Mullan IdahoATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Mullan, Idaho.
1. Elmer's Fountain
HISTORIC TOWN LANDMARK
Elmer's Fountain is a delightful tourist attraction nestled in the quaint town of Mullan that captures the essence of small-town charm. Located on 3rd Street, this iconic fountain features intricate design and ornate details, making it a popular spot for photos. Visitors can enjoy the soothing sound of cascading water while taking in the surrounding scenery of this beloved landmark.
2. Route of the Hiawatha
SCENIC BIKING TRAIL
Route of the Hiawatha is a renowned biking trail that offers spectacular mountain views and historic tunnels for cycling enthusiasts. The trail spans 15 miles through the beautiful Bitterroot Mountains, featuring 10 tunnels and 7 high trestles. Visitors can rent bikes and enjoy a shuttle service that makes this adventure accessible for riders of all skill levels.
3. Lookout Pass Ski and Recreation Area
YEAR-ROUND MOUNTAIN RECREATION
Lookout Pass Ski and Recreation Area offers exceptional skiing and snowboarding during winter months with abundant snowfall and family-friendly terrain. During summer, the area transforms into a hiking and mountain biking paradise with stunning alpine views. The recreation area provides rental equipment, lessons, and affordable lift tickets making it perfect for visitors of all ages and skill levels.
4. Captain John Mullan Museum
LOCAL HISTORY SHOWCASE
Captain John Mullan Museum preserves and displays the rich mining heritage and local history of Mullan and the surrounding Silver Valley. The museum features historical photographs, mining equipment, and artifacts that tell the story of the town's development. Visitors can explore exhibits that showcase the life and accomplishments of Captain John Mullan, for whom the town was named.
5. Mullan Public Library
COMMUNITY READING HAVEN
Mullan Public Library serves as an important cultural and educational resource for residents and visitors alike. The charming library offers a collection of books, digital resources, and historical documents about the local area. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere while researching local history or simply relaxing with a good book.
6. Hiawatha Mountain Bike Trail
ADVENTURE THROUGH HISTORY
Hiawatha Mountain Bike Trail is considered one of the most scenic rail-to-trail routes in the country, offering breathtaking views of the Idaho wilderness. The trail features the famous 1.66-mile-long St. Paul Pass Tunnel (Taft Tunnel) and passes through numerous other tunnels and over trestles. Cyclists can enjoy the gentle 2% downhill grade that makes this trail accessible to riders of all abilities.
7. Wallace District Mining Museum
SILVER VALLEY HERITAGE
Wallace District Mining Museum showcases the fascinating mining history of the Silver Valley through extensive exhibits of equipment, photographs, and minerals. The museum provides visitors with an immersive look into the lives of miners and the development of the region's rich mining industry. Interactive displays and knowledgeable staff help bring the stories of this important part of Idaho's heritage to life.
8. Sierra Silver Mine Tour
UNDERGROUND MINING EXPERIENCE
Sierra Silver Mine Tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to venture underground and experience the world of silver mining firsthand. Guided by retired miners, the tour explains mining techniques, equipment, and the challenges faced by those who worked in the mines. The immersive experience includes demonstrations of mining machinery and fascinating stories about the silver rush that shaped the region.
9. Silver Mountain Resort
YEAR-ROUND MOUNTAIN PLAYGROUND
Silver Mountain Resort is a premier destination offering skiing, snowboarding, and tubing in winter, and mountain biking and hiking in summer. The resort features North America's longest gondola, transporting visitors from Kellogg to the mountain's summit with spectacular views along the way. Additional amenities include an indoor waterpark, restaurants, and lodging options for extended stays.
10. Crystal Gold Mine
HISTORIC UNDERGROUND TOUR
Crystal Gold Mine allows visitors to explore an authentic gold mine from the 1880s that was rediscovered in 1991 after being hidden for nearly a century. The underground tour showcases original mining tools, gold veins, and crystal formations in their natural setting. Visitors can even try their hand at gold panning, with many lucky enough to find real gold to take home as a souvenir.
11. Old Mission State Park
SACRED HISTORICAL SITE
Old Mission State Park is home to the Sacred Heart Mission, the oldest standing building in Idaho built between 1850 and 1853. The mission was constructed by Catholic missionaries and members of the Coeur d'Alene Tribe without using a single nail. Visitors can tour the beautifully preserved mission, explore the visitor center with its interpretive exhibits, and enjoy the peaceful grounds that provide insight into the region's cultural history.
12. The Bedroom Goldmine Bar
HISTORIC MINING TOWN PUB
The Bedroom Goldmine Bar offers visitors a taste of authentic mining town culture in a historic building that once served as both a saloon and bordello. With its original décor and memorabilia, the establishment provides a glimpse into Wallace's colorful past during the mining boom. Patrons can enjoy local beers, hearty food, and friendly conversation while surrounded by the ambiance of the Old West.
13. Center of the Universe
QUIRKY TOWN LANDMARK
The Center of the Universe is a unique attraction where visitors can stand on a manhole cover that officially marks Wallace, Idaho as the center of the universe. This humorous declaration was made by the mayor in 1992 as a response to EPA regulations, and has since become a popular photo opportunity. The quirky landmark represents the town's independent spirit and has drawn curious travelers from around the world.
14. Northern Pacific Depot Railroad Museum
RAILWAY HISTORY PRESERVED
Northern Pacific Depot Railroad Museum is housed in a beautifully restored 1901 train depot that showcases the important role railroads played in developing the Silver Valley. Exhibits include vintage photographs, railroad equipment, and artifacts that tell the story of transportation's evolution in the region. Visitors can explore the elegant waiting room with its original wooden benches and learn about the Northern Pacific Railroad's influence on local mining communities.
15. Oasis Bordello Museum
PRESERVED VICTORIAN-ERA BORDELLO
Oasis Bordello Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into Wallace's past as a mining town where brothels operated legally until 1988. The bordello was abandoned so quickly when authorities finally closed it down that personal items, clothing, and décor remain exactly as they were left. Tours of this unique museum provide insight into the social history of mining communities and the women who worked in this industry.