Hiawatha Trail

Even buildings need a little TLC sometimes!

Inside this building, you can purchase tickets for biking the Hiawatha Trail. You can also rent a bike here, which they will ship to the trailhead for you. You can click here for the Google Map link.

Welcome to the charm of small-town Idaho! We are at the Snow Sports School in Mullan, where the buildings look like they’ve weathered more winters than your grandma’s favorite quilt. The beige and brown color scheme exudes a rustic charm, and those windows? They probably have stories to tell. There’s a sign for "Lift Tickets"—because who doesn’t love being hoisted up a mountain on a metal chair? And take a look at that construction mess! Nothing says "Welcome" like a pile of tarps and some orange cones. But hey, even buildings need a facelift now and then. The skies are gray, the air is crisp, and somewhere in the distance, the Hiawatha Trail beckons. Idaho, you quirky gem, you never disappoint.

When nature decides to turn on its fog machine for dramatic effect.

And here I am, continuing my journey on the Hiawatha Trail. If the Snow Sports School was a nostalgic nod to Idaho's rustic charm, this view is nature's way of saying, "Hold my beer." The lush green forest stretches as far as the eye can see, with misty clouds draping over the mountains like a cozy blanket. The dirt path I'm on is just the right amount of rugged, making me feel like an adventurer without actually having to wrestle a bear. The air is crisp, the kind that makes me feel alive and slightly regretful for every sedentary hour spent binge-watching shows.

Somewhere in this sea of green, the trail winds on, promising more sights that could easily make it to a postcard. Idaho, you continue to be the quirky gem I never knew I needed.

If you don't have a bike, don't worry—you can rent one at the ski ticket building. You can locate it on Google Maps using this link.

Nature called, and it said, 'Get lost in my greens!'

And just when you think Idaho has shown you all its cards, the Hiawatha Trail throws in a royal flush of natural beauty. The trail winds its way through a sea of green, with pine trees standing tall like nature's very own skyscrapers. The dirt path below is just rugged enough to make you feel like you're on an adventure, but not so much that you need to channel your inner Bear Grylls. Power lines stretch across the sky, a gentle reminder that even in the heart of nature, humanity leaves its mark. The air here is the kind that fills your lungs with a sense of freedom and regret for every hour spent indoors. Idaho, you quirky gem, you continue to surprise and delight at every turn.

When nature says, 'Let's take the scenic route,' you listen.

Continuing on the Hiawatha Trail, the path ahead is a perfect blend of rugged and inviting. The wooden bridge we're crossing feels like a gateway to an untouched world, suspended between the towering pines and the vast sky. The railings, though simple, add a touch of rustic charm, reminding us that sometimes, the best adventures are the ones that don't come with all the frills. The air is filled with the scent of pine and the promise of discovery, each step echoing the stories of those who have walked this trail before us. The clouds above play a game of hide and seek with the sun, casting playful shadows on the path. It's moments like these that make you appreciate the simple beauty of nature, far from the chaos of city life. Idaho, with its quirky charm and endless surprises, continues to be the hidden gem we never knew we needed.

When nature decides to flex its muscles, even the clouds stand in awe.

Continuing along the Hiawatha Trail, the scenery just keeps getting better. The view from this overlook is nothing short of spectacular. The pine trees stretch out like an endless green carpet, rolling over the hills and valleys. It's almost as if the landscape is daring you to find its end. The clouds above play a game of peekaboo with the sun, casting soft shadows that dance across the forest. It's the kind of place that makes you forget about the world beyond these trees. You'd think that after a while, the sight of so many trees would get monotonous, but each turn reveals a new facet of this natural wonder. It's like nature's own magic trick, always keeping you guessing and always leaving you in awe. And just when you think you've seen it all, another mountain range appears in the distance, shrouded in mist and mystery. Idaho, you unpredictable gem, you never cease to amaze.

Who knew trees could be so photogenic? They really know how to work their angles.

As we ventured further along the Hiawatha Trail, we stumbled upon this magnificent overlook. The sheer expanse of greenery was almost overwhelming, like nature's own version of a green screen, but without the need for special effects. The bridge in the distance seemed like a tiny thread stitching together the fabric of the forest. It's funny how something so small can hold such significance in a landscape so vast. The clouds continued their playful dance with the sun, casting fleeting shadows that added depth to the scene. It's the kind of place that makes you want to sit down and write poetry, or at least a haiku. But let's be honest, who has time for that when there's so much more trail to explore? Idaho, with its endless surprises, keeps reminding us that sometimes, the best adventures are the ones that come without a roadmap.

