Wallace (Idaho)

This two-story museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The building was relocated across the river when the I-90 overpass was being constructed. Colonel Wallace's gravestone can be seen at the lower right by the entrance, though his remains are in California.

When the final occupants of the Oasis Rooms left in January 1988 (the last recorded date in the "hotel" registry), they seemed to have left in a hurry. Clothing, makeup, toiletries, food and personal items were all left behind. An accurate and tastefully-presented twenty-minute tour of the upper rooms explains the mystery of the ladies' hasty departure and gives a glimpse into the town's bawdy past with details that range from poignant to hilarious. The main floor is an unusual gift shop adorned with Robert Thomas murals that depict the realities of mining in an earlier era. The two-story brick building began its existence in 1895 as a hotel and saloon, and is one of the few structures in Wallace to survive the famous 1910 fire. At that time, Wallace men outnumbered women by nearly 200 to 1. The Oasis was one of five brothels operating without hindrance on Wallace's main street until 1973.

This is the only tour of its kind in the Northwest. You can experience the underground world of mining in the richest silver district on earth. The tour begins by boarding a 16-passenger trolley. On the short trip to and from the mine portal, a narrated tour is given of Historic Wallace. Hard hats are issued at the portal and an experienced miner is your guide as you walk through the main drift of the mine. Displays and exhibits are explained so people of all ages may safely observe equipment in operation and see modern and historical techniques used to mine silver, lead and zinc.

The open grounds surrounding the Chamber of Commerce has an interpretive walkway littered with brightly-painted historic mining equipment, leading to a restored machine house. There's also a large parking area and public restroom, making it a great rest stop after getting off the freeway.

This museum documents the mining history of the Silver Valley, the richest silver mining region in the world. Artifacts and exhibits portray life during the heydays of the 1890s and early 1900s, and a walk-in "mine" exhibit demonstrates how all the various equipment was used. Videos are shown daily in the 30-seat theater.

A 5-mile drive or walk along Burke Road takes you through a collection of ghost towns - Gem, Frisco, Black Bear, Cornwall, Mace, and Burke. Many of the town sites have been cleaned up, so many of the buildings and houses are no longer standing. Visiting the Mining Museum in Wallace prior to this self-guided tour will prepare you to understand the life of the men and women who endured the hardships of a mining town, and show you some of the images and artifacts of the Burke area. Burke Road has no cellphone service, so bring a map.

Local actors and playwrights exercise their trade.

Wallace neighborhoods are built on a steep hill. The historic stairs have been restored and are a great way to adventure through the town.