11 Of The Most Captivating Small Towns In Nevada
Referred to as the Silver State or the Battle Born State, Nevada is the seventh largest state in the US. It is the 9th least densely populated state in the nation and is made up largely of arid desert land. Known primarily for the vibrant casino cities of Las Vegas and Reno, the rest of the state is often overlooked by visitors and thought of as a barren desert. Tourists who venture out into the vast, sagebrush-lined land of Nevada will find hidden treasures in the small desert towns. From Virginia City to Boulder City, Nevada has many captivating and historically rich small towns that are worth a visit.
Virginia City
Located just 30 minutes away from Reno, Virginia City is like stepping back into the 1800s. Originally a boom town, thriving off silver and gold, Virginia City was a mining paradise that drew in thousands of inhabitants hoping to strike it big.
Today, visitors can explore the depths of this historic town by touring the Historic Fourth Ward School Museum, The Way It Was Museum, or The Mark Twain Saloon & Casino, which pays homage to the famous writer who resided here for a short time during his formative writing years. Virginia City is a great day trip; however, many travelers opt to stay in a “haunted” hotel like The Silver Queen. Ghost enthusiasts will enjoy a haunted tour with Virginia City Ghost Tours.
Elko
Located in northeastern Nevada’s high desert, Elko is a versatile community with beautiful views of the Ruby Mountains and historic cowboy culture. Elko has a rich Basque community with festivities honoring Basque traditions every July. Visitors wanting an authentic Basque foodie experience should head to The Star Hotel Basque Dining, a favorite restaurant in Elko since 1910 among locals and travelers alike. The annual Cowboy Poetry Festival every January treats travelers to an authentic cowboy perspective through poetry and music.
The Ruby Mountains and Lamoille Canyon, just outside of Elko, contain an array of outdoor recreational activities. Backpacking the Ruby Crest National Recreation Trail (a 43-mile feat), hiking a shorter trail like Liberty Lake, camping in Lamoille Canyon, and snowmobiling in the winter are all popular options. Get a once-in-a-lifetime experience with Ruby Mountain Heli, which offers inclusive heli-skiing packages throughout the winter months.
Genoa
25 miles east of Lake Tahoe sits Genoa, the oldest permanent settlement in the state of Nevada. Originally established by Mormon traders and eventually becoming a crucial trading spot for travelers embarking over the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Genoa is now a snapshot of historical prominence in the Wild West. Travelers can visit the Genoa Courthouse Museum, which provides detailed accounts of Genoa's roots. Afterward, travelers can enjoy a refreshment at the oldest saloon in Nevada, Genoa Bar & Saloon.
Golfing at Genoa Lakes Golf Club and mountain biking the Genoa Trail system are a local favorite. For a special relaxation after a long day, travelers can take a soak at David Walley’s Resort. They offer five hot spring pools and comfortable lodging with wonderful views of the Sierra Nevada Mountain range.
Rachel
Alien fanatics will feel right at home in the remote community of Rachel, Nevada. It is the closest populated town to Area 51, the top-secret section of the Nevada Test and Training Range.
Located along the Extraterrestrial Highway, Rachel is great for a photo op, with many stops dedicated to alien art, memorabilia, and lore. Travelers can visit Little A’Le’Inn for alien-themed souvenirs and an alien-themed café with items like the World-Famous Alien Burger and Alien Amber Ale. Little A’Le’Inn also offers accommodation for a reasonable price. Visitors will get quite a site gazing up at the stars in this area of Nevada, with crystal clear views of the night sky and very little light pollution; perfect conditions to see a UFO!
Ely
Along the Loneliest Road in America, the historical town of Ely serves as a desirable base for attractions like Great Basin National Park. Camping at Great Basin National Park provides cave exploring at Lehman Caves and multiple hikes, including Wheeler Peak. This summit is a hiking favorite; it’s the second-highest peak in Nevada, with its summit reaching 13,065 feet.
Travelers will enjoy touring the McGill Drugstore Museum, which has views of medicines and toiletries that have been frozen in time. Visitors can also order an old-school soda, milkshake, or malt from the counter. It wouldn’t be Nevada without a little gambling; stay in one of Ely’s several lodging/casino options, like the Prospector Hotel Casino or Hotel Nevada, while also striking it big on the casino floor. Travelers can get a look at original ghost towns in the area as well; Cherry Creek, Hamilton, and Belmont Mill are all great spots to catch a glimpse of these mining-era gems.
Tonopah
The gold and silver boomtown of the early 1900s, Tonopah, still shines as a worthy Nevada destination. Known as the "Queen of the Silver Camps," Tonopah offers various opportunities to visitors hoping to get a glimpse of historic mining ruins at the Tonopah Historic Mining Park. Travelers can wander this site safely with a guided tour or on their own, witnessing all the tools and techniques that were used in the 19th century.
