Mullan is a small town in Idaho's Silver Valley
The town of Mullan, situated at the eastern end of Idaho’s Silver Valley, is surrounded by mountain peaks and pine trees. Apart from traffic passing by on the interstate, it is a serene and far-flung former mining town popular with retirees and those who enjoy isolation. “There is not very much in Mullan. I think the total population was less than 1,000, last time I checked,” says Realtor Jill Spiker with AlliedTeam Realty, a native of the Silver Valley region. “It’s cute and quaint, but it is remote, further up into the mountains. They get lots of snow, so to live there comfortably, you have to like the winter.” Even when the hiking and huckleberry picking of the warmer months give way to snowmobiling and winter skiing, Mullan residents can look forward to coming home to their quiet mountain retreat.
Renovated chalet-style homes are common in Mullan
Homes in Mullan are clustered together amidst the towering pine trees, and nearly all have full views of the mountains that surround the town. New development in the area is rare. “There are no new houses out there. Everything is older stock that has been renovated over the years,” Spiker says. “Mostly what you’ll find is chalet-type places, with fixed-up attics over top. It’s usually less expensive because of how remote it is, and that draws lots of retired people.” Prices for homes needing renovation begin around $105,000, while move-in ready houses can cost up to $360,000, depending on the number of bedrooms, lot size and age of the home.
The Mullan Athletic Pavilion has a pool and a basketball court
The Mullan Athletic Pavilion in the center of town is home to a swimming pool and a basketball court. Regardless of the weather, residents take advantage of the nearby opportunities for outdoor recreation. “Skiing is big everywhere in the Silver Valley, and in Mullan, they have a free ski school for certain ages,” Spiker says. “It’s also close to the Montana border, so during the summer, people head to the rail trail at Lookout Pass to ride bikes through the old mine tunnels.” Hiking and biking trails spread like vines throughout the mountains, popular with visitors and residents alike.
There are three restaurants within the town of Mullan
The closest supermarket is Harvest Foods, located almost 7 miles west of town in Wallace. The nearest Walmart Supercenter is a few miles further in Smelterville. “There are a few places to eat and shop in the town itself, but people will have to go down into Wallace, Kellogg or Coeur d’Alene for anything extensive,” Spiker says. The only local restaurants are River Street Coffee on the east end of town, Outlaw Bar and Grill on Hunter Street and Mullan Corner on 2nd Street.
Two schools form the Mullan School District
Mullan is served by the Mullan School District, which earns a B-minus from Niche. The district has two schools, John Mullan Elementary and Mullan High. Mullan High serves as both the middle and high school for the area. Both schools are currently unranked by Niche.
Interstate 90 is the most important commuter lane
Interstate 90 is the vital commuter artery of the town, connecting it west to Coeur d’Alene and further on to Spokane, Washington. Spokane is home to the closest airport, Spokane International, over 90 miles away.
