Entry No. 30 — the Coeur d'Alene file — filed under: haunted
The Historic Jameson (Cocktail Bar & Inn)
Dating to 1889-1892, the Jameson is North Idaho's most famous haunt, home to the ghost of 'Maggie,' a 1920s visitor said to give hugs, tap shoulders, and appear in the window of her favorite upstairs suite. A prankster spirit called Ollie reportedly moves silverware in the saloon. The building has changed hands and gone in and out of regular operation, but it hosts paranormal investigations, including ghost hunts that sold out in seconds during Wallace's paranormal festival.
The story
The double concrete-block structure at 304 6th Street traces back to the late 19th century, built to replace Theodore Jameson’s original 1889 wooden saloon after Wallace’s disastrous 1890 fire. Reconstructed between 1892 and 1907 out of masonry for fire resistance, the Jameson anchored the town's silver-mining boom. Today, though, it is far better known for the patrons who never checked out.
North Idaho’s most famous haunt revolves around two resident specters. Upstairs, you have 'Maggie,' a 1920s guest known for gentle hugs, tapping shoulders, and watching 6th Street from her favorite suite window. Downstairs in the historic saloon, you’re dealing with 'Ollie'—a prankster spirit blamed for moving silverware around tables and sliding barstools.
The property has repeatedly changed hands and fallen quiet over the decades. Under current management, operations remain intermittent, with the saloon and guest rooms available by prior arrangement or for special ticketed events. If you want guaranteed access inside, keep an eye out for paranormal investigations, including ghost hunts that notoriously sold out in seconds during Wallace's paranormal festival.
What it's like
Arriving at 304 6th Street, you'll find a historic masonry facade that keeps its secrets behind quiet windows. Don't roll up expecting an open door for an unannounced walk-in drink; operations are intermittent under current management, so you must confirm your visit ahead of time or snag a ticket to an organized event. When you do step inside—whether nursing a cocktail at the historic bar or joining a late-night ghost hunt—the atmosphere is heavy with late-Victorian nostalgia, where every creaking floorboard or shifting piece of cutlery makes you look twice.
The move: Book a paranormal investigation or overnight when the inn is taking guests, then nurse a cocktail in the historic saloon and watch for Maggie's face in the window.
📍 Before you go Operation has been intermittent under new management, with rooms and the bar available by arrangement and paranormal investigations run as ticketed events; confirm it is open before driving the ~50 miles out.
- 📍 Wallace
- 💸 $$
- ⚡ Up for anything
- 🌗 Indoors
Where: 304 6th St, Wallace, ID 83873
Hours: Added 2026-06-24 — confirm current hours before you go.
⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.
Pair it with
- Wallace Paranormal Festival — Pair a paranormal hunt at the Jameson with this October festival featuring guided ghost tours and lectures across downtown Wallace.
- Oasis Bordello Museum — Walk down 6th Street to tour another historic Wallace building preserved exactly as it was abandoned in 1988.
- Center of the Universe, Wallace — Stroll a block over to stand on the stamped manhole cover officially declared as the Center of the Universe.
- North Idaho Trading Co. — Head a block down the street to browse taxidermy and antiques inside a maze-like shop that doubles down on local oddities.
Good to know
Is the bar and inn open daily for walk-ins?
No. Operation is intermittent under new management, with guest rooms and bar access available by arrangement, alongside ticketed paranormal investigations. Confirm current availability before driving out.
Who are the ghosts reported to haunt the Jameson?
The primary reported spirits are 'Maggie,' a 1920s guest who offers hugs, taps shoulders, and peers out upper-floor windows, and 'Ollie,' a saloon prankster who moves silverware.
How far is the Historic Jameson from Coeur d'Alene?
It is located in Wallace, Idaho, about 50 miles east of Coeur d'Alene along Interstate 90.
How can I participate in a ghost hunt at the inn?
Watch for ticketed paranormal investigation events and ghost hunts, particularly during Wallace's annual paranormal festival.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: shoshonenewspress.com · cdapress.com · idahohauntedhouses.com · spokesman.com
last checked: 2026-06-24