can start their journey into the past by boarding the Sierra Silver Mine trolley, which departs from downtown Wallace. After a narrated trolley ride around town, experienced miners will take participants below to visit a real silver mine. After that, the guide will demonstrate the equipment and provide thrilling stories about the region’s mining history, which spans 130 years. This family-friendly tour is a terrific approach to promote learning in an interesting and interactive manner. It is available in the spring, summer, and fall.
Mining Museum and Wallace Historic District
The Wallace Historic District is waiting to be explored on a self-guided walking tour now that you are back above ground. Wallace’s downtown has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1979, and a look at its architecture shows why it has received this recognition. Idaho has one of the best-kept historic downtowns in the state, and much of the town’s architecture is made up of wonderfully preserved Victorian buildings, as well as other architectural styles such as Classical Revival, Renaissance Revival, and vernacular. The Wallace District Mining Museum is another one of the downtown treasures that can be found among these historic landmarks. The museum has 50 exhibits, more than 5,000 photographs, and interactive displays that cover an area of 7,000 square feet. This carefully assembled collection of artifacts and teaching models presents a fascinating story about the Coeur d’Alene mining district and the Silver Valley, from thrilling successes to heartbreaking failures.
What Makes Wallace Different from Other Towns in Idaho?
Wallace is one of the best-preserved historic mining towns in Idaho, which is saying a lot, considering that there are several historic mining towns in the state. The ancient buildings in downtown Wallace are enough to transport visitors back in time, but activities like the Sierra Silver Mine Tour and Wallace District Mining Museum make your journey through time that much more immersive. This mining community demonstrates the importance of preserving history and nature, especially when combined with Wallace’s access to the Pulaski Tunnel Trail and Route of the Hiawatha. Wallace is still a popular tourist attraction, but it is also one of the towns in Idaho that deserves greater attention, given all that it has to offer.