7 Towns in Nevada That Transport You to the Past
Nevada is a state steeped in history, where remnants of the past blend seamlessly with the present for a unique glimpse into bygone eras. Nestled amidst its rugged landscapes are towns that seem frozen in time. Among them, Virginia City preserves its rich heritage from the silver rush boomtown days, inviting visitors to stroll along historic boardwalks and admire 19th-century architecture. Similarly, the picturesque town of Genoa, Nevada's oldest settlement, welcomes travelers to wander its quaint streets, visit its historic courthouse, and see the state's oldest bar.
These towns, along with others scattered across Nevada, will transport you to the past, perfect for history lovers and curious visitors alike. Each location tells stories of perseverance, transformation, and the spirit of the Old West, making Nevada a captivating destination for anyone eager to uncover pieces of history.
Virginia City
Virginia City, Nevada’s beloved "living ghost town," takes visitors on a journey back in time. Founded in 1859 during the Comstock Lode silver rush, this once-thriving hub of wealth and activity now stands as a living museum. Its history is preserved in every corner, inviting visitors to step into a town where the past comes alive.
Take a walk along the wooden boardwalks of the Comstock Historic District, and you will feel transported to a bygone era. 19th-century homes and historic landmarks like the Fourth Ward School Museum and Piper’s Opera House reveal what daily life was like during Virginia City’s peak. Every building adds to the town’s captivating story.
Want to get up close and personal with what life would have looked like in the mines? Dive in at Chollar Mine before visiting Comstock Gold Mill to learn how all of the ore was processed. Afterward, enjoy a themed ride on the Virginia & Truckee Railroad and/or end your day with a drink and a spooky ghost tour at the historic Washoe Club, Virginia City’s oldest saloon.
Eureka
Founded in 1864, Eureka takes its name from the miners' exclamation upon discovering silver in its hills. Once home to nearly 100 active mines, the town thrived as a bustling center for prospectors and entrepreneurs, and though the mining days are long gone, Eureka’s rich heritage has been beautifully preserved.
Take a stroll through the historic district. It's listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is chock full of restored buildings showcasing the town’s history. Be sure to visit the Eureka Opera House, which still hosts events and performances, and the Eureka Sentinel Museum, where artifacts and mining relics tell the story of its golden age. For the adventurous, a tour of the underground tunnels connecting old businesses offers a spine-tingling look at the past.
Located on Nevada's wide-open Highway 50, Eureka is known as "the friendliest town on the loneliest road." There's no better place to experience that welcoming atmosphere than by winding your trip down with a drink (or a cozy stay) at the Jackson House Hotel, where vintage charm blends with modern comfort.
Genoa
Nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills, Genoa, founded in 1851, proudly claims the title of Nevada’s first settlement. Once a key trading post for westbound pioneers, the town played a pivotal role in Nevada’s early history and the Gold Rush era. Today, Genoa retains its pioneer allure.
History buffs can begin at Mormon Station State Historic Park, the site of Nevada’s first trading post. The park features a replica of the original station and a statue of Snowshoe Thompson, the legendary mail carrier who braved the Sierra Nevada mountains year-round. The Genoa Courthouse Museum takes you even deeper into the town’s history, showcasing the events and individuals that shaped its legacy.
Ready to wash all the history down with a cold one? The Genoa Bar, Nevada’s oldest saloon, has been serving visitors since the 1800s. You also may want to consider a soak in the hot spring-fed pools at David Walley’s Resort, a former retreat of a young Mark Twain. If you are in town for Candy Dance Arts and Crafts Faire, a beloved event since 1919, or Western Heritage Days, which celebrates the town’s cowboy roots, don’t miss the opportunity to attend!
Goldfield
Goldfield is a historic town that captures the spirit of the early 1900s. Founded in 1902 during Nevada's gold boom, Goldfield quickly became the state's largest city, thanks to the influx of miners and businessmen clambering at their shot at wealth. Though its boom was brief, the town preserves its fascinating past and is home to the remnants of one of the most lucrative mines of the time, the Florence Mine.
