Wallace Idaho Walking Tour
Explore Wallace’s silver-mining history, historic buildings, and notorious past
Take a self-guided audio tour through the heart of Idaho’s Silver Valley
At a Glance
📍 Location: Wallace, ID
🚶♂️ Type: Self-Guided Walking Tour
⏱ Duration: 1.5 hours (flexible)
📏 Distance: 1 mi / 1.6 km
✅ Includes: App download, GPS-triggered audio, No expiration
📶 Works Offline: Download ahead of time - no cell service required
🎧 Multiple Languages: English, Spanish
From $9.99 per phone
Use anytime. No expiration.
What to Expect
Explore Wallace’s remarkably preserved downtown on a self-guided audio walking tour. As you follow the route, GPS-triggered stories reveal the city’s silver fortunes, railroad growth, labor conflicts, notorious nightlife, and survival through the Great Fire of 1910.
Tour Highlights
Walk through the preserved Wallace Historic District
See the Northern Pacific Railroad Depot and ornate civic buildings
Discover the stories behind the Oasis Bordello and former red-light district
Learn about silver mining, union unrest, and the Great Fire of 1910
Pass historic saloons, museums, churches, and fraternal lodges
Pause anytime for museums, photos, food, drinks, or views
Step Into the Silver Capital of the World
Welcome to Wallace, Idaho—a spectacular mountain town nestled deep in the rugged Coeur d'Alene Mountains. Built on a foundation of silver, shaped by catastrophic fire, and sustained by a fierce, rebellious local pride, Wallace is far more than a scenic valley getaway. It is a perfectly preserved time capsule of the American West. On this self-guided walking tour, you will stroll through one of the most intact historic commercial districts in the country, where every brick and cast-iron facade holds a story of fortune, vice, and survival.
A History Forged in Fire and Fortune
As you explore the striking Victorian, Neoclassical, and Art Deco architecture of downtown, you will uncover the staggering wealth generated by the surrounding silver, lead, and zinc mines. But that prosperity came with a heavy cost. You will hear gripping tales of the grueling labor conditions that sparked bitter, dynamite-fueled union wars. You will also journey back to the terrifying summer of 1910 to learn about the Big Burn—a hurricane of wildfire that threatened to consume the town—and the legendary Forest Service ranger who risked everything to save his crew.
Vice, Rebellion, and Survival
Wallace’s history isn't just about the mines; it’s about the colorful characters who served them. You will walk past the remnants of a highly visible, openly tolerated nightlife economy that catered to transient workers for a century. The tour will take you by the Oasis Bordello, a fascinating relic of the town's red-light district that surprisingly remained in operation until 1988. You will also discover the town's modern rebellious streak, including the incredible true story of how locals banded together to fight the federal highway system, successfully saving their historic downtown from being bulldozed by Interstate 90.
Discover the Center of the Universe
Today, Wallace embraces its gritty, opulent, and deliberately eccentric identity. Where else can you stand on a manhole cover that officially marks the Center of the Universe? With Drives & Detours, the town's captivating history unfolds automatically as you walk. Take your time, step inside the Northern Pacific Depot or the local mining museums, and experience the undeniable charm of a city that refused to be erased.
