Grab a hard hat and climb aboard Northern Idaho’s nostalgic green trolley and prepare for a trip back in time to Idaho’s glory mining days! Neatly tucked away in Wallace in the heart of the Coeur d’Alene Mining District, the Sierra Silver Mine Tour lets visitors experience mining life firsthand, walk where they walked, and even hear from retired miners who seriously know their stuff — all while learning more about the history of the Silver Valley than history books could ever teach. It’s a must-do experience that’s already on our Ultimate Idaho Bucket List, but here’s a closer look.
Originally discovered around 1900, the Sierra Silver Mine had her fate sealed long before the first miners set foot inside.
smcdougle/TripAdvisor Of all the mines in Northern Idaho – most of which were rich with copper, lead, zinc, and more – the Sierra Silver Mine was perhaps the least profitable of all, weighing in at only 1/2 an ounce of silver per ton.
The mine consists of a maze of networked tunnels through the recesses of the earth and plunges over 2,800 feet below the surface.
smcdougle/TripAdvisor It’ll be chilly down here, so bring something warm to wear!
Today, this historic silver mine has been transformed into an incredible guided walking tour for all ages.
For91Days/YouTube
73jeep/TripAdvisor
Your adventure starts with a quaint, vintage trolley ride through downtown Wallace and up to the mine shaft.
r.s./TripAdvisor
WallaceIdaho83873/YouTube You’ll get a fantastic overview of this unique town, along with a few tidbits to impress your friends with.
Guided by experienced former miners, you’ll walk away with a new appreciation for the demands of the trade.
MsAlexisTia/YouTube
This tour is also the only one of its kind to feature authentic mining equipment in action.
Sierra Silver Mine
As well as the remnants of old emergency warning systems.
Sierra Silver Mine Tour The famed canary in the mine isn’t just a legend, ya’ll!
guatsquad/TripAdvisor Tours are offered every half hour (May-October) and depart from the ticket office at 420 5th St, in Wallace. Adult tickets are $15 per person. For more details about discounts, departure times, and what to bring, check out the Sierra Silver Mine Tour website here.
Wallace is simply packed with history and things to do. While you’re here, be sure to check out this incredible hiking trail, check out one of the town’s dozens of local museums, or visit the nearby Crystal Gold Mine in Kellogg for a tour that involves panning for your own gold — the only underground gold mine tour in the Northwest!
smcdougle/TripAdvisor
Of all the mines in Northern Idaho – most of which were rich with copper, lead, zinc, and more – the Sierra Silver Mine was perhaps the least profitable of all, weighing in at only 1/2 an ounce of silver per ton.
It’ll be chilly down here, so bring something warm to wear!
For91Days/YouTube
73jeep/TripAdvisor
r.s./TripAdvisor
WallaceIdaho83873/YouTube
You’ll get a fantastic overview of this unique town, along with a few tidbits to impress your friends with.
MsAlexisTia/YouTube
Sierra Silver Mine
Sierra Silver Mine Tour
The famed canary in the mine isn’t just a legend, ya’ll!
guatsquad/TripAdvisor
Tours are offered every half hour (May-October) and depart from the ticket office at 420 5th St, in Wallace. Adult tickets are $15 per person. For more details about discounts, departure times, and what to bring, check out the Sierra Silver Mine Tour website here.
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