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 nationally as one of America’s best small towns, as one of the top 10 most “authentic” towns in America, and more. But while Wallace, Idaho’s claim to fame is often its unique history, captured in places like the Sierra Silver Mine and Oasis Bordello Museum, this town has so much more to offer!
The quaint town of Wallace in Idaho’s Panhandle (population of approximately 1,100) dates back to 1884, just a few short years before the Silver Valley Mining District took off.
WAllace, Idaho Chamber of Commerce Wallace was named after William R. Wallace, a local farmer. The discovery of the Poorman and Tiger silver lodes transformed the region into a booming epicenter, eventually forming one of the largest Silver deposits in the United States. By 1886, the town’s population surpassed 500, just shy of its current population.
The close-knit community is notably special for a number of reasons, both historical and present-day.
Wallace, Idaho Chamber of Commerce
Residents here have rallied together repeatedly over the years to fight for the conservation of this beautiful town.
Wallace Idaho Chamber/Facebook From battling multiple fires – including the Big Burn of 1910 – and devastating floods, to coming together to protect the town’s history from being destroyed by the unwanted development of a highway through the city center, Wallace is one collaborative success story after another.
But Wallace is also home to wonderfully eclectic shops, motels, and theaters, each with its own vibrant personality.
treoelu/Flickr
Wallace Idaho Chamber/Facebook A stroll through downtown will never disappoint – be sure to stop and take a few photos, too!
Truth be told, this charming town is still delightfully lost in time, at least on the surface.
Wallace Idaho Chamber/Facebook
Wallace Chamber of Commerce/Facebook This photo is circa 1964, but not much has changed architecture-wise!
And while there are dozens of reasons to fall in love with this one-of-a-kind gem, it all starts with the scenery.
Wallace, Idaho Chamber of Commerce The Historic Wallace Heritage Trail, the Pulaski Tunnel Trail, the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, and dozens of other hiking, biking, and scenic meandering trails have their place in Wallace.
Wallace Idaho Chamber/Facebook
Wallace Idaho Chamber/Facebook It’s perfect in every season! In the fall, a trip to the top of one of Wallace’s 12 historic stairs offers perfect foliage viewing opportunities, while in winter, you might just find local school children fashioning a makeshift slide.
The town’s history played a major role in shaping Idaho into the state it is today.
Wallace Idaho Chamber/Facebook In fact, you can learn even more about Wallace, Idaho’s mining history by taking a historic trolley ride or experiencing a mine tour.
You’ll almost always drive through and find a festival or celebration taking place in this small town in Idaho.
Wallace Idaho Chamber/Facebook From the traditional Oktoberfest to Wallace’s unique Gyro Days, Fall for History, and Depot Day celebrations, every moment is enjoyed with the community in colorful style.
Even the unique museums, tours, and reenactments have given Wallace a little something extra to add to their name.
Kathy A/TripAdvisor The Oasis Bordello Museum – a preserved tribute to the town’s former underbelly reputation - is one of the most surprising places to visit, but the Depot Museum, Sierra Silver Mine Museum, and more are all worth a trip.
But perhaps the town’s most lovable and notable claim to fame is its self-proclaimed title of “Center of the Universe.”
Wallace Idaho Chamber/Facebook They even have the “center” marked at the intersection of Bank and Sixth St. to prove it. This was yet another moment in Wallace’s history where the townspeople came together to protect their city. This unique location and interesting story of how it came to be are just a few of the many things that Wallace, Idaho is famous for.
When it comes to personality, Wallace has one of the biggest and most vibrant “big-little” cultures in Idaho, and we love this little town for all of its oddities, surprises, and beauty! Have you been to Wallace, Idaho? What are some of your favorite places to visit when in this charming small town? Let us and your fellow travelers know in the comments!
WAllace, Idaho Chamber of Commerce
Wallace was named after William R. Wallace, a local farmer. The discovery of the Poorman and Tiger silver lodes transformed the region into a booming epicenter, eventually forming one of the largest Silver deposits in the United States. By 1886, the town’s population surpassed 500, just shy of its current population.
Wallace, Idaho Chamber of Commerce
Wallace Idaho Chamber/Facebook
From battling multiple fires – including the Big Burn of 1910 – and devastating floods, to coming together to protect the town’s history from being destroyed by the unwanted development of a highway through the city center, Wallace is one collaborative success story after another.
treoelu/Flickr
A stroll through downtown will never disappoint – be sure to stop and take a few photos, too!
Wallace Chamber of Commerce/Facebook
This photo is circa 1964, but not much has changed architecture-wise!
