Longing for a Bit of Nostalgia? Explore the Timeless Charm of This Idaho Town

Remember the little town on Route 66 (called Radiator Springs) from the Disney Pixar movie Cars? Well, if Radiator Springs were tucked away in the rolling green Bitterroots of the state’s panhandle region, it would be called Wallace, Idaho. This is a tiny town where nearly every building has survived from the time of the town’s founding—and each one has a story. As you stroll these historic streets, you’ll find yourself transported back in time but surrounded by the luxuries of today. Longing for a bit of nostalgia? Explore the timeless charm of this Idaho town.

Wallace was a mining town, and it’s this heritage that saved it from becoming deserted like many mining towns of the day. Consider learning more about this history through a private tour of the Sierra Silver Mine with a seasoned miner as your guide. You’ll descend underground and explore the labyrinth of tunnels that once fueled the nation’s silver boom. It’s an exclusive journey into history’s depths, and far from the typical tourist path.

Stay at the opulent Ryan Hotel, a lovingly restored accommodation that perfectly captures early 1900s elegance. Your suite offers lavish furnishings and views of this picturesque town tucked so tightly within the mountains that it’s not visible from the highway—it sets the tone for a most unforgettable experience.

Savor the gourmet delights on offer at the Fainting Goat Wine Bar and Restaurant, where regional flavors take on a sophisticated twist, or dine at the 1313 Club, a storied establishment with upscale dining in a charmingly rustic setting.

Helicopter tours over the surrounding Bitterroot Mountains give you a view of Wallace from above. As you watch the sprawling forests and rugged peaks unfold beneath you, it hits you just how few get to see these breathtaking vistas firsthand. It’ll give you a whole new appreciation for this town once you’re back on solid ground.

Cap off your night with a soak in a nearby private hot spring under the light of the moon with a canopy of stars. Maybe these soothing waters are the secret to Wallace’s staying power…but one thing’s for sure: a soak in the town’s hot springs is the perfect end to an adventurous day.

Wander through this old mining town, and take it all in. Isn’t it incredible how a town founded in 1884 amidst a booming silver rush has managed to keep itself on the map (albeit quietly tucked away)? It’s likely because, as you’ll discover, Wallace, Idaho, has everything: history, luxury, and an authenticity rarely found.

Longing for a bit of nostalgia? Explore the timeless charm of this Idaho town: Wallace.