Center of the Universe: The Story of a Small Town

Would you run in the “Center of the Universe”?

Well, there is a small town, full of quirky attributes placed gently in the mountainside, named 20 years ago as the “Center of the Universe”. As you drive into this small town, you see homes nestled in steep hillsides, buildings that had their hay-day in the 1960s, and mountains that are lush in conifer trees and rugged beauty.

The mayor declared the historic town of Wallace, Idaho the “Center of the Universe” in 2004. The mayor said, “I, Ron Garitone, Mayor of Wallace, Idaho, and all of its subjects, and being of sound body and mind, do hereby solemnly declare and proclaim Wallace to be the Center of the Universe.”

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Its history is Rich

Wallace is home to an abundance of hiking and biking trails, unique restaurants, and exceptional taprooms. Its history is rich, as the Big Burn of 1910 demolished parts of Montana, Idaho, and Washington profoundly affected it. The town experienced complete devastation and displayed extraordinary resilience in rebuilding. A town that may seem unsuspecting on a map is truly a gem in the rough of the mountains.

The Huckleberry Festival

Every year Wallace hosts the Huckleberry Festival and 5k Fun Run, which begins in the downtown area, next to vendors selling all things huckleberry. Huckleberries are native to the Pacific Northwest and the Rocky Mountains. They look similar to blueberries, but are smaller, more tart and have a purple hue to them. A fun run event centered on huckleberries is the ideal opportunity to unite the community and create a weekend of pure enjoyment for locals and tourists. Bears and humans alike make their way into the mountains to pick these unique berries every year.

Laid Back Race

This 5k Fun Run isn’t your normal race. It’s a lighthearted, laid-back race, in the Center of the Universe. As you stride along the downtown area, each building, home, and business has their own unique sense of character. It gives people an opportunity to slow down and appreciate the atmosphere of running in a small mountain town that wants you to be just as unique as it is.

5K Fun Run

Not every race has to be a serious endeavor and this 5k Fun Run that is coupled with the Huckleberry Festival is a place to let your guard down and feel a sense of community and belonging. If you run this race, you’ll notice laughing children, smiling families, and hilarious costumes worn by groups, individuals, and cheerful dogs. When you cross the finish line, you can take part in the Huckleberry Pancake Breakfast served at the Wallace Elks Lodge to begin the huckleberry exploration.

All Walks of Life

It’s refreshing to see a small race like this thrive, year after year. This race brings people from all walks of life to enjoy the last day of the huckleberry celebration. Whether you are a serious runner, nonchalant jogger, or walker, this is a welcoming space for all.  If you find yourself at the Center of the Universe, locate the manhole cover declaration and remember that you can achieve anything, no matter how absurd it may seem, even if you’re in the process of rebuilding yourself.

If Wallace, Idaho can burn down, be reborn, and become the Center of the Universe, what can you be?

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