Tour Highlights
Stand exactly at the quirky, officially declared Center of the Universe
Marvel at beautifully preserved, fire-resistant 19th-century architecture that landed the entire downtown on the National Register of Historic Places
Hear the harrowing tale of the 1910 Great Fire and the heroic actions of Ed Pulaski
Walk past the Oasis Bordello Museum and learn about Wallace's century-long tolerance of its bustling red-light district
Uncover the dramatic, explosive history of the Coeur d'Alene Mining District labor wars
Discover how the town’s residents outsmarted the federal government to save their buildings from an interstate highway
How a Drives & Detours Self-Guided Tour Works
Location-Aware Audio: Using your smartphone's GPS, the app automatically plays the right stories, navigation, and historical context exactly when you reach each point of interest
Go at Your Own Pace: There are no crowds, no rigid schedules, and no rushing to keep up with a guide. Pause the audio at any time to take photos, grab a coffee, or explore a museum, and resume whenever you are ready
Works Completely Offline: Download the tour over Wi-Fi before you head out. The app relies entirely on GPS, so you can explore seamlessly without needing a cell signal or draining your data
Yours to Keep: Once downloaded, the tour is yours. You can take the walk again on a future visit or simply listen to the fascinating stories from the comfort of your hotel or home
What You’ll See on Your Wallace Walking Tour
Center of the Universe
Strike a pose at the exact center of the universe—or at least the quirky manhole cover that proudly claims the title! This tongue-in-cheek landmark offers the perfect, bizarre photo op to kick off your adventure.
The 30-Second History: In 2004, the mayor officially declared this intersection the center of the universe using the theory of Probabilism, reasoning that since no one could prove otherwise, it must be true.
- Location: Intersection of Bank Street and Sixth Street, Wallace, ID.
- Time Needed: 5 minutes.
- Accessibility: Fully accessible (street level on a paved sidewalk).
- Cost of Entry: Free.
Sierra Silver Mine Tour
Journey deep underground on a guided trolley tour led by a retired hard-rock miner. You'll get an authentic, up-close look at vintage equipment while discovering the gritty realities of life in the richest silver mining district on earth.
The 30-Second History: This real, historic underground silver mine provides a firsthand look into the operations that extracted massive wealth from the Silver Valley over the last century.
- Location: 509 Cedar Street, Wallace, ID (Departure point).
- Time Needed: 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- Accessibility: Limited accessibility (involves a trolley ride and walking through an underground mine with uneven surfaces).
- Cost of Entry: Approximately $16 for adults, $8.50 for children.
Oasis Bordello Museum
Step into a fascinating, perfectly preserved time capsule of an active bordello that was hastily abandoned in 1988, complete with groceries still sitting on the kitchen counter. This museum offers a candid, unfiltered look into the secretive business, entrepreneurship, and daily lives of the women who worked there.
The 30-Second History: Operating for decades, this brothel was abruptly vacated in 1988 ahead of an impending FBI raid, leaving all belongings perfectly intact.
- Location: 605 Cedar Street, Wallace, ID.
- Time Needed: 45 minutes.
- Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible (requires climbing a steep flight of stairs to the second floor).
- Cost of Entry: Typically $12 per person (or included in a $10 multi-museum pass).
Northern Pacific Railroad Depot Museum
Marvel at this gorgeous 1901 Chateau-style depot, famously constructed using unique bricks from a Washington hotel and concrete made from local mine tailings. Inside, beautifully recreated rooms and extensive exhibits chronicle the golden era of rail transportation in the Coeur d'Alene Mining District.
The 30-Second History: Built by the Northern Pacific Railroad to serve the booming silver mines, this iconic structure was moved to its current location in 1986 to save it from interstate construction.
- Location: 219 6th Street, Wallace, ID.
- Time Needed: 45 minutes.
- Accessibility: First floor is ADA accessible.
- Cost of Entry: Free or nominal donation (frequently part of the Wallace multi-museum pass).
The spectacular scenery of Wallace is matched by its incredible history
Wallace District Mining Museum
Delve into the fascinating history of the Silver Valley, renowned globally as the richest silver-producing region in the world. Engaging exhibits trace the ingenuity, struggles, and triumphs of the early miners who extracted over a billion ounces of silver from the surrounding mountains.
The 30-Second History: Founded in 1956, this museum chronicles the 140-year history of local mining that produced 1.2 billion ounces of silver.
- Location: 509 Bank Street, Wallace, ID.
- Time Needed: 45 minutes.
- Accessibility: Fully accessible.
- Cost of Entry: $3 for adults, $1 for children.
