7 Bizarrely Named Towns In Nevada

Home to glittering Las Vegas and scorching deserts, Nevada has a fascinating mix of landscapes. Beyond the casinos and bright big city lights that often draw people to the state, Nevada is home to some interesting small towns. Some of them have some particularly bizarre names. Pahrump for example, is a small bizarre town known for some stunning scenery. From stunning natural scenery and small-town charm to quirky stores and unique historic attractions, Nevada's small towns are worth exploring. Here we discover seven bizarrely named towns in Nevada.

Pahrump

Named after the indigenous word Pah-Rimpi, meaning Water Rock, Pahrump is more than a town with an unusual name. The town is known for being close to Death Valley National Park and the Spring Mountains. One of the best places to see the local beautiful landscapes in Pahrump is at Discovery Park. Originally an abandoned golf course, Discovery Park is now home to 176 bird species. This makes the park a great place to spot local wildlife.

There are also several scenic trails to enjoy. Wine lovers will enjoy stopping at Pahrump Valley Winery for a refreshment. Visitors can take a tour of the vineyard and learn the local winemaking secrets. There is even a beautiful picnic area where you can enjoy the afternoon.

Deeth

Deeth is a small, living ghost town off Exit 333. There are several stories about how Deeth got its name. According to one tale, Deeth was named after an early settler. In 1869, the Central Pacific Railroad was completed in the area, and the name was stuck. People began to settle in the area and build more homes. However, in 1913, a series of fires started and continued for over 25 years, burning buildings and preventing people from staying in the area. Today, there are cattle drives in the area, and ranchers use the land for their livestock, but very few people live in the town. Visitors can walk around and see the remains of old buildings and admire green pastures.

Nearby Deeth there are many great spots to enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding area. Lamoille Canyon is a great option for a hike through the mountains or an afternoon picnic. In the summer on select Saturdays, visitors can also check out the Lamoille Farmer's Market to experience the local rural charm of the community.

Lovelock

Lovelock is a charming Nevada town named after pioneer George Lovelock. One of the biggest attractions in town is the Lover's Lock Plaza. Over the years, lovers have brought a padlock and joined in the ancient Chinese tradition of placing their padlock on a never-ending chain. The inspiring tradition is well-known around town, and many businesses sell padlocks to lovers looking to place a lock on the chain.

Another popular attraction in Lovelock is visiting Rye Patch State Recreation Area. Located on a 22-mile-long reservoir, this is an excellent place for families or couples to enjoy a swim and a picnic. Lovelock Cave, one of Nevada's most intriguing archeological sites, is nearby. Believed to have existed around 1000 BC, people have occupied the cave for 4000 years. Today, the archeological site attracts tourists from far and wide and is one of Lovelock's most timeless sites.

Jackpot

True to its name, Jackpot is a gambling town. The town started almost as a result of Idaho's ban on gambling in the 1950s. While Jackpot has plenty of casinos, the town has other attractions worth checking out. Jackpot is home to Jarbidge Wilderness Area, which has stunning thousands-of-feet-deep, river-cut gorges. There are nearly 150 miles of hiking trails to explore in the Wilderness Area. Nearby Jackpot, the Nat-Soo-Pah Hot Springs are a popular place to unwind. A must-see spot in Jackpot is the town's "National Forest," which might be one of the smallest National Forests in the United States.

Schurz

Named after Secretary of the Interior Carl Schurz, Schurz was established as a hub for farmers and ranchers. The town was established in the 19th century and progressed as a railroad town. Today, farming remains at the heart of the town. Schurz is full of natural beauty, set in the Nevada desert and near the picturesque Walker Lake. Visitors can enjoy the town's natural beauty at the Walker Lake Recreation Area, a great place for a stroll or an afternoon picnic. Nearby, check out the unique geological formation known as Sand Mountain. The giant sand mountain is much larger than a sand dune and is a popular spot for off-roading. Head to Schurz's local art museum and store, Rock Chuck, for some unique souvenirs. The store has rocks, necklaces, and even a small fish pond.

Beowawe

This tiny town is home to less than 60 people. Beowawe is pronounced "bay-ə-wah-wee." The word comes from the Shoshone word meaning gate. Beowawe progressed with the arrival of the railroad. Today, the small town has a few houses, a ranch, and Eureka County Sheriff's Substation. Nearby is the famous site "Maiden's Grave" marker which overlooks the Gravelly Ford on the Humboldt River. Besides this famous landmark, Beowawe doesn't have too much for visitors. However, it isn't very far away from Battle Mountain, a slightly busier and bigger town. In Battle Mountain, visitors can stop at the local museums, such as The Battle Mountain Cookhouse Museum, to learn about the area's history. The town is also home to Elquist Park, an excellent spot for a picnic.

Lund

Lund is a small town and ranching community. The town was named after Anthon H. Lund, one of the first Mormon settlers in the area. Lund is home to a unique museum, White River Valley Museum, which documents one of the last Mormon colonization efforts in the American West. The museum offers tours by appointment and has a unique range of items on display, from vintage dishes and sewing machines to old books and antique clothing. Lund is also near the Wayne E. Kirch Wildlife Management Area. This pristine spot has hot springs with crystal clear water surrounded by lush landscapes and wildlife. After a day of exploring the area, stop for the night at Lane's Ranch Motel. The comfy, clean accommodation has everything visitors need for a restful night after traveling.

Visiting Nevada's Towns

Overall, Nevada's bizarrely named towns might sound strange to outsiders, but they are well worth visiting. From the White River Valley Museum in Lund to Pahrump's Discovery Park and Lovelock's Cave, these bizarrely named towns in Nevada have some unique attractions. Whether you are a history buff looking to learn about Nevada's towns' unique history or a burned-out city goer looking for some tranquility in the countryside, these small towns make the perfect getaway. Their bizarre names only add to the fun and adventure.