“Silver City, ID (August 26, 2011) (IMG_2950)” by trekkyandy is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
Nestled in the high Owyhee Mountains at an elevation of 6,200 feet, Silver City stands as a testament to the state’s vibrant history and enduring natural beauty. This well-preserved ghost town offers a unique glimpse into the state’s mining past, attracting history buffs, adventurers, and photographers alike, making it one of the most unique things to do in Idaho.
A Journey Back in Time
Silver City was founded in 1864, soon after silver was discovered in the nearby War Eagle Mountain. At the peak of its prosperity in the 1880s, the town was bustling with activity, home to around 2,500 residents and a myriad of businesses including six general stores, eight saloons, two hotels, and Idaho’s first newspaper. Today, approximately 70 original buildings still stand, largely uncommercialized and preserved, echoing the days when Silver City was a pivotal mining center in the Idaho Territory.
Architectural & Historical Richness
Visitors to Silver City step into a scene from the past. The town’s architecture and remaining structures, including the iconic Idaho Hotel, which still operates much as it did a century ago, offer a rare opportunity to experience life in a genuine Old West town. Other attractions like Pat’s What Not Shop and the Silver City Fire and Rescue Store, with their collections of books, souvenirs, art, antiques, and historical artifacts, provide insights into the local culture.
Natural Setting & Recreational Opportunities
The remote location of Silver City contributes to its charm and has played a significant role in its preservation. The surrounding landscape is rugged and picturesque, perfect for hiking, photography, and simply enjoying the tranquility of nature. The history of the town is closely tied to its natural surroundings, with more than two dozen mining camps once dotting the area and numerous trails leading to elaborately carved stones in nearby burial grounds.
Plan A Visit
- Accessing Silver City: The journey to Silver City is an adventure in itself, involving a drive on dirt roads that wind through the scenic Idaho backcountry. The town is most accessible during the warmer months from late spring to early fall, as the roads can be challenging in the winter.
- Accommodations & Amenities: For those looking to extend their visit, the Idaho Hotel offers a taste of 19th-century life with modern comforts. Additionally, local shops like Pat’s What Not Shop cater to visitors with a variety of souvenirs and local crafts.
- Activities: Visitors can explore the town’s historical sites on foot, enjoy photography or painting the scenic views, or hike in the surrounding mountains. The ghost town’s atmosphere is especially compelling for those interested in history and photography.
Engaging with History
Silver City is not just a place to visit; it’s an experience. The town provides a profound sense of connection to the past, allowing visitors to walk the same streets that miners, businessmen, and pioneers once did. Every building, artifact, and pathway tells a story of hopes, hardships, and the relentless pursuit of prosperity.
Exploring Silver City – Unique Things to Do in Idaho
Silver City, Idaho, offers a unique opportunity to explore one of the best-preserved ghost towns in the United States. Its rich history as a booming mining town, combined with its stunning natural setting in the Owyhee Mountains, makes it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the Old West, mining history, or ghost towns. Whether you’re exploring its historic buildings, enjoying the natural beauty, or simply soaking in the peaceful, time-worn ambiance, Silver City promises a memorable and enriching experience that connects you to Idaho’s storied past.
Quick Facts About Silver City
- Silver City, Idaho, was founded in 1864 shortly after the discovery of silver in nearby War Eagle Mountain. By the 1880s, it had quickly become a bustling mining town with a peak population of around 2,500 people.
- Approximately 70 original buildings from the 1860s to the early 1900s still stand in Silver City, making it one of the best-preserved ghost towns in the United States. This includes the historic Idaho Hotel, which continues to operate with a blend of 19th-century charm and modern amenities.
- During its heyday, Silver City boasted around 75 businesses, including six general stores, eight saloons, and two hotels, as well as Idaho’s first newspaper, establishing it as a significant center in the Idaho Territory.
- Located in the high Owyhee Mountains at an elevation of 6,200 feet, Silver City’s remote location has helped preserve its historic structures and old-west character, away from modern commercialization.
- The town and its surrounding landscape offer numerous recreational activities, including hiking, photography, and exploring the remnants of over two dozen mining camps and elaborate burial grounds linked to the town’s vibrant past.
- Silver City provides a profound historical experience, allowing visitors to step back in time and walk the streets once roamed by miners and pioneers of the Old West. The town’s preserved state and rich history offer educational insights into the life and times of a frontier mining town.
Idaho’s Mammoth Cave
Planning a trip to Idaho? Don’t forget to put Idaho’s Mammoth Cave at the top of your list. As one of the most unique things to do in Idaho, you can explore a unique and awe-inspiring underground landscape at your own personal pace with our self-guided tours. In addition to the cave, there are two privately owned museums of natural history on-site, the Shoshone Bird Museum and the Richard Arthur Olsen Museum featuring a wealth of exhibits that has earned them nickname “The Smithsonian of the Desert,” making it an unforgettable stop for the whole family.
Located eight miles north of Shoshone, Idaho, on Highway 75, Idaho’s Mammoth Cave will be open for seasonal tours from May – October, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., 7 days a week, including all major holidays. For more information, visit idahosmammothcave.com or call (208) 329-5382.