Pulaski Tunnel Trail
Hike a scenic, two-mile interpretive trail that leads to the very mine shaft where Ranger Ed Pulaski heroically saved his crew during the catastrophic 1910 Big Blowup fire. The lush forest path belies the tragedy of the past, offering a poignant look at one of the largest forest fires in American history.
The 30-Second History: In 1910, an enormous wildfire swept the region, and local ranger Ed Pulaski saved most of his 45-man crew by holding them at gunpoint inside a mining tunnel until the fire passed.
- Location: Trailhead is located a half-mile south of Wallace on Forest Road 456.
- Time Needed: 2 to 3 hours.
- Accessibility: Moderate dirt hiking trail; not wheelchair or stroller accessible.
- Cost of Entry: Free.
Wallace Historic District
Stroll through a beautifully preserved downtown where every single building is proudly listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This unique, town-wide designation famously forced the federal government to reroute an interstate, permanently saving the town's classic late-19th-century boomtown architecture.
The 30-Second History: Following local protests in the 1970s, residents placed the entire downtown on the National Register of Historic Places to stop I-90 from demolishing the town, forcing engineers to build an elevated bypass instead.
- Location: Downtown Wallace, ID.
- Time Needed: 1 to 2 hours (at your own pace).
- Accessibility: Fully accessible (paved sidewalks and crosswalks).
- Cost of Entry: Free.
1313 Club Historic Saloon & Grill
Grab a hearty bite at this legendary local watering hole, steeped in mining town lore and named for its original 13-by-13-foot dimensions. Beyond the classic American comfort food, the vibrant atmosphere serves as a perfect tribute to Wallace's rugged and spirited past.
The 30-Second History: This beloved establishment traces its roots back to the town's earliest boom days, honoring the local miners and the building's originally tiny footprint.
- Location: 608 Bank Street, Wallace, ID.
- Time Needed: 1 hour.
- Accessibility: First floor is ADA accessible.
- Cost of Entry: Free to enter; food and drink prices vary.
Wallace is surrounded by the raw natural beauty of Idaho
The Northern Pacific Railroad Depot Museum beautifully displays the golden era of rail
Historic Wallace Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center
Start your adventure here to gather local maps, insider tips, and a warm welcome from the town's most knowledgeable residents. It's the perfect launching pad to discover hidden gems and get the lay of the land before exploring the broader historic district.
The 30-Second History: Established to support Wallace's transition from an active mining hub to a premier heritage tourism destination, it serves as the beating heart of local hospitality.
- Location: 10 River Street, Wallace, ID.
- Time Needed: 10 to 15 minutes.
- Accessibility: Fully ADA accessible.
- Cost of Entry: Free.
Red Light Garage
Dine among eclectic memorabilia and vintage license plates at this quirky diner that playfully occupies the site of an 1890s brothel. Known for its delicious huckleberry pancakes and the flying saucer replica parked outside, it's a must-visit spot for a whimsical, unforgettable meal.
The 30-Second History: Built over the remains of an early red-light district establishment, the garage was transformed into an eccentric restaurant that celebrates Wallace's quirky side.
- Location: 302 5th Street, Wallace, ID.
- Time Needed: 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Accessibility: Fully accessible.
- Cost of Entry: Free to enter; food and drink prices vary.
Sixth Street Melodrama
Enjoy an evening of nostalgic entertainment at this lively theater, where audiences are enthusiastically encouraged to loudly boo the villains and cheer the heroes. Housed in the oldest standing wooden structure in Historic Wallace, it keeps the centuries-old tradition of classic interactive melodrama alive and well.
The 30-Second History: Utilizing a historic wooden building that miraculously survived the 1910 fire, this theater troupe preserves the interactive entertainment style popular among early 20th-century miners.
- Location: 212 6th Street, Wallace, ID.
- Time Needed: 2 hours (for a show).
- Accessibility: First floor is ADA accessible.
- Cost of Entry: Typically around $15 per ticket.
