7 Close-Knit Towns To Visit In Nevada
An important cultural, historical, and economic center of the Western United States, Nevada is a marvelous destination that anyone who is vacationing will not want to miss. Also known as “The Silver State,” the beautiful desert ambiance here is accentuated by the exciting tourist attractions that have long made it a favorite spot for tourists. Although cities like Las Vegas and Reno may come to mind first when thinking of Nevada, the State is also home to a number of smaller yet equally captivating towns that showcase the very best of this American gem. Indeed, these close-knit towns may not be as well known, but they remain every bit as beautiful and enticing as their larger city counterparts. So hit the road and come visit Nevada through an exploration of some of its smaller, close-knit communities, and see why “The Silver State” has rightfully earned its place as one of the country’s finest vacation hot spots.
Virginia City
Founded as a silver mining town in the 1850s, Virginia City is today a humble community of just under 800 inhabitants. The seat of Storey County in Western Nevada, this historic destination continues to be a fascinating place of discovery, and guests can certainly get a feeling of traveling to the 19th century by visiting. Listed in its entirety as a National Historic Landmark, Virginia City is home to a number of intriguing museums and other landmarks that shed light on this important period of Nevada’s past. Explore the Silver State National Police Officer’s Museum, the Fourth Ward School Museum (1876), the Comstock Historic Walking Trail, St. Mary’s in the Mountains Church (1868), and many more that are included on the National Register of Historic Places.
Add in Victorian-style storefronts and boarded sidewalks, and one may even feel as if they have stepped onto a film set. Finally, like many Nevada towns, Virginia City experiences hot summers and mild winters, making time spent here enjoyable any time of year. Finish one’s day with a tasty meal at locally run establishments like Crazy Calamites and the Red Dog Saloon, and the charm of Americana will be on full display.
Incline Village
Near the Sierra Nevada Mountains and on the shores of Lake Tahoe, the picturesque Incline Village is one of the State’s prettiest places. Established in the 1880s, today, nearly 9,500 residents call this splendid natural community home that also features some of Nevada’s most expensive real estate. Less than an hour’s drive from the city of Reno, tourists can enjoy awesome mountain views while spending time on Lake Tahoe. Whether one goes skiing, snowboarding, or skating in the winter or enjoys swimming, sailing, biking, hiking, and camping in the summer, Incline Village serves as a great rest stop for all in the area. Meanwhile, inviting diners like Sage Leaf Tahoe and FUMO Café creates a special rustic feeling of a mountain lodge, ensuring that any visit to this town will be the first of many to come.
Minden
The town of Minden was established in 1906, and today, it serves as the seat of Douglas County. A charming community within the Carson Valley, nearly 3,500 residents call this relaxing and close-knit place home. Featuring very hot summer and mild winter temperatures, Minden can be enjoyed throughout the year, and its old-fashioned charm is evident across a number of fascinating points of interest. Visit the Dangberg Home Ranch Historical Park, which brings guests through an immersive journey into the early days of ranching in Nevada, while strolling through Main Street and its assortment of early 20th century landmarks is delightful. Amongst the sites of interest include the Minden Inn (1916), the County Courthouse (1915), and the Wool Warehouse (1915), which are also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Do not forget about the beautiful Minden Park, where tranquil and relaxing afternoons await in lush greenery. Enjoy a bike ride, a picnic, or simply sit and enjoy the ambiance—this is an ideal place to unwind. Add in cute stores like Red Barn Antiques and tasty eateries like Katie’s Country Kitchen, and it is not difficult to see what makes Minden such a wonderful, close-knit community.
Mount Charleston
Scenically situated within the Spring Mountain Range, including the eponymous Mount Charleston, this same-named town is a friendly and endearing place to enjoy a desert weekend getaway. Conveniently located just 37 miles from Las Vegas, a most humble population of just over 300 call Mount Charleston home (according to the 2020 census), yet its small size only contributes to its special charm. Enjoy great opportunities for mountain biking, hiking, rock climbing, picnicking, and camping in a hot desert ambiance while simply marveling at the surroundings may just be what is needed for a relaxing outing. Stop by the picturesque Charleston Park, where more splendid hiking trails await, while in the town proper, a cute selection of local businesses stand ready to create a most pleasing experience of small town USA. These include the Canyon Restaurant and Tavern and the Spring Mountains Visitor Getaway, which will surely have visitors planning their next return trip!
Genoa
The oldest non-indigenous settlement in Nevada, Genoa, was founded by the Mormons in the 1850s. Today, this Douglas County locale is home to just over 1,300 residents, where a charming historic ambiance continues to draw guests. Situated within the Carson River Valley and known for its relatively cool summer temperatures (as compared to other Nevada towns), visitors can enjoy being outdoors while admiring landmarks from the past. Visit the Mormon Station State Historic Park and the Genoa Historic District, where Victorian-style buildings, a replica trading post, and insightful museum houses illuminate the growth of the town and the then Nevada Territory. Amongst the places listed on the National Register of Historic Places is the Genoa Courthouse Museum.
Add in cute Western-style eateries like The Pink House and charming locally run businesses like the Country Store and Dancing Deer, and Genoa definitely leaves a positive impression on guests of all ages.
Lamoille
Just under 300 permanent residents call the community of Lamoille home (according to numbers from the 2020 census), and yet this Elko County locale is definitely a place of great beauty. Framed by the Ruby Mountains, Lamoille is a picturesque destination to enjoy a quieter pace of life and experience small town USA. With a modern history dating to the 1860s, an old-fashioned charm continues to permeate the town, and visitors can enjoy a cute assortment of local businesses and eateries like O’Carroll’s. And do not forget about the quaint and special Little Church of the Crossroads (1905), which makes for pretty photos and a quiet place for reflection. Meanwhile, hot summers and cool winters characterize the climate here, and visitors can have fun enjoying the outdoors throughout the year.
Marvel at the mountain and canyon panoramas while beautiful ranchers' fields fill out the rest of the landscape. Visit the Lamoille Canyon and drive along the Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway when in this community and its surrounding area, a real sense of raw beauty is never far away.
Caliente
From the Spanish word for hot, the town of Caliente is a splendid community known for its local hot springs and scenic natural setting. Established in 1901 and home to just under 1,000 inhabitants, in addition to the aforementioned hot springs, guests can enjoy plenty of beautiful opportunities to go cycling, hiking, and rock climbing. Visit the Kershaw-Ryan State Park, where fun swimming, camping, picnicking, and even volleyball playing are always available. Add in very hot summer temperatures and cool winters, and a real sense of the Nevada desert can be experienced here. Meanwhile, in town proper, charming local businesses and eateries can be found, which create a cute snapshot of small-town America. Visit the Knotty Pine Restaurant and Lounge for a great Western style meal, while browsing the goods of the Caliente Farmers Market is a quaint delight.
Affectionately known as “The Silver State,” Nevada is one of the Western United States’ most alluring and fascinating places. Rich in desert landscapes (and with loads of heat), fascinating histories of the West, and plenty of cultural charm, Nevada is a great destination to spend one’s next vacation. While Las Vegas or Reno will certainly be amongst the first to come to attention when thinking of the State, Nevada also has a number of equally inviting smaller towns that are every bit as enticing. These close-knit towns showcase both the best of small-town America and the unique character of Nevada. From the historic ambience of Virginia City and Genoa to the scenic delights of Mount Charleston and Incline Village, these cute towns will surely create a renewed appreciation for all that is “The Silver State”. Wait no longer then, and come see the great State of Nevada through an exploration of these welcoming, close-knit communities and create memories to last a lifetime!
