9 Nevada Towns With Unforgettable Main Streets
The Silver State is well known for being the gambling capital of the world. Bright lights, chiming machines, and glamour aren’t all Nevada has to offer. The state is the size of a small country, and most of its landmass is often overlooked as a travel destination. This article dives into the lesser-known towns of Nevada and the main streets that make an unforgettable experience. Don’t count Nevada out for your next adventure!
Minden
In the historic heart of Carson Valley, Minden is a memorable highlight of any Nevada vacation. Try your hand at the Carson Valley Inn Casino before heading to CV Steak. The restaurant has an impressive menu, from Chilean sea bass to filet mignon. Red Barn Antiques will occupy the collectors of your group, featuring many woodworking and ranch items. Nevada Joe on Main is a highly rated coffee to start your day. Across the street, Great Basin Brewing Company serves delicious brews, burgers, and deep-dish pizza. Combine your exploring with nearby Gardnerville and visit the Carson Valley Museum.
Tonopah
Midway between Reno and Las Vegas, Tonopah sits as the number one stargazing destination in America. Visitors will be delighted to look up into the night skies and see over 7,000 stars alongside the Milky Way. Travelers can stay at the infamous Clown Motel, considered America’s scariest motel. It is located along Main Street alongside the Old Tonopah Cemetery. Breakfast at the Strawberry Hill Diner never disappoints with Belgian waffles or biscuits and gravy. A stop at A Bar L Western Store will satisfy the cowboy heart in any travel group.
Boulder City
Boulder City is only 30 minutes away from Las Vegas, near the border of Arizona. The city is well known for being the base for Hoover Dam visits or nearby Lake Mead. The main street area of Boulder City offers outdoor dining spots with nice patios where you can enjoy pleasant afternoons or evenings. Check out The Dillinger for burgers or Beer Zombies for the atmosphere. There are over 30 sculptures downtown to wander and admire. Head to the Boulder City Hoover Dam Museum to observe the immense complexities and danger that surrounded its construction.
Virginia City
Located 30 minutes away from Reno, Virginia City is a time warp into the 1800s. Originating as a boomtown, Virginia City brought in hordes of inhabitants hoping to find some gold of their own. The Mark Twain Saloon & Casino is an excellent place for the curious history buff. It pays homage to the famous writer who lived in Virginia City during his formative writing years. Ghost enthusiasts can opt to stay in a “haunted” hotel like The Silver Queen or join a haunted tour with Virginia City Ghost Tours. Stop in the Virginia City Antique Mall and sift through barrels of candies and taffies. The Pioneer Emporium and Virginia City Hat Maker is a great stop for a unique souvenir and custom hat to take home.
Elko
In northeastern Nevada’s high desert, Elko is surrounded by high desert air and beautiful views of the Ruby Mountains. Elko has a rich Basque community with excellent restaurants to show off their roots. The Star Hotel Basque Dining has been a favorite amongst locals since 1910. In 2019, the Elko Mural Tour was born. Visitors can expect beautiful depictions of the culture that makes up this northeastern Nevada town. Check out the Western Folklife Center, a museum dedicated to the American West. It serves as the main hub during the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering every January.
Jarbidge
Jarbidge is a remote town just south of the Idaho-Nevada border with less than 20 full-time residents. During the warmer seasons, it is a popular destination for outdoor recreation. It has ample opportunities for fishing, hunting, and camping. In August, Jarbidge Days bring a celebration with festivities across the whole town. Main Street is tiny and scenic, with old buildings dedicated to the style and history of its origins. Stop in the Red Dog Saloon or the Outdoor Inn for a rustic ambiance and a hearty meal after a long day of exploring.
Lamoille
Sitting at the base of the Ruby Mountains and 19 miles southeast of Elko, Lamoille is a rural treasure. Lamoille is an outdoor adventure seeker’s paradise. The downtown area of Lamoille is a lovely place to end a long day of hiking or snowmobiling in the winter. Along Lamoille Highway or the main street of town, visitors can dine at the Pine Lodge Dinner House or O’Carrolls. At Crossroads Lane and the end of Main Street, the Little Church of the Crossroads is the subject of many photoshoots and weddings. Built in the early 1900s, the church stands out against the incredibly scenic backdrop of the Ruby Mountains.
Ely
Ely is a small mountain town at the eastern edge of the “Loneliest Road in America.” It was founded in 1870 as a trading post. The town is an excellent spot to stop over before heading to the nearby Great Basin National Park. On Main Street, travelers will enjoy the McGill Drugstore Museum. It has preserved medicines and toiletries from various decades and the previous century. Visitors can also sip an old-school soda from the counter. Stay in one of Ely’s several lodging/casino options, like the Prospector Hotel Casino or Hotel Nevada. There are four other museums around Main Street that highlight this historic town: the White Pine Public Museum, the Ely Renaissance Village, the East Ely Depot, and the Nevada Northern Railway National Historic Landmark.
Genoa
Genoa is roughly 25 miles away from Lake Tahoe and a perfect base town for exploring the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It is the oldest settlement in the state of Nevada, with well-preserved Victorian buildings that line the downtown area. Visit the Genoa Bar and Saloon, which was established in 1853. It has been a popular spot for celebrities, politicians, actors, and musicians and is filled to the brim with 19th-century paintings and artifacts. The Genoa Courthouse Museum is a must-see for the history of the town, with exhibits like the Pony Express Room and an antique nursery from the 1800s.
Away from the glitz and glamour of Nevada’s well-known cityscapes, these towns offer a glimpse into the history of rural Nevada. Taking a stroll through the smaller main streets of the state supports small businesses and generations of Nevadans. Preserved culture, strong roots, and a little quirkiness make up these small-town main streets of the Battle Born State. Making a stop at any one of them is sure to be unforgettable for any type of traveler.
