11 Off-The-Beaten-Path Towns In Nevada
Sometimes, off-the-beaten-path towns feel neglected and abandoned communities, but in Nevada, that is not the case. These communities are dotted with a handful of residents and ample opportunities to explore and embrace the history, art, and mystery that places like Ely, Lovelock, Caliente, and more are known for. With the absence of huge populations, you can take your time to fully appreciate the picturesque landscape that surrounds these offbeat cities. The places deliver a daring yet thrilling experience that you will not forget in a hurry.
Ely
Ely is a remote area on the eastern edge of Nevada that is famous for its mountainous terrain and rich mining heritage. It witnessed a copper boom and bust in the early 1900s thanks to the discovery of copper. It soon became an industrial hub with many copper mining companies being sited within its borders. Now, with a population of about 4,000 people, Ely is a quaint vicinity in White Pine County with a mix of history, adventure, and art.
Get in touch with the culture and traditions of Ely at the White Pine Public Museum, where you will find items and exhibits from its copper mining days. At the Nevada Northern Railroad Museum and the East Ely Railroad Depot Museum, there are relics and classic locomotives that showcase the development of railroad transport in Ely. Go on a tour of the facility to broaden your knowledge of Ely’s railroad heritage before taking trips to the Renaissance Village, where you can hike across a few acres of space that hold so much significance to the locals. If you are a lover of art, you are not left out, as Ely Art Bank curates incredible art pieces that will leave your mouth ajar.
Virginia City
Known as the largest community in Storey County, Virginia City is a historic small town with just a handful of residents. With under a hundred residents, Virginia City is home to a couple of Victorian buildings which were erected in the 19th century. The establishment of these buildings was a result of the mining boom in the area. Examples of these Victorian-styled buildings include the Washoe Club Museum and Saloon, which was built in the 1800s and houses a storied saloon, which is adjacent to a museum, and Piper’s Opera House, which is now a theater and performing arts venue. For a deeper understanding of Victorian heritage in Virginia City, take a trip to Mackay Mansion Museum, which is actually a mansion built by Hearst in the 19th century and contains furnishings from the time of its building. Explore the outdoors with a visit to Chollar Mine, where you can take a guided tour of the space to close out an eventful day.
Lovelock
Lovelock is rumored to have inhabited Giants in its early days, and it is one of the main reasons tourists troop here for holidays. From giant skeletons in its caves to legendary buildings that are still in use today, there is more to Lovelock than meets the eye. Begin by checking out its ancient buildings, such as the Italianate-style Marzen House Museum and the Perishing County Courthouse, which was built in 1920 and still maintains its functions as a judicial building on Lovelock’s Main Street. If you seek an adventure, then look no further than Lovelock Caves, which is a renowned archaeological site in Nevada that has been a result of the sightings of giant skeletons. Rye Patch State Recreation Area is a popular spot for hiking, fishing or just simply enjoying the stunning scenery. Lovelock offers a lot of relaxation opportunities, and even though it is regarded as an offbeat town, it is indeed a spectacle.
Minden
Minden is a picturesque community located in Carson Valley, where history and outdoor adventure blend seamlessly. Founded in 1906, Minden retains much of its Old West charm, with well-preserved buildings lining its historic downtown. A visit to the Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park allows visitors a closer look into its ranching roots, showcasing artifacts from one of Nevada’s earliest and most influential families.
For those seeking outdoor exploration, the nearby Sierra Nevada mountains provide breathtaking backdrops for hiking and horseback riding, while Minden Park provides a soothing and more relaxed setting for travelers who like less crowded spaces. In the winter, visitors can take a short drive to Lake Tahoe’s world-class ski resorts. Meanwhile, the town’s Carson Valley Inn and local wineries offer a cozy retreat for relaxation. Minden’s skies are also famous for glider flying, with soaring conditions that attract skygliders from around the world. If you wish to pick up a new hobby while on holiday, Minden feels like the place to do so.
Caliente
Located in the southeastern corner of Nevada, Caliente is a remote, serene holiday destination where you can go about your business with relative ease. Nicknamed “Nevada’s Rose City” for its stunning springtime blooms, Caliente is surrounded by rugged landscapes that invite exploration. The town’s historic Caliente Railroad Depot, built in 1923, stands as a striking Spanish-style landmark that tells the story of Caliente’s railroad legacy.
Nature lovers can head to the nearby Kershaw-Ryan State Park, where canyon walls, hiking trails, and lush picnic spots create the perfect setting for nature enthusiasts. Dixon Park and Oak Spring Trilobite Area, you will get the chance to hike across rugged terrains, take photographs in front of picturesque landscapes, and spend quality time with friends and family.
Tonopah
Tonopah is a town with a rich mining history and an atmosphere that feels straight out of the Wild West. Once a booming silver mining hub in the early 1900s, Tonopah now offers visitors a fascinating look into Nevada’s past. The Tonopah Historic Mining Park takes visitors on a journey through its mining roots, featuring preserved equipment and underground tunnels. It is also home to the Mizpah Hotel, an iconic building from 1907 that still welcomes guests and is rumored to be haunted.
