OffBeat Pathfinder Basecamp

If you haven’t been to Wallace, Idaho, you’re missing one of the weirdest slices of American history—and I mean that in the best way. Picture this: an old mining town where every street is on the National Register, the mayor once declared war on the FBI, and there’s an entire museum dedicated to…brothels.

I landed in Wallace last spring thinking I’d spend an hour. I stayed two days. First stop was the Sierra Silver Mine Tour—hard hat, miner’s light, the works. The guide was a retired miner who called everyone “pardner” and told stories about underground fistfights, near-miss cave-ins, and the time a donkey went on strike (apparently, unions run deep in Wallace, even among livestock).

Downtown is pure Silver Valley: brick buildings, neon bars, and more mining memorabilia than you’ll ever need. The Oasis Bordello Museum is equal parts hilarious and eyebrow-raising. If you visit, ask about the madam’s pet bear. I’m not saying it’s haunted, but my phone shut off three times in the museum and I left with glitter on my shoes.

Food rec: The Fainting Goat Wine Bar—craft beer, live music, and locals swapping ghost stories. Oh, and there’s a bike path that runs along the old railroad, with killer views of the mountains and zero WiFi. Good place to disappear for a while.

**Question:** Who else has been to Wallace? Did you dig up any wild stories, or is my phone just allergic to ghosts? Share your strangest moments below!

Wallace is legendary! My grandpa worked in the mines—swore the ghosts there were real. We did the mine tour last summer, and the guide let us chip a piece of silver ore as a souvenir (don’t tell the feds). Oasis Bordello stories are worth the trip alone—ask about the “secret tunnel” if you get the chance.

I got lost in the Railroad Museum for hours—so much cool train history! Also, not to brag, but I survived the “Big Dipper” burger at The 1313 Club. Pro tip: avoid the chili if you value your taste buds.

We did the Route of the Hiawatha bike trail—it’s a bucket list ride! Finished with shakes at Red Light Garage (try the huckleberry). I’ll never forget the neon glow at night and all the old-timers swapping stories at the bar. Wallace is the real deal.