Once you have toured the mine, head downtown to visit iconic landmarks such as the Goldfield Hotel, known for its opulent history and reputation as one of the most haunted buildings in the West. The Esmeralda County Courthouse is another symbol of the town’s former prominence, and the Bullfrog-Goldfield Railroad Yard highlights the importance of railroads during the mining era.
For a different perspective on the town’s history, tour the Goldfield Historic High School or pop into the Goldfield Fire Station #1. Wrap up your visit at the Santa Fe Saloon and Motel, one of Nevada’s oldest, and reflect on the miners and pioneers who forged this fascinating town.
Pioche
Step into Pioche and immerse yourself in the spirit of the Wild West. Once a bustling silver mining town, Pioche is steeped in a colorful history of mining, lawlessness, and resilience. Nestled in southeastern Nevada, this historic town provides visitors a glimpse into its storied past through fascinating landmarks and attractions.
Start your journey at Boot Hill Cemetery, where the graves of early settlers and outlaws echo the town's tumultuous history. Next, visit the Million Dollar Courthouse, completed in 1872 at an astronomical cost, now a symbol of the era’s reaching ambitions. Afterward, mining enthusiasts can marvel at the aerial tramway system, a rare relic from Pioche’s mining heyday, with its iconic tram buckets that once carried silver ore.
Other slightly less grand (but fascinating all the same) historical landmarks include the Pioche Firehouse, the Mountain View Hotel, and Thompson’s Opera House. Once known as Brown’s, this beautifully restored 19th-century theater now serves as a vibrant cultural center.
Austin
Located in Nevada’s Great Basin, Austin is a small town rich in history and character. Known as the state's "City of Churches," it features several historic places of worship, including the iconic St. Augustine’s Church. Built in 1866, this Gothic-inspired structure is the state’s oldest Catholic church and now serves as a community events space. Austin’s historic main street reflects its Old West roots, with landmarks like the International Hotel, one of Nevada’s oldest operating hotels, and the Lucky Spur Saloon, famously dubbed the “Best Bar in the Middle of Nowhere.”
History buffs will appreciate the Austin Historical Society Museum, which showcases artifacts and stories from the town’s rich mining past. Just outside town, you have to check out the Hickison Petroglyph Recreation Area and Toquima Caves, where you will find rock carvings and pictographs left by Native Americans long ago.
Finish your visit with a stop at Stokes Castle, a three-story stone tower built in 1897. Once a symbol of mining-era opulence, a climb to the top showcases stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Ely
Ely is a historic town shaped by railroads, mining, and diverse cultures. At its heart is the East Ely Railroad Depot Museum, a preserved piece of the Nevada Northern Railway. Visitors can explore vintage locomotives and historic artifacts and even ride one of the original steam trains, bringing the golden age of railroads to life.
Just outside Ely lies the Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park, home to well-preserved beehive-shaped ovens from the 1870s that once produced charcoal for silver smelting. The surrounding park features scenic hiking trails and opportunities for wildlife sightings. Back in town, the Ely Renaissance Village showcases restored homes with exhibits celebrating the Italian, Basque, Greek, and other immigrant communities that shaped this fascinating locale's identity.
One really special thing about Ely is its public mural gallery. Here, vibrant displays depict the town's mining boom, railroad legacy, cultural diversity, and present-day artistic talent. Take it all in before stepping back in time at the iconic Hotel Nevada & Gambling Hall, a six-story vintage treasure that has welcomed guests since 1929.
Nevada’s small towns are more than just dots on a map; they are living repositories of the state’s storied past. From the preserved mining culture of Virginia City to the timeless charm of Ely, each destination offers a unique window into a bygone era.
Whether you wander through historic landmarks, experience authentic cultural traditions, or marvel at the incredible landscapes that surround them, these towns provide a fascinating glimpse into Nevada’s history. For history buffs and curious travelers alike, exploring these seven towns is a journey back in time that promises connection, discovery, and wonder.
