Cities and Towns in Shoshone County, Idaho
Founded in 1864, Shoshone County is one of 44 counties in the state of Idaho. The city of Wallace is the county seat. With FIPS code of 79, Shoshone County has a population of 13,612 and area of 2,634 square miles (6,822 km²).
List of all cities in Shoshone County, ID alphabetically
City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
Avery, ID | 83802 | 208 |
Calder, ID | 83808 | 208 |
Clarkia, ID | 83812 | 208 |
Enaville, ID | 83839 | 208 |
Fernwood, ID | 83812 | 208 |
Kellogg, ID | 83837 | 208 |
Kingston, ID | 83839 | 208 |
Mullan, ID | 83846 | 208 |
Murray, ID | 83874 | 208 |
Osburn, ID | 83849 | 208 |
Pinehurst, ID | 83850 | 208 |
Prichard, ID | 83873 | 208 |
Silverton, ID | 83867 | 208 |
Smelterville, ID | 83868 | 208 |
Wallace, ID | 83873 | 208 |
83874 | 208 | |
Wardner, ID | 83837 | 208 |
Major Cities and Towns in Shoshone County, Idaho
Wallace
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.84 square miles
- Population: 784 (approx.)
- Zip Codes: 83873
- Latitude: 47.4749° N
- Longitude: 115.9262° W
City Location and History
Wallace is located in the Silver Valley of Shoshone County, nestled in the Bitterroot Mountains of northern Idaho. Founded in 1884, the city quickly grew into a bustling mining town during the silver rush, becoming one of the richest silver-producing areas in the world. Wallace is famously known as the “Silver Capital of the World.” The entire town is listed on the National Register of Historic Places due to its well-preserved turn-of-the-century architecture. Wallace’s history is marked by the Great Fire of 1910, which swept through the region but spared much of the town, leaving its historic buildings intact. The town’s mining heritage remains a central part of its identity, with many of its attractions focused on this rich history.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Wallace is served by Wallace Junior/Senior High School and Silver Hills Elementary School. Key landmarks include the Sierra Silver Mine Tour, which offers a glimpse into the town’s mining past, and the Northern Pacific Depot Railroad Museum, housed in a historic train station. The Wallace District Mining Museum provides further insights into the city’s silver mining heritage. Additionally, the Route of the Hiawatha, a scenic bike trail following a former railway line through tunnels and over trestles, is a popular recreational attraction. The town also hosts the annual Wallace Blues Festival, which celebrates its cultural heritage and vibrant community spirit.
Kellogg
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 4.38 square miles
- Population: 2,120 (approx.)
- Zip Codes: 83837
- Latitude: 47.5380° N
- Longitude: 116.1293° W
City Location and History
Kellogg is situated in the heart of the Silver Valley, approximately 36 miles east of Coeur d’Alene. The city was founded in 1885 by prospector Noah Kellogg, who famously discovered silver near the town site, leading to the establishment of the Bunker Hill and Sullivan Mines, two of the most significant silver mines in the area. The city grew rapidly as a mining town, with its fortunes closely tied to the success of the mining industry. Kellogg faced challenges in the late 20th century as the mines closed, but it has since reinvented itself as a destination for outdoor recreation, particularly skiing, with the development of the Silver Mountain Resort.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Kellogg High School and Pinehurst Elementary School are key educational institutions in the city. Silver Mountain Resort is a major landmark, offering year-round recreational activities including skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, and a large indoor water park. The historic Bunker Hill Mine and Smelter Complex is another significant site, representing the city’s industrial past. The Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, a 73-mile paved trail that runs through the city, is popular for biking and walking. Kellogg also hosts various events, such as the annual Leadman Triathlon, which highlights the city’s active lifestyle and community engagement.
Mullan
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.89 square miles
- Population: 692 (approx.)
- Zip Codes: 83846
- Latitude: 47.4717° N
- Longitude: 115.8013° W
City Location and History
Mullan is located at the easternmost end of Shoshone County, near the Montana border, in the Bitterroot Range. Founded in 1884, the town is named after Captain John Mullan, who built the Mullan Road, the first wagon road across the Rocky Mountains. Mullan quickly became a significant mining town, with the discovery of rich silver, lead, and zinc deposits. The town thrived during the peak of the mining boom and remains closely associated with its mining history. Despite the decline of mining activity in the region, Mullan has maintained its identity as a historic mining town, with a strong sense of community.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Mullan School District operates Mullan Junior-Senior High School and Mullan Elementary School, serving the educational needs of the community. Key landmarks include the Lucky Friday Mine, one of the last operating deep underground mines in the Silver Valley, which continues to produce silver, lead, and zinc. The Mullan Trailhead is the starting point for the Lookout Pass Ski and Recreation Area, which offers skiing, snowboarding, and a scenic summer trail system. The town’s historic buildings, such as the Morning Club and Mullan Pavilion, reflect its rich mining heritage and serve as venues for community events. The annual Mullan Days festival celebrates the town’s history with parades, games, and local festivities.
Smelterville
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 0.73 square miles
- Population: 627 (approx.)
- Zip Codes: 83868
- Latitude: 47.5382° N
- Longitude: 116.1801° W
City Location and History
Smelterville is a small town located just west of Kellogg in Shoshone County. It was established in the early 20th century, primarily as a residential area for workers of the nearby Bunker Hill Smelter, one of the largest lead smelting operations in the world at the time. The town’s name reflects its industrial roots, with the smelter being the dominant feature of the local economy for many decades. Following the closure of the smelter in 1981 due to environmental concerns and economic decline, Smelterville faced significant challenges. However, the town has gradually recovered, focusing on community redevelopment and environmental restoration efforts.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Smelterville residents typically attend schools in nearby Kellogg, such as Kellogg High School and Pinehurst Elementary School. A key landmark in the area is the Silver Mountain Resort, which lies just a short distance from Smelterville and offers recreational activities year-round. Additionally, the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes runs through Smelterville, providing opportunities for biking, walking, and enjoying the scenic beauty of the Silver Valley. The town’s history is also tied to environmental restoration, with ongoing projects to address the legacy of mining and smelting activities. The Silver Valley Environmental Resource Center is involved in these efforts and serves as a hub for community education and advocacy.
Pinehurst
Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude
- Area: 1.32 square miles
- Population: 1,619 (approx.)
- Zip Codes: 83850
- Latitude: 47.5366° N
- Longitude: 116.2380° W
City Location and History
Pinehurst is located along the South Fork of the Coeur d’Alene River, west of Kellogg. Established in the mid-20th century, Pinehurst developed as a residential community for workers in the nearby mines and smelters of the Silver Valley. The town’s name reflects its setting in a forested area, with pine trees surrounding much of the community. Pinehurst has evolved from its origins as a mining town into a quiet, family-friendly community that offers a peaceful lifestyle within easy reach of outdoor recreational opportunities. The town’s growth has been steady, supported by its proximity to larger towns like Kellogg and the increasing interest in the region’s natural attractions.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Pinehurst Elementary School is the primary educational institution in the town, with students typically attending Kellogg High School for their secondary education. The town’s landmarks include the Pinehurst Golf Course, a popular local spot for residents and visitors to enjoy a round of golf amidst scenic surroundings. Pinehurst is also close to the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, which provides easy access to one of the region’s most popular recreational trails. The town’s location along the Coeur d’Alene River offers opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and other water-based activities, making it an attractive destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Pinehurst Days, an annual event, brings the community together with parades, games, and local entertainment, celebrating the town’s close-knit spirit.