Wander around the nearby ghost towns of Belmont and Manhattan, both of which still contain original structures like Dirty Dick’s 1867 Belmont Saloon (it’s still open for drinks!). Travelers can try out their rockhounding skills with Otteson Brothers Turquoise Mine Tours, adventure out on ATVs to the Crescent Dunes, stargaze, or visit the infamous Clown Motel (considered America’s Scariest Motel). Visitors wanting a more peaceful stay overnight can head down the road to the Old-West-styled Mizpah Hotel and grab a local brew at Tonopah Brewing Company.
Stateline
Nearing the border of California, Stateline and the surrounding area of Lake Tahoe are world-famous for their beauty and recreation. Stateline, on the Nevada side of things, is a bustling entertainment and outdoorsman masterpiece with plentiful lodging that houses large casinos like Harrah’s and the Golden Nugget. Edgewood Tahoe Resort is preferred for a more upscale experience; it's a lakefront resort that offers spa services.
Bordering Lake Tahoe, Stateline provides plenty of access points to the lakes' beaches. Nevada Beach is a popular option to swim at and enjoy the surrounding mountain views. Hiking the nearby trails like Castle Rock or Martin’s Peak is a must-do, both having incredible views of Lake Tahoe and the rolling pines that will leave visitors in awe.
Mesquite
About an hour north of sprawling Las Vegas, visitors will find the beautiful little town of Mesquite. Located in the Virgin River Valley, Mesquite is an excellent choice for travelers wanting the luxury options and warm weather of Vegas without paying the higher prices or enduring the crowds of the larger city. Mesquite is a haven for golfers, with multiple championship golf courses like Conestoga and Falcon Ridge. All courses provide challenging layouts and epic views that contrast against the backdrop of the desert landscape.
Casablanca Resort, Casino, Golf, and Spa is a frequent traveler’s favorite; it includes its own golf course, an expansive, well-designed pool, and houses Katherine’s Steakhouse (the best steakhouse in Mesquite). Mesquite is surrounded by adventurer’s paradise, with Valley of Fire State Park and Lake Mead nearby. Travelers can also get some time in the Mojave Desert on a rented side-by-side from Adventure Time Tours’. Visit during March for Mesquite’s annual Donkey Jamboree celebrating Nevada’s beloved burros!
Austin
The central mountain town of Austin is like a mini oasis in the middle of the Nevada desert. Austin is a hub for exploring the history of the Pony Express trail, the Toquima Caves, which has pictographs left by the Western Shoshone tribe, and the Hickison Petroglyphs. Austin is bursting at the seams with historical preservation and allows visitors to enjoy an authentic depiction of life in the 1800s with a stroll down Main Street. Stop at one of the Sagebrush Saloons (Nevada’s longest-running saloons), interesting structures, and old churches. Jason’s Art Gallery is a must-stop shop for souvenirs; purchase unique cuts of Nevadan turquoise set in rings, necklaces, or earrings.
Hiking in the Kingston Canyon on the Toiyabe Crest Trail is popular with locals and travelers along with a visit to Spencer Hot Springs just a short 30-minute drive to the southeast. Spencer Hot Springs has a few baths with natural, spring-fed water piped in.
Jarbidge
Jarbidge is a remote ghost town with less than 20 full-time residents. In the warmer months, it comes alive with hikers, anglers, hunters, and campers all wanting a slice of the town’s charm. Hikers will love the Mary’s River Trail or Jarbidge River Trail, while anglers love the outstanding fishing along the Jarbidge River.
In August, the town transforms into a community party for Jarbidge Days, celebrating its past with festivities across the whole town. Stop in one of the Sagebrush Saloons of Jarbidge: The Outdoor Inn for food fuel and the Red Dog Saloon across the street that has a full bar and encapsulates the style and originality of the era of this boomtown.
Boulder City
Boulder City is 30 minutes away from Las Vegas, near the border of Arizona, and a short drive to the famous Hoover Dam. Marvel at this impressive dam by taking a guided tour from the Hoover Dam tours, giving visitors insight into the construction process and history of this massive engineering accomplishment.
Nevada State Railroad Museum has permanent and rotating exhibits of preserved locomotives of the past and surviving artifacts from the construction of the Hoover Dam. Take a scenic train ride on the weekends from January to November and seasonal Santa Trains in the month of December; kid-friendly fun featuring holiday music and a visit from Santa.
Nevada’s small but mighty towns can captivate the hearts of any traveler looking for authentic experiences, fewer crowds, and wide-open spaces. A stop in any of its historic towns will reward and surprise visitors from all over the world. Despite its lesser-known corners and depths, the smaller side of Nevada truly is a destination worth digging into. The Silver State’s little locales are always a perfect choice for a fulfilling experience.
