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Wallace, Idaho
Step back in time as you stroll along the sidewalks of Wallace Idaho, which is listed on the National Register of Historical Landmarks. A town of distinction, Wallace was known for hard-rock mining and hard living. It was home to ladies of the "red" light and the last "stop" light between Seattle and Boston before the construction of the I-90 overpass. Buildings dating from the 1890's and early 1900's houses many anitque and silver shops, along with several attractions.
Nestled among the Bitterroots many outdoor activities are readily available. Enjoy alpine skiing, snowmobiling, atv riding, fly fishing, camping, and huckleberry picking. The non-motorized Trail of the Coeur d Alenes offers a 72-mile paved route between Mullan and Plummer. High mountain scenery, complete with trestles and tunnels, is spectacular as you ride the Route of the Hiawatha. Whether visiting the many attractions, shopping the unique silver and antique stores,or enjoying the wonderful recreation activities
Wallace and the Silver Valley has it all! Today Wallace has a population of about 1,000
residents. Most of the tourist attractions in Wallace celebrate the town's rich mining history and culture. Visitors can tour a silver mine, wander through three museums dedicated to the most important parts of Wallace's past - mines, railroads and brothels - or enjoy a lively melodrama.
Web site: www.WallaceIdahoChamber.com
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Events and Festivals |
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May
Depot Days & Classic Car Show
Held the Saturday before Mother's Day. This festival started as a day of the excitement of watching the Northern Pacific Railroad Depot being moved in 1986, this festival has grown to an all-day extravaganza. Visitors can stroll among over 300 Classic Cars throughout the Historic Downtown area. Meet the owners and maybe even buy the car of your dreams! Included in the festivities are craft and food vendors, activities for kids, and live entertainment on the Gazebo. Depot Foundation event runs the Saturday before Mother’s Day. 208.752.0111, NorthernPacificDepot@cebridge.net
June
Gyro Days & Lead Creek Derby
Held the third weekend in June. A long-standing tradition, this event involves a family carnival on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Watch the the giant “beach” ball's progress as it tumbles along the clear water of the South Fork of the Coeur d Alene River between Mullan and Wallace. Director@WallaceIdahoChamber.com, 208.753.7151
July
High Mountain ATV Jamboree
Held the third week of July. Enjoy beautiful scenery during the hosted trail rides including an overnight campout. Participate in the ATV Rodeo, parade complete with prizes, and other fun events. The festival ends with the Awards Ceremony and Steak-Fry dinner. All activities are designed to include all ages and abilities for your family’s enjoyment. 208.512.2269, www.HighMountainATV.org
August
Huckleberry/Heritage Festival & 5K Fun Run
Held the third weekend of August. Huckleberry Sheriff and Huckleberry Hound will reign during this exciting two-day event that features activities for the whole family. Shop for unique items from craft vendors, enjoy tantalizing food while listening to live entertainment on the Gazebo, learn about our past through hands-on displays. Witness the dedication of Historic Mining Equipment at the Visitor Center. Relish each mouth-watering bite of Huckleberry Pancakes sposored by the Rotary Club. Feel the exhilaration of competitors getting ready for the annual 5K Fun Run. Huckleberry Bake-Off contestants vie for the prize as they whip up special Huckleberry creations. 208.753.7151, Director@WallaceIdahoChamber.com
September
Joint Chamber Auction
This Silver Valley-wide auction benefits Historic Wallace and Historic Silver Valley Chambers of Commerce. It's an evening of entertainment, tailgate dinner, silent and live auctions. Cheerleaders will keep the "stadium" roaring with cheers and the auctioneer "referee" will make sure all players bid the highest! 208.753.7151, 208.784.0821
November
Silver Valley Art & Craft Fair
It's the biggest art and craft fair in the Silver Valley. Over 100 vendors show their unique talent in handcrafted items. From jams and jewelry to woodcarving and figurines you will find something for everyone on your Christmas Shopping List! The Silver Valley Crafters raffle off their Handmade Felted Wool Quilt and along with lots of door prize. 208.556.0146, 208.783.4031
December
Yuletide Lighting Festival
Held the first Saturday in December. Enjoy a pie and coffee social, have your picture taken with Santa, stroll along the Mini Festival of Trees and buy a raffle ticket for chance of winning one! Also enjoy entertainment, carolers singing throughout the town and the crowning of Little Miss and Master Snowflake. Enter your favorite Christmas Cookie at the Bake Off. Check out the brightly lit residential area on the Winter Walk and Open Houses. End the fun-filled day at the Elks Christmas Cabaret. 208.753.7151, Director@WallaceIdahoChamber.com
