Wallace

Hidden between the wooded mountains of the Bitterroot Range, Wallace is one of Idaho's most charming small towns. Today, this former silver mine town is one of the best preserved historical places in the American West and looks like a journey into the time of gold and silver rush.

Wallace has an exceptional history. Once one of the most important silver mining areas in the world, it brought enormous prosperity. Today magnificent brick buildings, historic hotels and lovingly restored facades remind us of this heyday. At the same time, Wallace is a starting point for numerous outdoor activities and is located directly on the famous Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes.

For campers, Wallace offers the ideal mix of history, nature and a relaxed small town atmosphere.

Category | Information

Inhabitants | Approximately 800

Altitude | 840 m

Ideal stay | 1–2 days

Fifth-wheel access | Check your vehicle, specific campsite and approach road.

History | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Outdoor | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

Charm | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Wallace has one of the best preserved historic inner cities in the USA. Almost all buildings date back to the heyday of silver mining and are now listed as a monument.

During the walk you will discover:

historic hotels

Brick building

Small boutiques

Cafés

Galleries

Antique shops

Take time to stroll through the streets. Many of the most beautiful details are only discovered at second glance.

A visit to a former silver mine is one of the most exciting experiences in Wallace.

During the tour you will find out:

how silver was mined

under which conditions the miners worked

the importance of mining for Idaho

The tour leads deep into an original mine tunnel.

The museum conveys the history of silver mining through numerous original objects and historical photographs.

Ideal to better understand the development of the region.

The historic station tells the history of the railway, which made mining possible in the first place.

This trail is reminiscent of one of the most famous rescues in American forest history.

Distance: about 6 km

Duration: 2–3 hours

Difficulty: easy to medium

In addition to the exciting history, beautiful forest landscapes and waterfalls await you.

In the upper part of the hiking trail you can see beautiful pictures of the wooded valley.

Wallace is located directly on the famous bike path.

Whether by bike or on foot – the route leads through:

Forests

River valleys

former mine areas

small villages

Just a few kilometers from Wallace, one of the most spectacular cycling trails in North America begins.

Highlights:

several long railway tunnels

High Viaducts

fantastic mountain landscapes

Bicycles can be rented on site.

The starting point has parking, but for large teams it is recommended to leave the camper on the campground and arrive with the pickup truck.

Several information boards lead through the history of the city.

Ideal for a cozy afternoon.

Wallace does not have large shopping centres, but offers everything for daily use.

The following are available:

Small supermarket

Bakery

Outdoor shop

Gift shops

local handicraft shops

For larger purchases, Coeur d'Alene is recommended.

Popular breakfast restaurant with homemade specialties.

Particularly recommended:

Pancakes

Omelettes

Cinnails

Cozy restaurant with American cuisine.

Known for:

Burger

Steaks

regional beers

Small wine bar with regional products and relaxed atmosphere.

Ideal for the evening.

Small campsite in the immediate vicinity of the city center.

Ideal for a visit to the city.

Quiet location with spacious pitches.

Also suitable for large Fifth Wheels.

Natural National Forest Campground in the mountains.

Perfect for hikers and peace seekers.

The historic city centre is well suited for a walk, but larger campers can be parked better on the campground or outside of the center.

Wallace is often overlooked, but is one of the most authentic historical places in the whole northwest of the USA. Plan at least one night's stay.

In the early morning, the historic streets are almost deserted – ideal for atmospheric shots of the old brick buildings.

Don't just drive on the Interstate – Wallace is only a few minutes away from the exit and is definitely worth it.

Reserve the mine tour in high season as far as possible in advance.

Wear good footwear at the Pulaski Trail hike.

Plan enough time for the Route of the Hiawatha – it is significantly longer and more varied than many expect.

Wallace is one of those places that surprises many travelers completely. The combination of lively mining history, lovingly restored architecture and beautiful nature makes the city one of the most beautiful stopovers in Idaho.