10 Small Towns in Nevada to Visit for a Weekend Getaway
Nevada, the infamous semi-arid and mountainous US state with its glitzy heart, is well-known for Area 51, Death Valley, Hoover Dam, Lake Tahoe, and Las Vegas. However, there is so much more to this gorgeous place than just the infamous Strip. Beyond the neon-lit casinos and lavish hotels lie a string of small towns waiting to impress visitors with their charm and unique attractions. Even for those who only have a weekend to spend in Nevada, these towns offer ample opportunity to experience a taste of the Old West within incredibly picturesque surroundings.
Ely
Ely is one of eastern Nevada’s most historic towns. It has a mining history spanning centuries and is famous for the Nevada Northern Railway. Those visiting for a weekend will have enough time to explore the Nevada Northern Railway Museum, where the Golden Age of Railways is on display. Visitors can ride on a historic train that chugs across the unmatched Nevada landscape. Nature enthusiasts can spend their weekend at the nearby Great Basin National Park with its unique ecosystem, stunning hiking trails, and intriguing Lehman Caves.
Ely offers several excellent lodging options for those who want to overnight within the town limits. These include the famed Hotel Nevada, located within easy reach of local attractions. The Prospector Hotel and Casino is also the perfect accommodation for those who want to get a little gambling in while in Ely.
Virginia City
Virginia City may be small on casinos, but this well-preserved 19th-century mining town offers plenty of authentic amenities. Visit Bucket of Blood Saloon, a pub drenched in Old West atmosphere and nostalgia. Simply strolling along the town’s wooden boardwalks is enough to feel like visitors are on a trip back in time. The city, often called “The Queen of the Comstock Lode,” is the backdrop for Wild West reenactments, and music lovers will not want to miss the famous Piper’s Opera House.
There is the Mackay Mansion to explore, the erstwhile home of one of the Comstock’s Bonanza Kings. It is open for tours and great for a weekend visit. Fans of Johnny Depp will be delighted to know that he stayed in the mansion for a week in 1995 while filming scenes for a movie. Virginia City also offers narrated train rides along the eight miles between the town and Gold Hill. Accommodation includes the Gold Hill Hotel, with its scenic views from every window, and the Silver Queen Hotel, which dates to the Victorian era—also offers a wedding chapel.
Genoa
Genoa is another charming Nevada town and the oldest town in the state to boot. Overlooked by the Sierra Nevada foothills, the city is chockful of historic sights and attractions like the Genoa Bar, the oldest saloon in the state. Those who don’t want to spend their weekend exploring bars and pubs will be glad that Genoa is also home to the Mormon Station State Historic Park, where they can bike and hike to their heart’s content. The park also offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountain range.
As for accommodation, there are many places to choose from when staying over for a weekend. The Genoa Country Inn is an unassuming and quaint B&B in the heart of the town. David Walley’s Resort has a hot springs facility that provides the best way to relax during a weekend break.
Austin
Austin lies within the Toiyabe Range, and visitors will find hot springs here and quirky historical landmarks, including Stokes Castle. The castle is a three-story granite structure harks to Austin’s silver boom. The railroad magnate, Anson Phelps Stokes, built the court according to a tower he once saw in Italy. The Belmont Courthouse in Austin also provides fascinating insights into the town’s storied past.
Visitors who want to enjoy the outdoors for a long weekend will find peace and serenity at the Hickison Petroglyph Recreation Area. They’ll also find hiking trails and great camping sites. When it's time to retire for the evening, the Cozy Mountain Motel offers a comfortable stay, while the International Hotel immerses itself in the town’s mining heritage history.
Baker
Nature lovers will find more than just camping and hiking opportunities in Baker. This stunning town, with a whopping population of just 36, is the gateway to Great Basin National Park, where the Observatory’s stargazing activities are among the most popular attractions. There is also Wheeler Peak and breathtaking bristlecone pine forests to explore. The Wheeler Peak Glacier is the only glacier in Nevada, and the Great Basin Bristlecone is believed to be the oldest living organism on Earth.
