Wallace District Mining Museum
Explore the heart of Idaho's silver mining past at the Wallace District Mining Museum, featuring immersive exhibits and historical artifacts.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the crowds, explore at leisure
Wallace District Mining Museum
Best Time
Beat the crowds, explore at leisure
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the heart of Idaho's silver mining past at the Wallace District Mining Museum, featuring immersive exhibits and historical artifacts.
"A really neat museum, cheap for my family to visit and a lot of information and artifacts."
⏰ Check Opening Hours
Museum opens at 10 AM, not 9 AM. Plan your day accordingly!
💰 Affordable Family Fun
Great value at $5 per person, making it a budget-friendly outing.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Immersive Mine Exhibits
Inside the museum
Walk through recreated mine areas, offering a tangible feel for underground mining life. A must-see for understanding mining practices.
Buffalo Soldiers' Bicycle Corps
Exhibit hall
A unique and fascinating exhibit detailing the history of the Buffalo Soldiers' Bicycle Corps and their role in the military.
Massive Ingersoll-Rand Air Compressor
Outdoor Mining Park
Marvel at one of the largest air compressors ever built, a testament to industrial might and mining innovation.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit to the Wallace District Mining Museum
Timing Your Day Trip to Wallace
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Hi guys my mom and I are staying in Spokane and taking a day trip to Wallace Idaho. Was asking what things are cool to see / do ?! Thank you ! Puppy with us as well
⏰ Check Opening Hours
Museum opens at 10 AM, not 9 AM. Plan your day accordingly!
💰 Affordable Family Fun
Great value at $5 per person, making it a budget-friendly outing.
Suggestions for a North Idaho visit?
Day trips?
🚶♂️ Explore the Town
Don't miss walking around historic Wallace; it's full of charm and history.
🥾 Hike the Pulaski Trail
Experience history on the Pulaski Trail, a significant site with great views.
Weird/strange places or things to see in Idaho
Tips
from all over the internet
⏰ Check Opening Hours
Museum opens at 10 AM, not 9 AM. Plan your day accordingly!
💰 Affordable Family Fun
Great value at $5 per person, making it a budget-friendly outing.
🚶♂️ Explore the Town
Don't miss walking around historic Wallace; it's full of charm and history.
🥾 Hike the Pulaski Trail
Experience history on the Pulaski Trail, a significant site with great views.
🍺 Local Brews
Grab a beer at the Wallace Brewery for a taste of local flavor.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Wallace District Mining Museum for its extensive collection of artifacts and immersive exhibits, offering great historical insight at an affordable price. Many appreciate the hands-on feel of the mine recreations and the impressive outdoor machinery. However, some reviews mention inconsistent staff engagement and potential crowding in tighter exhibit spaces.
"Really neat museum, cheap for my family to visit ($10) and a lot of information and artifacts. We spent about 3 hours here, but could have stayed all day if we had arrived earlier. After they closed we went back to the mining park and looked at the displays there, including the biggest Ingersoll-Rand air compressor I think I have ever seen!"
Gregory Oppliger
"The museum itself was very interesting. I especially enjoyed the exhibit on the Buffalo Soldiers’ Bicycle Corp.
The man working at the museum seemed totally disengaged and was watching junk videos online at full volume which was very distracting and not welcoming."
Grace Rusten
"Handicap accessible!
Some of the areas in the museum are tight, but seem to me to be manageable.
Wow!! What a great museum! They have a huge selection of antiques to see while you are visiting. There is a small walkable tour inside with so many items, you will need to make another trip back. If you are not familiar with mining practices, this museum will answer many questions for you. The staff was very nice and helpful too!!"
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What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Wallace District Mining Museum is approximately a 1.5-hour drive east of Spokane, Washington, via I-90 E. It's a popular day trip destination for those staying in Spokane.
Yes, there is typically ample parking available near the museum in downtown Wallace. Street parking is generally easy to find.
While possible, visiting Wallace without a car can be challenging. Public transportation options are limited. Renting a car from Spokane is the most convenient way to reach the museum and explore the area.
Absolutely! The museum is located in the heart of historic Wallace, with many shops, restaurants, and other historical sites to explore. The outdoor mining park is also adjacent.
A day trip from Spokane can include the museum, a walk through the historic downtown, and perhaps a visit to the Wallace Brewery or a short hike on a nearby trail.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is very affordable, typically around $5 per person, making it a great value for families and individuals.
The museum generally opens at 10 AM and closes in the late afternoon. It's important to verify current hours as some online listings may be inaccurate.
Advance booking is usually not required for general admission. You can typically purchase tickets upon arrival.
Yes, the museum is noted as being handicap accessible, though some internal areas might be a bit tight.
The museum is already very affordably priced, especially for families. Specific discount information may be available by contacting the museum directly.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors spend around 3 hours, but you could easily spend all day if you arrive earlier and want to absorb all the information and exhibits.
Highlights include immersive mine exhibits, the Buffalo Soldiers' Bicycle Corps display, and a vast collection of mining artifacts and 3D mine representations.
Yes, the museum offers engaging exhibits that can be interesting for children, especially the recreated mine areas.
The outdoor mining park features impressive machinery, including a very large Ingersoll-Rand air compressor, offering a glimpse into the scale of historical mining operations.
Photography policies can vary. It's best to check with the staff upon arrival regarding their policy on taking photos inside the museum.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, downtown Wallace has several dining options. The Blackboard Cafe is recommended for dinner, and the Wallace Brewery offers food and drinks.
You'll find typical American fare, with options ranging from casual cafes to pubs. The town offers a good selection for a day trip meal.
Generally, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside museums. It's best to enjoy your meal at a nearby restaurant before or after your visit.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that some internal museum areas can be tight, so supervision is key. Consider combining the museum visit with a walk through the historic downtown or a picnic lunch to make a full day of it. The Hiawatha Trail is also a fantastic option for families looking for an adventurous bike ride, though it requires transportation to the trailhead.
💰 Budget Travelers
For dining, consider packing a picnic to enjoy in one of the town's parks, or opt for casual eateries like the Wallace Brewery for a more affordable meal. Many of the outdoor attractions, like the Pulaski Trail, are also free to access, offering great value for those looking to explore the natural beauty and history of the area without breaking the bank.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Wallace's Mining Heritage
Beyond the museum's walls, the town of Wallace itself is a living testament to its mining past. Many buildings in the historic downtown district date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, reflecting the prosperity brought by the mines. Nearby, the Pulaski Trail offers a chance to connect with history on a more active level, commemorating a significant event in the region's logging and firefighting history.
For those interested in the sheer scale of mining operations, the adjacent outdoor mining park is a must-see. It features colossal pieces of equipment, most notably a massive Ingersoll-Rand air compressor, which underscores the industrial might required for deep-vein mining. This collection provides a powerful visual of the evolution of mining technology and its impact on the landscape and community.
Beyond the Museum: Activities in Wallace
For a taste of local culture and relaxation, visitors can enjoy a beverage at the Wallace Brewery, a spot frequently mentioned by those exploring the town.
For families or those seeking more historical immersion, exploring the outdoor mining park adjacent to the museum provides a hands-on look at the machinery that powered the industry. This combination of museum exhibits, historical town exploration, and outdoor adventures makes Wallace a well-rounded destination.
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