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Coeur d Alenes Old Mission State Park Located in nearby Cataldo, this living landmark was built in 1850-53 by Coeur d Alene Indian Tribe and Catholic Missionaries. It is Idaho’s oldest standing building. An interpretive center holds many artifacts and a video is shown depicting the people of the times. Open daily March through September. 208.682.3814, www.ParksAndRecreation.Idaho.gov/Parks/
OldMission.aspx
Crystal Gold Mine Tour
Located in nearby Kellogg, this “lost” mine was was rediscovered in 1996 and opened to tourists as a look back in time of how gold and other minerals were excavated in the late 1800's. You can even pan for gold! Open daily April through October and weekends November through March. 208.783.4653,
www.GoldMine-Idaho.com
Northern Pacific Railroad Depot Museum This is the first building in Wallace to be listed on the National Registry of Historical Landmarks. This chateau-style building is a focal point of the grand architecture and historical heritage of Wallace. The museum will transport you back to the time when railroads were king of transportation. 208.752.0111
Oasis Bordello Museum
Hear the story of the “colorful “ side of Wallace. The Oasis Bordello Museum is housed in a former brothel which was still in business as recently as 1988. The final occupants left in a hurry, leaving the upper rooms with their belongings as though they were going to come back. Although the guided tour through the second floor brothel is the main attraction, the Oasis Bordello Museum has several other displays of interest: a still and an old wine press in the basement. Group tours welcome.
Open daily April through October. 208.753.0801
Sierra Silver Mine Tour
A retired miner will guide you through a hard rock silver mine. While underground, you will learn how silver and other metals are mined, see mining machines in use and hear the miner’s own stories. On the way to and from the mine, enjoy a narrated tour of our town aboard a vintage trolley. Open daily May through September. 208.752.5151, www.SilverMineTour.org
Silver & Gift Shops and Antique Stores
Stroll among the historic buildings while looking for beautiful silver jewelry, unique gifts, fossils and minerals, or antiques of every kind.
Sixth Street Theatre & Melodrama
Located in the wooden structure of the Kelly Building, the theatre offers a fall Musical (November), spring Comedy (March) and summer Melodrama (July and August). 208.752.8871,
www.SixthStreetMelodrama.com
Wallace Mining Museum
Check out the 18-minute video on the evolution of the mining industry and the eclectic history of Wallace and its people. Open daily May through September and Monday - Friday October through April. 208.556.1592
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ATV/Snowmobiling
Ride your ATV or snowmobile right from town and enjoy many miles of trails.
Camping
Fishing
Hiking
Hunting
Route of the Hiawatha
This portion of the Olympian Hiawatha route has been called one of the most breathtaking scenic stretches of railroad in the country. The "crown jewel" of rail-to-trail mountain bicycle trails is operated by Lookout Pass Ski Area which is located adjacent to I-90 at the Idaho/Montana state line, 12 miles east of historic Wallace, Idaho. www.ridethehiawatha.com
Skiing & Snowboarding
Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation is committed to providing you and your family with a great skiing experience. The snow comes early. It snows regularly. And the climate results in snow that tends to be light and fun to ski and snowboard. 208.744.1301, www.SkiLookout.com
Silver Mountain is located in the panhandle of Northern Idaho, Silver Mountain Resort is easily the most accessible destination resort you'll ever visit. Only 1 hour east of Spokane, Washington, the resort is just 1/4-mile off I-90 in Kellogg, Idaho. Then its a high-speed gondola ride to the mountain and a winter escape unlike any in the region. 800.204.6428, www.SilverMt.com
Trail of the Coeur d’ Alenes
The Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes bike path follows the Union Pacific Railroad right-of-way from Mullan, a mountain mining town near the Montana border, to Plummer, a town on the prairie near the Washington border. More than 72 miles of paved path takes you from high mountain splendor, through the historic Silver Valley, into the chain lakes region, along the shore of Lake Coeur d'Alene, over the Chatcolet Bridge to Heyburn State Park, and finally climbs to the Palouse prairie: an adventure for the entire family! www.FriendsOfCDATrails.org/CdA_Trail/
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