WELCOME TO THE WALLACE DEPOT
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The Museum
Exhibits tell the rich history of railroading in the Coeur d’Alene Mining District and the Depot itself.
Let us take you back to when railroads were a primary mode of transportation for both people and freight. Railroads have been at work in the Silver Valley’s mining region since 1886. The last train to service the area (Union Pacific) ran on July 15th, 1994.
The Depot
The château style depot, which houses the museum and gift shop, has been a focal point of the grand architecture and historical heritage of Wallace.
The Northern Pacific Depot Museum features a replica of a working railroad agent’s room from the turn of the 20th Century, where you can see a beautiful old safe and even talk on a real telephone from 1908!
Become a Member
The Northern Pacific Depot Foundation has kept the historic Depot building thriving as an amazing Railroad Museum and trailhead for the Trail of the Coeur d’Alene’s bicycle path along the former railroad bed between Mullan and Plummer.
We collect, manage, preserve, and exhibit memorabilia that tell the story of the railroad’s impact on the Coeur d’Alene Mining District.
*Gallery Photos by Lizzie Keitel Photography Copyright © 2021 All Rights Reserved
THE northern pacific railway route
EXPLORE THE MUSEUM
NORTHERN PACIFIC DEPOT STATION
As you enter the museum, you step into the re-creation of an early working railroad station. Exhibits tell the rich history of railroading in the Coeur d’Alene Mining District and the depot itself. Railroads have been at work in the Coeur d’Alene silver mining region since 1887. The last train to service the area (Union Pacific) was July 15th, 1994.
RING THE NORTHERN PACIFIC’S STEAM LOCOMOTIVE NO. 4025 DEPOT BELL
QUICK DEPOT FACTS
- First Rail Service in the Silver Valley 1886
- Northern Pacific Depot Constructed in 1901
- Iconic Chateau Architecture
- Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976
- The last train operated by Northern Pacific (Burlington Northern) in 1978
- Moved to Present Location in 1986
NORTHERN PACIFIC RAILROAD IMPACTS
CONNECTING EAST TO WEST THROUGH WALLACE
The construction of the Northern Pacific Railroad was an arduous task. Scouting favorable routes through valleys and over mountain ranges proved to be a formidable challenge for railroad surveyors and engineers. Bridges had to be built, tunnels driven, and construction materials delivered. Many of the routes we drive today are owed to the skillful surveyors, engineers, and laborers of the Northern Pacific.
A Golden Spike Completing the Railroad was Driven near Gold Creek, MT by President Ulysses S. Grant
Elevation of Lookout Pass (Feet Above Sea Level)
Average Miles of Track Laid Per Day by NPR Crews in 1883
Acres of Land Granted By Congress to Construct the Northern Pacific Railroad
MIning & Timber Riches of The silver valley
‘The Northern Pacific Railroad was an important addition to the Coeur d’Alene Mining District. It brought a skilled workforce and the development of Timber, Mining, Farming, and other industries that could capitalize on the region’s economic riches. It allowed for people, goods, and services to flow freely to western port cities like Seattle, Tacoma, and Portland, and eastward as well, making many millionaire empires possible.
Board Feet of Timber Produced by 10 Counties in North Idaho in 1926
Ounces of Silver Mined Since 1884
Tons of Lead Mined Since 1884
Tons of Zinc Mined Since 1884
NATIONAL PARKS – IF YOU BUILD IT, THEY WILL COME
While the Northern Pacific Railroad established routes that moved people and commerce westward, it also allowed for the growth of tourism. With the advent of the rails, Americans were free to visit the wonders of the National Parks located out west. Railroads quickly realized the beautiful scenery along their passenger routes would attract interest. Destination travel from point A to point B was quickly eclipsed by thousands of tourists from the east wanting to experience the National Parks.
Miles from Wallace to Glacier National Park
Miles from Wallace to Yellowstone National Park
Miles from Wallace to Mt. Rainier National Park
Miles from Wallace to Banff National Park, Canada
MAKING THE GRADE – CLIMBING LOOKOUT PASS
With the construction of Interstate 90 (I-90), today’s automobile route over Lookout Pass is much more direct. Northern Pacific trains headed west following a more circuitous route up the pass. The tracks ran along gentler grades, ranging from 2% to 3.5% to accommodate their heavy loads. This animation gives a unique perspective of the route up to the top of Lookout Pass before its descent into Idaho and on into the Wallace Depot which was the terminus of this Northern Pacific rail spur.
*Video “The steep track of serpent – Northern Pacific’s Lookout Pass” VNV Nation – Saviour by Trainsume Copyright © 2021 All Rights Reserved
DEPOT HOBO BINGO GAME
THE SECRET CODE OF THE HOBO
Beginning in the 1880’s, a hobo’s mark was placed on fences, posts, sidewalks, buildings, trestles, bridge abutments, and railroad line side equipment to aid them in finding help or avoiding trouble. These symbols would be written in chalk or coal, letting others know what they could expect in the area of the symbol. Click on a symbol below to see what its secret meaning is!
play hobo bingo
The Northern Pacific Depot Museum has developed a fun Hobo Bingo game you can play while visiting Wallace. Follow these STEPS to play:
1.) Ask the Station Master at the Depot or a participating merchant for a Hobo Bingo Card.
2.) Look for hobo symbols posted on a 5″X7″ chalkboard in the windows of Wallace area businesses as you walk about town.
3.) When you see that hobo symbol, write down the name of the business in the square of your card with that symbol.
4.) When you get a B-I-N-G-O, return it to the Depot during business hours for a special prize!
PRO TIP: You can also look for these symbols at Wallace inns, restaurants, and bars. Ask the proprietors for their “Hobo” special of the day. You might be pleasantly surprised!
ADDITIONAL TOURIST INFORMATION
