Wallace Self Guided Audio Walking Tour of Historic Downtown
Explore Wallace, a mountain city in Idaho’s Silver Valley, on a self-guided audio tour using a GPS app. As you walk through this remarkably intact historic commercial center, the town's stories will automatically unfold around you. Walk past striking Victorian architecture, the Northern Pacific Depot, the Wallace District Mining Museum, and the Oasis Bordello Museum. You will uncover a history of silver mining, labor disputes, and the 1910 Great Fire, and discover why the city officially declared itself the Center of the Universe. Explore at your own pace—pause for photos, step inside a historic building, or linger at a museum. The audio resumes whenever you are ready, letting you move freely without keeping up with a group. This is a self-guided experience (no in-person guide). Download the tour in advance and use it anytime. It works completely offline and follows your location along the route.
Your experience
Stop 1
Discover the exact center of the universe—or at least, try to prove otherwise—marked by a quirky manhole cover at the intersection of Bank and Sixth Street. This tongue-in-cheek landmark stems from a 2004 mayoral proclamation based on the theory of probabilism, making it a beloved and bizarre photo op for visitors.
Stop 2
Step deep underground on a guided trolley tour of a real, historic silver mine led by a retired hard-rock miner. You'll get an up-close look at vintage mining equipment while learning the gritty reality of life inside the richest silver mining district on earth.
Stop 3
Step into a perfectly preserved time capsule of an active bordello that was hastily abandoned in 1988, complete with groceries still sitting on the kitchen counter. This fascinating museum offers a candid, unfiltered look into the secretive business, entrepreneurship, and daily lives of the women who worked there.
Stop 4
Marvel at this 1901 Chateau-style depot, famously constructed using unique bricks from a Washington hotel and concrete made from local mine tailings. Inside, you'll discover a beautifully recreated railroad agent's room and extensive exhibits chronicling the golden era of rail transportation in the Coeur d'Alene Mining District.
Stop 5
Delve into the fascinating history of the Silver Valley, renowned globally as the richest silver-producing region in the world. Engaging exhibits trace the ingenuity, struggles, and triumphs of the early miners who extracted over a billion ounces of silver from the surrounding mountains.
Stop 6
Hike this scenic, two-mile interpretive trail that leads to the very mine shaft where Ranger Ed Pulaski heroically saved his crew during the catastrophic 1910 Big Blowup fire. The lush forest path belies the tragedy of the past, offering a poignant look at one of the largest forest fires in American history.
Stop 7
Stroll through a beautifully preserved downtown where every single building is proudly listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This unique, town-wide designation famously forced the federal government to reroute an interstate, permanently saving the town's classic late-19th-century boomtown architecture.
Stop 8
Grab a hearty bite at this legendary local watering hole, steeped in mining town lore and named for its original 13-by-13-foot dimensions. Beyond the classic American comfort food, the vibrant atmosphere serves as a perfect tribute to Wallace's rugged and spirited past.
Stop 9
Start your adventure here to gather local maps, insider tips, and a warm welcome from the town's most knowledgeable residents. It's the perfect launching pad to discover hidden gems and get the lay of the land before exploring the broader historic district.
Stop 10
Enjoy an evening of nostalgic entertainment at this lively theater, where audiences are encouraged to loudly boo the villains and cheer the heroes. Housed in the oldest standing wooden structure in Historic Wallace, it keeps the centuries-old tradition of classic interactive melodrama alive and well.
Stop 11
Admire the stately architecture of this historic county seat, which narrowly survived the devastating Great Fire of 1910 that wiped out a third of the town. The building stands as a testament to early 20th-century civic pride and continues to serve the local community today.
Stop 12
Embark on a unique urban hike up these century-old wooden and concrete stairways, originally built to connect miners' hillside homes to the bustling downtown below. With nearly 800 steps spanning 12 distinct flights, the climb rewards you with sweeping, picturesque views of the city and surrounding woods.
What’s included
- Flexible Usage (unlimited access)
- Audio Guide
- App and Tour Download
Not included
- Smartphone (bring your own)
Meeting and pickup
The tour starts in front of the Gearon Building, at 414 6th Street. Simply open the app and tap "Start Tour" and the audio will begin playing automatically.
Before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Works entirely offline once downloaded—no cell service required
- GPS-triggered audio plays automatically based on your location
- Flexible - Buy once, use any day/time—access never expires
- Get the Drives & Detours app download the tour ahead of time
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Check the policy for your selected date and option before booking.
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