6 Undisturbed Towns To Visit In Nevada

Nevada is often associated with the bright lights of Las Vegas and the sprawling shores of Lake Tahoe, but beyond these world-famous attractions lies a collection of small towns that offer a quieter, more authentic experience of the desert. These undisturbed communities, many shaped by former mining operations and rugged desert landscapes, provide a unique way for you to discover the Silver State’s history and natural beauty.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply seeking a weekend escape from the big city, these hidden communities in Nevada offer an ideal way to connect with the 7th-largest state by landmass yet 31st-biggest by population: a truly vast place to explore!

Genoa

As Nevada's oldest settlement, Genoa retains much of its wild west charm. At the base of the Sierra Nevada mountains to the northwestern portion of the state, this small town features well-preserved sites like the Genoa Courthouse Museum, which offers a detailed look into the region's pioneer days.

You should also take a stroll through Mormon Station State Historic Park nearby, the site of the first permanent non-Native settlement in Nevada, and enjoy its reconstructed trading post and museum.

Genoa's calm pace in a remote corner of Nevada contrasts with the fast-moving world, enhanced by its proximity to natural attractions like Lake Tahoe, just a short drive away. For more outdoor relaxation, the nearby Walley's Hot Springs Resort, one of the best natural hot springs in the country, provides a soothing retreat.

Local dining options include local favorites such as the Genoa Bar, Nevada's oldest saloon, or The Pink House, a great place for a bite along with live music.

Pioche

Also tucked into the foothills of southeastern Nevada, Pioche is a mining town offering a glimpse into the state’s Wild West past. Once notorious for its lawless reputation, Pioche has evolved into a peaceful retreat with a population of fewer than 1,000, making it a top spot for nature lovers looking for an escape from the big city.

While here, be sure to visit landmarks like the Million Dollar Courthouse, an 1872 structure that famously cost far more than its modest appearance suggests. Tour its grounds to learn more about its unique history! The Pioche Mining District also offers self-guided tours through relics of silver mines, including headframes and equipment dating back to the 1800s. Pioche’s Main Street is also home to an assortment of locally owned antique shops, diners, and an opera house that recalls the community's lively heyday.

Outdoor adventurers can venture to nearby Echo Canyon State Park, a serene spot for hiking, fishing, and camping.

Austin

Along Nevada’s "Loneliest Road in America," a 287-mile stretch of desert highway that passes through a shockingly low number of towns or areas of interest, Austin is another former remote silver mining town that now serves as an unspoiled haven in Nevada.

Founded during a silver boom in 1862, Austin retains its frontier character through preserved buildings like Stokes Castle, a three-story stone tower built in 1897 as a summer home. Learn more about Austin's storied past through the historic district, which includes 19th-century churches, saloons, and an ornate courthouse.

If you are looking to find some true solitude in the great outdoors, you will appreciate the nearby Toiyabe Range, where trails for hiking, mountain biking, and exploring remote wilderness areas can be found. The Reese River Valley also adds to the scenic appeal, with opportunities for wildlife viewing and landscape photography at various points throughout.

Eureka

Known as the "Friendliest Town on the Loneliest Road," Eureka is a small mining community in central Nevada that charms all who visit. Another community that was once a bustling hub during the silver boom of the 19th century in the western United States, Eureka retains its heritage through landmarks like the Eureka Opera House, which continues to host events in a building dating back to 1880.

The Eureka Sentinel Museum, housed in a former newspaper office, is another great place to learn more about this town. Its nice collection of artifacts and historic printing equipment is a great place to start. Be sure to tour Main Street, too, where more buildings that date back over a hundred years now house local businesses and other amenities.

Surrounded by an expansive desert landscape, Eureka may seem desolate to some but wonderful to others who are looking for peace and are quite far from any modern city. Hoke to any nearby peak, like Richmond Mountain, will give you a 360-degree view of the area, with the ability to look over several dozens of miles on a clear day.

Goldfield

Once the largest city in Nevada during the early 20th century, Goldfield is now a quiet reminder of Nevada's former gold rush. Many who come are drawn to its unique historic district, where buildings preserved by the arid climate and current residents of the community, like the Goldfield Hotel and the Goldfield Consolidated Mines Company office, tell the story of its prosperous past.

The Goldfield Historical Society offers guided tours, providing insight into local lore, including tales of its earlier days and notable residents who once called it home.

For an interesting touch of modern art and religion, the International Car Forest of the Last Churchis a quirky outdoor art installation featuring painted vehicles.

Goldfield’s remote location along U.S. Route 95 makes it a quiet and unique destination, appealing to history enthusiasts, artists, and travelers looking for a break from urban life in the heart of Nevada’s high desert.

Goodsprings

Just 30 miles south of Las Vegas, Goodsprings is a small desert town steeped in history and far removed from the bustle of the Strip. Once a thriving mining community, it is now a quiet retreat where visitors can check remnants of its past. The crown jewel is the Pioneer Saloon, established in 1913, which still operates today and features its original stamped-tin walls and tales of Old West lore.

Goodsprings is ideal for history buffs, with sites like the Goodsprings Schoolhouse, one of Nevada’s oldest continuously used school buildings.

Outdoor enthusiasts can also check out nearby trails that wind through the Mojave Desert, offering great views of the surrounding mountains for landscape photographers.

Goodsprings also features prominently in the popular video game Fallout: New Vegas. The Pioneer Saloon hosts an annual celebration of the game, with food, drinks, costume contests, and other activities available during the event.

See an Older Side of Nevada Today

Nevada’s undisturbed towns offer a stark contrast to the state’s more famous urban centers, like Las Vegas and Reno. From historic mining towns like Pioche and Eureka to unique cultural destinations such as Goldfield and Goodsprings, these communities can provide travelers like you with a chance to step back in time and connect with the rugged beauty of the high desert.

Just be sure to top on on gas before you leave because many of the locations are truly in the middle of nowhere!