The One Idaho Town Everyone Should Visit At Least Once

Northern Idaho is known for its abundant forests and scenic lakes, making it an appealing destination for relaxation or adventure. Wallace, in Idaho’s panhandle, reflects this rugged character. It lies in the Coeur d’Alene Mining District, one of the world’s largest silver-producing areas.

In addition to its mining history, Wallace’s downtown commercial core is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Wallace Historic District. The walkable district is lined with 19th-century commercial buildings with spires and other architectural features that are among the best preserved in Idaho. The town is also well known among outdoor enthusiasts, with more than 1,000 miles of former mining and logging roads forming a large interconnected snowmobile and mountain biking trail system.

Northern Idaho Beauty

Wallace is a definitive Northern Idaho town, filled with natural beauty and majestic architecture that feels like an Old Western movie set. It is surrounded by the Bitterroot Mountains, part of the larger Rocky Mountains, with steep, rocky terrain and valleys carved by glaciers. This rugged playground has earned Wallace the nickname "Snowmobile City," along with the "Silver Capital" moniker. Silver Mountain Resort is about 10 miles west of Wallace, and Lookout Pass is about 12 miles east, attracting skiers in the winter and hikers and bicyclists in the warmer months to trek the famed Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes.

Other popular outdoor attractions include the Hiawatha Trail, often considered the "crown jewel" of rail-to-trail projects in the US. The bike path consists of 10 tunnels and seven trestles, some as high as 230 ft, and runs through the Bitterroot Mountains. The Pulaski Tunnel Trail through the Idaho Panhandle National Forest is only five minutes from town, and another shining example of why everyone should visit Wallace at least once. The Mine Heritage Exhibit in town is a free, four-acre park and outdoor museum along a river, an essential stop for those seeking to learn about the town's mining history and to spend time in a beautiful setting.

Go Back in Time in Wallace's Historic District

Wallace is an excellent destination for an extended trip, with its abundance of outdoor adventures and an antiquated downtown that has been lovingly preserved. The quirky district was dubbed the “center of the universe” by the mayor in 2004, and a manhole cover bears the designation. The area is just as enjoyable to explore as the nearby trails, with galleries such as the Wallace District Mining Museum and unique finds at the North Idaho Trading Company. The museum presents Wallace’s mining history through more than 7,000 square feet of exhibits and over 5,000 photographs.

North Idaho Trading Company has a reputation as the “Weirdest Little Shop in the Northwest” and offers everything from antiques to taxidermy equipment. The community’s creative side is on display at Sixth Street Theatre and Melodrama. The performance theater, opened in 1983, is housed in the only wooden building downtown that survived the 1890 and 1910 fires, which survived a devastating fire in the 1890s. Another glimpse into the town’s quirky side is the Oasis Bordello Museum, which has been left exactly as it was when it closed in 1988. It was one of five brothels downtown during the town’s mining heyday, which also included boarding rooms.

The affable residents host many events throughout the year, including the iconic Huckleberry Festival and 5k run. The festival includes a Rotary Pancake Breakfast, live music, and vendors, providing an opportunity to connect with locals. The Idaho Panhandle Film Festival will be held here in April 2026, a nod to the movie studios that have filmed in Wallace.

Dining and Libations in Downtown Wallace

Wallace has developed a reputation as a small but varied dining destination, with classic diner fare at The Trailside Cafe and nightlife centered around the 1313 Club. The club is known for serving some of the most popular meals in town and for its distinctive name, which has unclear origins. Many believe the name comes from the original bar’s dimensions, which measured 13 feet by 13 feet.

The town also has several long-standing watering holes, including North Idaho Mountain Brewery, where all beers on tap are brewed in-house. 6th and Cedar Espresso Bar and Saloon is located in an 1890 historic building and is dog-friendly. It reflects the town’s social atmosphere and is a common place for locals to gather and share news.

Lodging: From Cabins to Historic Hotels

Booking a place to stay in Wallace offers a range of options, from the historic Idaho Building to the Snowhawk House. The Idaho Building is in the heart of downtown, with select units offering views of nearby events. Its central location makes it a practical choice for visitors who want to stay within walking distance of the town’s main establishments while experiencing a preserved historic setting.

The Snowhawk House is a 1,500-square-foot Victorian home on Pearl Street, located a few blocks from the historic downtown district. Wallace RV Park sits just outside the district along Nine Mile Creek and offers cabins for visitors seeking a more rustic stay. The park is within walking distance of the City Limits Brew Pub and other downtown venues.

Nearby Towns Worth the Drive

Wallace is a strong base for exploring the region, but nearby Kellogg, Osburn, and the lakeside city of Coeur d’Alene are also worth a visit. Kellogg shares a similar mining history and provides additional context for the development of the Idaho Panhandle. Osburn appeals to hikers and mountain bikers, with nearby trails and a small historic downtown suited for evening stops after a day outdoors.

Coeur d’Alene is larger than the surrounding towns and offers lake access, scenic viewpoints, and a broader shopping district. The city provides a contrast to the smaller mining communities and helps round out a visit to the region with more urban amenities.

A Final Look at Wallace, Idaho

Wallace is a well-known Idaho mountain town surrounded by extensive trail systems, lakes, and forested landscapes. Its preserved downtown offers a clear connection to the area’s mining past, with landmarks such as The Idaho Building and long-standing local establishments like the 1313 Club. The town supports a range of travel styles, from quiet weekends spent indoors during winter to camping and outdoor recreation in warmer months.

Regional history can be viewed at the Wallace District Mining Museum, and locally owned shops such as the North Idaho Trading Company offer distinctive souvenirs. The nationally recognized historic district is easy to navigate on foot, and the town’s year-round schedule of outdoor activities supports visits in all seasons, from winter skiing to summer hiking.