Depending on where visitors travel to Baker, the town is the first or last stop on the infamous Loneliest Road in America. It is a must-visit if only for the nearby Alpine Lakes Loop or a hike along the Osceola Ditch. Osceola is a ghost town, which also makes for a great weekend visit. Those who want to stay in Baker for a night or three will find excellent lodging at The Border Inn, which lies on the Nevada-Utah border, or the cozy Whispering Elms motel just minutes from the Great Basin National Park.
Lovelock
Lovelock is the location of the heart-shaped ‘Lover’s Lock” sculpture, which offers a romantic setting for couples who want to go on a weekend getaway. The statue is reminiscent of the Love Lock Bridge in France, with teams leaving heart-shaped padlocks as a symbol of their love and devotion.
History enthusiasts will delight in Lovelock Cave, a fascinating archaeological site with artifacts dating back thousands of years. For more insights into Lovelock’s history, the Marzen House Museum stands at the ready with exhibitions and guided tours.
Outdoor activities include boating on Rye Patch reservoir 22 miles northeast of Lovelock, fishing, and bird watching. Lovelock makes it easy to stay for the weekend or longer with accommodation available at the Lovelock Inn or the fun C Punch Inn & Casino with its on-site gambling room.
Gardnerville
Gardnerville sits within the magnificent Carson Valley, surrounded by the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Here, Main Street beckons visitors to book a weekend excursion, its cute shops and delicious cuisine being just some of the calling cards. The foothills of the Sierra Nevada range are open for hiking, so after shopping and having a great lunch, visitors can head to the trails to engage in nature. Furthermore, the Carons Valley Scenic Drive is beautiful and provides unforgettable views of the Nevada landscape.
For those who want to experience Gardnerville's complete weekend package, the Historian Inn is a modern lodging option within a short distance of the mountains. The Carson Valley Inn offers a pleasant stay and an on-site casino just thirteen minutes away.
Gerlach
Burning Man Festivalgoers will probably know Gerlach well. This unique desert town is the gateway to the hugely popular annual festival and a wonderful weekend to spend. Other than waiting for the festival to begin, visitors can explore the Friends of Black Rock-High Rock Visitor Center to learn more about Gerlach geology, ecology, and history. For adventure-seekers, the Black Rock Desert is a one-of-a-kind experience, while the Fly Geyser is a geothermal sight to behold.
Because of the Burning Man Festival, Gerlach is not lacking in accommodation options. And these lodgings are available year-round too for those who want to visit when the crowds are gone. Bruno’s Country Club is a rustic hotel that provides a taste of local hospitality. The Fly Ranch Geyser Airbnb is perfect for visitors who want to stay close to the Fly Geyser.
Caliente
While Caliente sounds like a town in the middle of Mexico, this Nevada town is a serene spot in the Nevada desert, visitors can take a day trip to the Kershaw-Ryan State Park with its eye-catching vegetation and natural springs, which is the ideal backdrop for a long picnic or tranquil walk. The nearby Rainbow Canyon will leave any visitor slack-jawed at the sheer natural beauty of the vivid rock formations. Those who love learning more about small-town history will also find the well-preserved train depot in Caliente fascinating.
Anyone who wants to spend a weekend in Caliente will find the Rainbow Canyon Ranch B&B ready to accommodate them. At the same time, the Shady Motel is an affordable option for those with a limited budget.
Fallon
Last on the list of weekend getaways in Nevada, but certainly not least, is the agricultural town of Fallon. This marvelous little town provides plenty of outdoor activities for visitors. The nearby Lahontan State Recreation Area holds a massive reservoir where people can fish or go for boat rides. It is also a wonderful place to watch birds in their natural habitat. Fallon also has a cultural gem in the form of the Churchill County Museum. At the same time, the Oats Park Arts Center hosts interactive art exhibitions and performances for everyone to enjoy.
Fallon’s accommodation options include the Best Western Fallon Inn & Suites for travelers interested in staying for a weekend to explore the town and surrounds. There is also the Holiday Inn Express, which has everything guests need for a relaxing short-term stay.
Every town in Nevada has something unique to offer visitors. Whether they want to learn more about the state’s history, find adventure in natural landscapes, or enjoy a peaceful weekend retreat, these small towns have something that appeals to everyone. So, there is no excuse for not packing some bags immediately and heading over to Nevada to uncover the gems that await in the heart of the American West!