Tonopah’s remote desert location makes it one of the best places in the country for stargazing. The Clair Blackburn Memorial Stargazing Park provides an unbeatable view of the night sky, free from light pollution. During the day, visitors can explore the eerie yet intriguing Clown Motel, which is famous for its quirky décor and proximity to an old cemetery. For history buffs and fanatics of the Wild West, Tonopah feels like a slice of heaven.
Goldfield
If you are discussing offbeat towns, then you have got to mention Goldfield. With a population of under 300 people settling in sprawling homes, Goldfield is a remote community in Esmeralda County, Nevada. Although the community was a bustling mining community, an explosion in 1923 destroyed most of the buildings in the area, causing people to vacate the city and earning it the title ‘the living ghost town.’ For a look at life before the explosion, you should check out the Goldfield High School and Old Schoolhouse. The Historical Society preserves and promotes the heritage of Goldfield for both present and future generations. Goldfield is not all gloomy, as the International Car Forest adds a bit of color to the experience. The Car Forest is the largest open-air gallery for rusted and unused cars in the United States. Photographers will have a field day here.
Beatty
Beatty is similar to Goldfield as it ranks as a ghost town but has a big personality. Known as the “Gateway to Death Valley,” this offbeat Nevada community is a prime destination for adventure seekers and history buffs alike. Beatty’s Wild West charm is evident in its rustic buildings, such as the Cook Bank Building and Rhyolite Train Depot, old-fashioned saloons, and vintage signs that harken back to its days as a booming mining city. A visit to the Beatty Museum shows a glimpse into the town’s past, with items from the short-lived gold rush era and stories of the pioneers who once roamed these lands.
For those looking to explore, Rhyolite Ghost Town is just a short drive away. This eerie yet fascinating site features abandoned buildings, an old train depot, and unique outdoor sculptures that add an artistic touch to the desert landscape. Interestingly, the Goldwell Open Air Museum captures the attention of travelers as it contains unprecedented works by Belgian artists that many are not familiar with. The art museum is something you just have to see for yourself. Beatty is a very remote place, but that does not make it a less exciting off-the-beaten-path community. You will get an experience that is worth the trip.
Incline Village
On the northeastern shore of Lake Tahoe, Incline Village is a breathtaking alpine retreat perfect for both relaxation and adventure. With its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, this lakeside town is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Incline Village is also home to cultural gems like the Tahoe Science Center and UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center, where visitors can explore the region’s natural and literary history. The facilities provide good learning for both adults and children. In the summer, visitors flock to Sand Harbor Beach, where they can engage in activities like kayaking and paddleboarding, or simply enjoy the stunning views of the lake’s turquoise waters. Lake Tahoe-Nevada State Park also provides an opportunity to go hiking or enjoy boat rides across the cool waters of Lake Tahoe.
Winnemucca
Known as the “Crossroads of the West,” Winnemucca is rich in history, culture, and natural thrill. Located along the historic California Trail, this charming Nevada town has deep Basque roots reflected in its famous restaurants that serve up hearty Basque cuisine. A visit to the Humboldt Museum gives you a glimpse into its pioneer past, showcasing exhibits and vintage photographs. The nearby Winnemucca Sand Dunes and Mountain Peak provide endless opportunities for off-roading and photography, while the Water Canyon, though secluded, is an excellent spot for hiking and camping with breathtaking desert views.
Boulder City
Boulder City is a quaint community in southern Nevada, best known as the home of the Hoover Dam. It was built in the 1930s to house the dam’s workers; this charming town has retained its small-town feel while offering plenty of modern attractions. The Hoover Dam Museum pays tribute to the initiative behind the construction of the dam and also to the workers who built with items from the dam’s construction preserved within its walls. Nevada State Railroad Museum stands as a representation of the railroad heritage in Nevada, and it contains old-school trains that take visitors on tours of historic rail routes. It also boasts one of Nevada’s quirkiest attractions, Tom Devlin’s Monster Museum, where horror film fans can explore a collection of eerie movie props. A visit to the Hoover Dam provides breathtaking views of the Colorado River and an in-depth look at one of the greatest engineering feats in American history. The nearby Lake Mead National Recreation Area presents travelers with the chance to engage in activities such as boating, fishing, and hiking.
Nevada is home to many picturesque places, and it is no surprise that offbeat areas do not get as much attention as expected. Off-the-beaten-path cities like Lovelock, Beatty, and Goldfield are interesting options to consider when planning a holiday trip. The mysterious yet thrilling feeling gained from visiting these places is worth experiencing again. If you can brace your fear and bring out the adventurer in you, you are in for an exciting experience in Nevada’s off-the-beaten-path towns.