1907 Shoshone County Courthouse
Admire the stately architecture of this historic county seat, which narrowly survived the devastating Great Fire of 1910 that wiped out a third of the town. The building stands as a testament to early 20th-century civic pride and continues to serve the local community today.
The 30-Second History: Completed in 1907, the sturdy brick structure was one of the few monumental buildings to survive the 1910 Big Blowup, anchoring the county's civic operations ever since.
- Location: 700 Bank Street, Wallace, ID.
- Time Needed: 15 minutes.
- Accessibility: ADA accessible.
- Cost of Entry: Free (public building).
Historic Wallace South Hill Stairs
Embark on a unique urban hike up these century-old wooden and concrete stairways, originally built to connect miners' hillside homes to the bustling downtown below. With nearly 800 steps spanning 12 distinct flights, the climb rewards you with sweeping, picturesque views of the city and surrounding woods.
The 30-Second History: Because the valley floor was highly congested, miners built homes on the steep surrounding hillsides; these staircases were their daily commute to the mines and saloons.
- Location: Various trailheads along the south side of downtown Wallace.
- Time Needed: 45 minutes to 1.5 hours (depending on fitness level).
- Accessibility: Not accessible (involves hundreds of steep steps).
- Cost of Entry: Free.
Historic Wallace Photo Museum
View breathtaking, large-format historical photographs from the famed Barnard-Stockbridge collection, capturing the essence of early mining life between 1893 and 1965. These incredibly detailed images chronicle everything from the town's daily life to catastrophic events, preserving the raw, visual history of the Silver Valley.
The 30-Second History: For over 70 years, the Barnard-Stockbridge photography studio documented life, industry, and disasters in the Coeur d'Alene Mining District, leaving behind an unparalleled visual record.
- Location: 509 Bank Street, Wallace, ID.
- Time Needed: 30 minutes.
- Accessibility: Fully accessible.
- Cost of Entry: Included with museum admission.
Wallace City Hall
Take in the classic 1924 architecture of this municipal hub, which seamlessly blends the city's administrative offices with its local fire station. It serves as a sturdy, historic anchor in a town fiercely dedicated to preserving its rich and vibrant past.
The 30-Second History: Constructed as the town matured, this multi-purpose brick building was designed to centralize civic operations and bolster fire safety following the town's history of blazes.
- Location: 703 McKinley Ave, Wallace, ID.
- Time Needed: 10 minutes (exterior viewing).
- Accessibility: ADA accessible.
- Cost of Entry: Typically around $15 per ticket.
Shoshone Masonic Lodge
Marvel at the stunning neoclassical revival architecture and intricate terracotta details of this 1917 lodge, designed by noted Spokane architect G.I. Hubbel. It remains a beautiful symbol of the prosperity and rich fraternal history that flourished during Wallace's booming silver era.
The 30-Second History: Fraternal organizations were central to social life in early mining towns; this grand 1917 building reflects the immense wealth flowing through Wallace during the peak of the silver boom.
- Location: Corner of 6th and Cedar Street, Wallace, ID.
- Time Needed: 10 minutes (exterior viewing).
- Accessibility: Exterior is fully accessible; interior access varies.
- Cost of Entry: Free (exterior viewing).
Rossi Insurance Building
Photograph the distinctive turret and elegant stonework of this 1890 structure, which was originally built to house the Bank of Wallace. Still operating as an insurance agency today, it stands out as one of the most iconic and recognizable architectural gems in the historic district.
The 30-Second History: Built before the 1910 fire, this imposing stone-and-brick structure survived the flames and serves as a premier example of 19th-century commercial architecture in the West.
- Location: Corner of 6th and Bank Street, Wallace, ID.
- Time Needed: 5 minutes.
- Accessibility: Exterior is fully accessible.
- Cost of Entry: Free (exterior viewing).