The Historic Wallace Heritage Trail, the Pulaski Tunnel Trail, the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, and dozens of other hiking, biking, and scenic meandering trails have their place in Wallace.
It’s perfect in every season! In the fall, a trip to the top of one of Wallace’s 12 historic stairs offers perfect foliage viewing opportunities, while in winter, you might just find local school children fashioning a makeshift slide.
In fact, you can learn even more about Wallace, Idaho’s mining history by taking a historic trolley ride or experiencing a mine tour.
From the traditional Oktoberfest to Wallace’s unique Gyro Days, Fall for History, and Depot Day celebrations, every moment is enjoyed with the community in colorful style.
Kathy A/TripAdvisor
The Oasis Bordello Museum – a preserved tribute to the town’s former underbelly reputation - is one of the most surprising places to visit, but the Depot Museum, Sierra Silver Mine Museum, and more are all worth a trip.
They even have the “center” marked at the intersection of Bank and Sixth St. to prove it. This was yet another moment in Wallace’s history where the townspeople came together to protect their city. This unique location and interesting story of how it came to be are just a few of the many things that Wallace, Idaho is famous for.
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Address: Wallace, ID 83873, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Wallace, Idaho October 05, 2022 Courtnie Erickson What are some must-see attractions in Wallace, Idaho? When you visit the small town of Wallace, Idaho, there is plenty to do and see. Not only is the town absolutely gorgeous as it is tucked away in the mountains and is surrounded by some of Idaho’s natural beauty, but this town is also home to multiple historic landmarks. One of the most popular is the original train depot from 1901. Today, this is home to the Union Pacific Railroad Museum and a delightful stop while in town. One of the most unique historic landmarks in town is the restored Wallace Stairs. Back in the 1880s, residents would use this staircase to access their homes that were located on the hills. Today, you can walk up these stairs and imagine yourself living decades in the past — and you’ll get a good workout while you are at it! What is Wallace, Idaho famous for? Wallace is known for its charming downtown area, beautiful views, and incredible mining history, but that’s not all. What you may not know is that Wallace has one claim to fame — it is the Center of the Universe. Located at the center of Bank and Sixth Street is a plaque in the middle of the road, claiming to be the Center of the Universe. While this likely isn’t the real Center of the Universe, it is still fun to stand on the plaque and pretend. You never know … you really might be standing in one of the most unique locations in the universe!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Wallace, Idaho
October 05, 2022
Courtnie Erickson
What are some must-see attractions in Wallace, Idaho? When you visit the small town of Wallace, Idaho, there is plenty to do and see. Not only is the town absolutely gorgeous as it is tucked away in the mountains and is surrounded by some of Idaho’s natural beauty, but this town is also home to multiple historic landmarks. One of the most popular is the original train depot from 1901. Today, this is home to the Union Pacific Railroad Museum and a delightful stop while in town. One of the most unique historic landmarks in town is the restored Wallace Stairs. Back in the 1880s, residents would use this staircase to access their homes that were located on the hills. Today, you can walk up these stairs and imagine yourself living decades in the past — and you’ll get a good workout while you are at it! What is Wallace, Idaho famous for? Wallace is known for its charming downtown area, beautiful views, and incredible mining history, but that’s not all. What you may not know is that Wallace has one claim to fame — it is the Center of the Universe. Located at the center of Bank and Sixth Street is a plaque in the middle of the road, claiming to be the Center of the Universe. While this likely isn’t the real Center of the Universe, it is still fun to stand on the plaque and pretend. You never know … you really might be standing in one of the most unique locations in the universe!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
When you visit the small town of Wallace, Idaho, there is plenty to do and see. Not only is the town absolutely gorgeous as it is tucked away in the mountains and is surrounded by some of Idaho’s natural beauty, but this town is also home to multiple historic landmarks. One of the most popular is the original train depot from 1901. Today, this is home to the Union Pacific Railroad Museum and a delightful stop while in town.
One of the most unique historic landmarks in town is the restored Wallace Stairs. Back in the 1880s, residents would use this staircase to access their homes that were located on the hills. Today, you can walk up these stairs and imagine yourself living decades in the past — and you’ll get a good workout while you are at it!
What is Wallace, Idaho famous for?
Wallace is known for its charming downtown area, beautiful views, and incredible mining history, but that’s not all. What you may not know is that Wallace has one claim to fame — it is the Center of the Universe. Located at the center of Bank and Sixth Street is a plaque in the middle of the road, claiming to be the Center of the Universe. While this likely isn’t the real Center of the Universe, it is still fun to stand on the plaque and pretend. You never know … you really might be standing in one of the most unique locations in the universe!
