So much history in a small town means there are museums to talk about it, and the mining museum…read moredoes a good job of that. I love that many of these museums are free (with a donation suggested). When you walk in, you'll see some small souvenirs that you can buy. If you continue straight, there is the exhibit where you can enter and walk around. The cool thing is that it is dark until you walk near it and then it lights up the next portion of the exhibit. As you go through the museum you learn about the process of mining and the history. You'll learn about the safety of it, drilling and equipment, and even explosives. You'll also learn about the different types of rocks, the development of mining equipment and technology to help increase productivity, the union formation and legal battles. There's really a lot to read and learn and you can spend anywhere from 30-60 minutes here.

I thought that this was a well done museum that far exceeded my expectations for a small town…read moremuseum. The staff was very friendly and answered our questions. They even told a fun story to the kids who were with us. There are lots of artifacts from the local area and some nicely set up displays that help portray what mining was and is like in the area. Be careful when it comes to the days that they are open. We drove to Wallace specifically to visit the mining museum and arrived to find it closed even though their website stated "open all year" and "open 7 days a week". We returned a few days later and were able to visit, but I would recommend making a phone call to confirm that they will be open when you intend to visit.

This museum is open June 1 to August 31 each year. And when it is, wow! Take either I-90 east bound…read moreexit 68 or west bound exit 69. If you miss exit west bound exit 69, exit 67 is a great back up exit.

An undiscovered gem in the Silver Valley. Located in the old theatre/fraternal order meeting hall…read morein downtown Mullan. Extensive mining, commercial and apparel exhibits. Mullan school annuals back to . . . Well worth the stop over. Easy I90 off/on. Friendly. Donation.

A Wonderful Historical Fixture in the Town of St. Maries…read more SITREP If you travel to St. Maries, ID, be sure to check out some of the historical landmarks of this logging town, including the Hughes House Historical Society. SETUP The Hughes House is basically a very grand LOG CABIN and it's foundation was built in 1902. It is located right smack in the middle downtown St. Maries. Over the years, the Hughes house has undergone many renovations and has transferred ownership many times - sometimes as a resident, and also as office space for a doctor's medical practice. HISTORIC LANDMARK It is a beautiful structure featuring great workmanship from the all-wood floors to the walls and lighting fixtures, very much a snap-shot in time of the early 20th Century. As such, the Centennial Committee of Benewah County then bought the Hughes House after a massive fundraising campaign and then opened the building as "The Hughes House Historical Museum" in 1990. THE LOWDOWN A fun stop in St. Maries filled with local history.

The Shoshone County Mining and Smelting Museum, fka Bunker Hill Staff House is a small town museum…read morewith limited hours (Wednesday to Saturday 11 to 4) full of strange and curious memorabilia from Wardner and Kellogg ID's mining past. Tools, photos, clothing, rocks, Boy Scout items, an extraordinary belt buckle collection and a 3D model of the BH mine. A $5 donation gives you a pleasant way to spend a hot afternoon when the resort gets old.

Fun Labor Day Weekend Event in St. Maries, Idaho…read more SITREP Every year, St. Maries, Idaho plays host to a fun festive event known as Paul Bunyan Days. My mom's side of the family - original denizens in St. Maries - have enjoyed the fun different years off and on. SETUP This festival can be found in many places and businesses that sponsor portions of the "Paul Bunyan Days", but there are also Beer Gardens that miraculous spring up in giant "Paul Bunyan-like tents" that good ole Paul, and his Blue Ox "BABE" could easily fit inside (this is hosted at the city park and it is boasted as "The Biggest Topless Bar in Idaho" called the Blue Ox (mainly because the beer garden doesn't have a top over it). *wink* THE FESTIVITIES From arts and crafts, lots of delicious BBQ foods, beer beer and more BEER, and fun evenings filled with music and dancing, this is indeed a good time. Not just for the locals, but lots of folks come down from Coeur d'Alene, over from Spokane, up from Boise and Walla Walla, because it's a stomping good time! FAMILY ACTIVITIES * Lots of carnival rides for the kiddies (and adults) * Food & craft vendors * Fireworks show - Sunday at dusk it is one of the country's largest arena firework shows - and since this Idaho, there aren't those annoying regulatory restrictions on how big a bang you can make (like there are in WA or CA). SHOPPING. Yes, I said "SHOPPING" Plan to shop St. Maries sidewalk sales for great bargains. Monday morning is the Labor Day parade - bigger and better every year. LOGGING STUFF Since St. Maries is a logging community, there are lots of events featured on the nearby St. Joe river, including three (3) days of LOGGING COMPETITIONS: * Running up poles * Cutting timber * Lots of water events * Motorcross Races *Slaps his knee* Dam, is this a helluva time! THE LOWDOWN For a good time with the St. Maries' locals, come and enjoy the Paul Bunyan Days festival!

Quirky and fun! We stumbled across the Sixth Street Melodrama while staying at the RV park across…read morethe street. We had such a great evening and really enjoyed the show. If you have a free night be sure to check it out. First time to a melodrama for me and I had a blast! Great job to all performing!

What a fun night! We saw Pertie gets plugged and it was a blast. Our party had everyone from 9 to…read more80 and everyone enjoyed it. You can tell the performers and piano player really love what they do and I would highly recommend it. Also, City Limits is a short walk from the melodrama and was great for a pre show dinner.

This is a brand new store which has the feel of a cooperative art gallery, showcasing local…read moreartists, including the owner, Sally, herself. It also is a bit of a thrift store, with various odds and ends. And, Sally makes specialty chocolates that you can sample! The best part part is talking with Sally. She is a delight. If you happen to be walking by and see someone inside, just knock and they'll likely open up for you!

I just stopped by for a quick peek while I was visiting Wallace. Although I was not there long I…read morefound a store filled with wonderful art pieces from local artists and a wide variety of unusuals and tasty bric-a-brac. I will be back to try the chocolate and take a closer look, for sure.

small town means call to make sure their hours are right but great service, location, and peopleread more

We visit the Harrison area each summer and it's been fun watching this winery grow and prosper…read more The fruit wines they make are simply delicious. Stop in and you'll meet the owner who is nice as can be. Samples are available for all the different flavors. We picked up the Huckleberry, Raspberry, Cranberry and Rhubarb. All were such a big hit at the cabin with the rest of the family that we had to go back to pick up more. Personally I loved the Cranberry, my wife liked the Raspberry best. Chilled cold they were so refreshing during the heat of summer. Can't wait to come back next year to see whats on tap!