Wallace Elks Lodge #331
Visit this expansive, historic lodge that has been a cornerstone of local community gatherings and social events for generations. When the vintage neon sign is lit, it warmly welcomes visitors to step inside and experience a genuine slice of small-town hospitality.
The 30-Second History: Founded to provide a social outlet and community support for miners and their families, this lodge has remained a beloved gathering space for over a century.
- Location: 419 Cedar Street, Wallace, ID.
- Time Needed: 15 to 30 minutes.
- Accessibility: First floor is accessible.
- Cost of Entry: Free to enter (food/drinks available for purchase).
A self-guided tour is the perfect way to discover Wallace, Idaho
Meeting Points
Your Wallace walking tour begins at the Gearon Building.
The Gearon Building can be found at 414 6th Street, Wallace, at the corner of Cedar Street.
FAQs About Our Wallace Audio Walking Tour
-
Tours are fully refundable up to 24 hours in advance.
If it’s within 24 hours or you had an issue during your tour, email support@drivesanddetours.com. We review all requests individually and will always do our best to make things right.
Our goal is to ensure every traveler has a great experience exploring with Drives & Detours.
-
You will walk for three miles on Drives & Detours’ Wallace tour. This is mostly easy and along flat, well-paved surfaces. There are some hills to climb and lots of steps if you choose to climb the historic stairs.
-
Yes, downloading the Drives & Detours app will give you full access to the tour you have purchased, as well as many other self-guided tours.
-
Download the tour before you go. Some areas have poor signal, which can make downloading the tour difficult. Once the tour is downloaded, it will work without any cell signal
The tour audio plays automatically as you approach each stop
Want to see more? Tap “View Stop” to see photos and bonus content
To return to the map, tap the small down arrow between the “previous” and “next” buttons
Follow the blue line and audio directions to stay on route
Use audio controls to pause, rewind, or skip—just like a podcast
Safety first: Keep your eyes on the road or sidewalk, follow traffic laws, and stay aware of your surroundings
-
No—download your Wallace tour before you go, and you won't need a cell signal. Drives & Detours’ tours work without any cell signal once they are downloaded to your device.
-
Once you have purchased your Wallace walking tour from Drives & Detours, you can use it whenever you want. You can always take the tour another day if the weather is bad on the day you plan to take it.
-
Unfortunately, Drives & Detours cannot guarantee that the Wallace self-guided tour is accessible. People with wheelchairs, strollers, or mobility impairments are very welcome, but we recommend checking local websites for detailed information.
Pro Tips for Your Drives & Detours Wallace Self-Guided Tour
Download before you go.
Enable location services—GPS triggers the audio.
Use earbuds, headphones, or your car speakers.
Pause and resume anytime. If you take a break, just reopen the app and head back toward your last stop.
Lost your way? Tap any pin on the map, then tap the right-turn-arrow icon to open your default maps app for turn-by-turn directions to that spot.
Drives & Detours' Nearby(ish) Tours
Yellowstone Grand Loop Drive
Discover Yellowstone’s geysers, canyons, and wildlife at your own pace on this self-guided Grand Loop driving tour. GPS-triggered audio brings each landmark to life with stories of fire, ice, and history—plus insider tips on where to stop and what to safely skip. From Old Faithful to Hayden Valley, explore the park’s most iconic sights without missing a thing.
Discover Denver’s Historic Lower Downtown (LoDo)
Step into Denver’s history with our self-guided LoDo walking tour. Explore the city’s founding at the confluence of rivers, its gold rush boom, and the preserved landmarks that remain today. With rich audio narration, you’ll uncover how this historic neighborhood continues to shape Denver’s identity.
Chicago Loop Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour
The Loop is the vibrant center of Chicago where soaring architecture, legendary art, and centuries of history come together. From the Willis Tower and the Art Institute to Cloud Gate and the Chicago River, every block tells a story of ambition and reinvention. Explore the city’s architectural icons, public plazas, and hidden corners with GPS-activated audio on this self-guided walking tour.
Discover More Drives & Detours
