This United States Main Street Feels Like A Movie Set
Sometimes, during your travels, you stumble upon a place with so much character you wonder how a movie has not been made about it yet. Wallace, Idaho, is exactly that kind of town. Situated in the Silver Valley mining district of the Idaho Panhandle, this town has had the mayor himself claim the town to be the Center of the Universe (more on that later). Its centuries of mining have also left behind numerous historic landmarks along Bank and Cedar Street, many of which are some of the best places to eat and spend the night today. So, put down the remote or pause the streaming service and get ready to step into a place worthy of a movie set in Wallace, Idaho.
The Center Of The Universe (Conveniently Located In Idaho)
Wallace's claim to fame began in 2004, when the mayor officially declared it the Center of the Universe. Standing before the townspeople on September 25th, Mayor Ron Garitone made it official with a declaration. Wallace’s reasoning was simple: why not? The argument is rooted in the concept of probabilism, suggesting that because it is impossible to prove that Wallace is not the center of the universe, the claim remains perfectly valid.
The idea of probabilism actually surfaced during a tense standoff with the Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA declared the town a Superfund site, claiming the local water and soil pollution caused by mining operations had dramatically contaminated the town to the extent that it was in need of significant remediation; however, they also confessed that they couldn't prove whether the contamination was from mining or naturally occurring minerals. When the agency used that uncertainty to expand the site from 21 square miles to 1,500, devaluing countless homes and businesses in the process, the town decided to use that same “lack of proof” logic to declare itself the center of the universe. You can visit the Center of the Universe Monument for yourself right on the intersection of Bank and 6th Street.
Stepping Back Into An Old-Timey Film
Founded in 1884 and quickly developing into a silver mining hub, Wallace is filled with historic landmarks that will take you back in time to another era. The Wallace District Mining Museum is the perfect example and a fantastic place to start your introduction to the town. The historic museum on Bank Street was established in 1956 and now boasts over 50 exhibits, 5,000 photos and maps, and 7,000 square feet of history to explore.
For another snapshot from another time, stop by the Oasis Bordello Museum on Cedar Street. This was an active bordello right up until 1988, when the occupants suddenly fled the building. They left so quickly that they abandoned everything, from personal items and furnishings to the groceries still sitting in the kitchen, creating a strange and silent time capsule. Guided tours are available.
The Sierra Silver Mine Tour also departs from downtown Wallace. Narrated by experienced guides aboard an old-fashioned trolley, the tour takes you through the heart of town and deep into an underground silver mine. There, you’ll learn about the evolution of mining techniques and hear personal stories about life as a hard rock miner.
Sipping & Dining On The Silver Screen
That same vintage feel is carried into several restaurants and bars around the silver mining city, making even your meals feel cinematic. At the 1313 Club, for example, you’ll have the chance to dine in a building that dates back to the late 19th century. Over the years, the space has served as a hotel, a bus depot, a barbershop, and a cafe. The place feels incredibly historic, composed of a two-story brick building with cast iron pillars and segmentally arched windows on the second floor. Today, it operates as a saloon and serves a delicious array of food and handcrafted cocktails.
If you’re craving a craft beer, on the other hand, don’t hesitate to stop by Wallace Brewing on Bank Street. The brewery’s tasting room is set in the historic Coeur d’Alene Hardware building and is renowned for its mining and bordello-inspired sips, such as the “Red Light Irish Ale” and the “1910 Black Lager.”
That's A Wrap
The best way to wrap up your day on set in Wallace is by spending the night at one of the town’s historic and character-filled hotels. Two of the most notable are located on Cedar Street, the first being the Ryan Hotel. The boutique hotel traces its history back to 1903 and features 14 unique rooms that have been updated while continuing to maintain their original charm. The Brooks Hotel is just about a block down from the Ryan and has an interesting story as well. Currently run by a mother and daughter team, the family is lovingly renovating the hotel one room at a time. A variety of beautifully updated rooms and suites are available, along with an on-site restaurant that serves country-style breakfast and lunch dishes.
A Small Town With A Big Personality
Although home to only about 800 residents, Wallace has a lot to say for itself. Between its Center of the Universe Monument, mining and bordello history, and old-fashioned restaurants, there are so many different places throughout town to experience this dynamic spirit for yourself. And a historic hotel is awaiting your visit to round it all out. If you keep your eyes peeled, you’ll likely discover another attraction or two of your own during your visit to this eclectic mountain town.