When you find the center of the universe, but it's just another day in Wallace, Idaho.

After soaking in the breathtaking views from the Hiawatha Trail, we made our way into the quirky town of Wallace, Idaho. And let me tell you, folks, we stumbled upon nothing less than the 'Center of the Universe.' Yes, you heard that right. Apparently, the universe's epicenter is marked by a street sign adorned with stickers, right here on Harry F. Magnuson Way. Who knew the cosmos had such a sense of humor? The town, with its charming old buildings and parked cars, felt like a scene out of a vintage postcard. As we walked down the street, the air was filled with the scent of pine, and the sky played host to a few fluffy clouds, just enough to keep the sun from getting too cocky. Wallace is the kind of place that makes you wonder why we ever bother with big cities. Here, the 'Center of the Universe' is just another part of the local lore, a testament to the town's playful spirit and rich history. It's a place where the extraordinary meets the everyday, and you can't help but smile at the sheer audacity of it all. So, here's to Wallace, a tiny town with a cosmic claim to fame, reminding us that sometimes, the universe's center is exactly where you least expect it.

Who knew the universe's center was just a manhole cover away?

Continuing our quirky adventure, we found ourselves standing at the 'Center of the Universe.' No, really. In Wallace, Idaho, the cosmos has a sense of humor, and it decided to make its epicenter a manhole cover on 6th Street. Surrounded by cracked asphalt, this manhole cover is more than just a utility access point; it's a testament to the town's playful spirit. As we stood there, pondering the universe's mysteries, we couldn't help but chuckle at the sheer audacity of it all. It's moments like these that make travel so wonderfully unpredictable. Who needs a grandiose monument when you have a manhole cover declaring its cosmic significance? Wallace, with its charming streets and whimsical claims, continues to surprise and delight. So, if you ever find yourself in this quirky town, don't forget to pay homage to the 'Center of the Universe' – it's a reminder that sometimes, the most profound experiences come in the most unexpected forms.

Who knew the universe's epicenter was hiding under a manhole cover?

Continuing our exploration of Wallace, we found ourselves standing at the 'Center of the Universe.' No, really. In Wallace, Idaho, the cosmos has a sense of humor, and it decided to make its epicenter a manhole cover on 6th Street. This is not just any manhole cover; it's adorned with a starburst design and proudly declares its cosmic significance. As we stood there, pondering the universe's mysteries, we couldn't help but chuckle at the sheer audacity of it all. It's moments like these that make travel so wonderfully unpredictable. Who needs a grandiose monument when you have a manhole cover declaring its cosmic significance? Wallace, with its charming streets and whimsical claims, continues to surprise and delight. So, if you ever find yourself in this quirky town, don't forget to pay homage to the 'Center of the Universe' – it's a reminder that sometimes, the most profound experiences come in the most unexpected forms.

When your insurance company looks like a fairytale castle, you know you're in for an interesting policy.

From the 'Center of the Universe,' we meandered through Wallace, a town that seems to have been plucked straight out of a storybook. Our next stop was an intersection that could easily be a set for a whimsical movie. On one corner, a building with a turret that would make any insurance policy seem like a fairytale. Across the street, a museum, art gallery, and souvenir shop all rolled into one, inviting us to dive into the town's rich history and creativity. The Wallace District Mining Museum's red brick facade stood proudly in the background, a testament to the town's industrious past. And as if the universe had decided to add a dash of irony, the street was almost eerily quiet, with only a couple of parked cars breaking the stillness. Surrounded by lush green hills and trees, this intersection was a perfect blend of nature and history. Wallace, you're full of surprises. Who knew an insurance building could look so enchanting?

When life gives you rocks, make a mining cart display!

Looks like the Stardust Motel really took 'out of this world' to heart!

After exploration of Wallace, we found ourselves face-to-face with what can only be described as the town's most 'out of this world' attraction—the Stardust Motel's UFO display. Nestled on 301 5th St, this retro-inspired spacecraft looked like it had crash-landed straight from a 1950s sci-fi movie. The colorful lights and whimsical design were a stark contrast to the cloudy sky, creating a scene that felt both surreal and oddly charming. It's not every day you see a UFO parked in front of a motel, but then again, Wallace isn't your everyday town. As we stood there, trying to decide whether to check in or be beamed up, the quiet streets and historic buildings around us seemed to whisper tales of the town's quirky spirit. Wallace, with its blend of history and whimsy, never ceases to surprise. Just when you think you've seen it all, you find a UFO in the middle of town. And that, my friends, is the magic of travel.