9 of the Most Welcoming Towns in Nevada
When people think of Nevada, they usually think of big resort casinos and deserts, but what about the rest of the state? At every corner of Nevada are welcoming towns, each with its own culture and history. Some of these towns were meant to house workers and travelers but have since sprung into full communities and haven't stopped. The theme between these towns is hospitality and hot weather; everything else is up to them. It's never a bad time to trek to Nevada, as there are plenty of places to stay and things to do, and with the friendly atmosphere, there's never a dull moment throughout the state.
Pahrump
Only about an hour west of Las Vegas and east of Death Valley National Park, Pahrump is bordered by the Spring Mountain range and the Nopah Vista. The town has a paved highway directly from Las Vegas, making it easy to travel to. There are even tracks to get training and race at, like the Spring Mountain Motor Resort and the Pahrump Valley Speedway. Pahrump is home to several tasting rooms, including the Artesian Cellars, Sanders Family Winery, Pahrump Valley Winery, and the Desert Cane Distillery, so there's no shortage of drinks around town. The Pahrump Valley Museum welcomes people through art and artifacts to learn about their town's history.
Boulder City
Boulder City is known for the Hoover Dam, which controls the Colorado River and provides power to millions of people. The town started as an area where workers building the dam could live and rest before growing after its completion. The Hoover Dam is the most well-known spot in Boulder City, providing amazing Colorado River views. The Boulder City Museum and Historical Association is filled with information about how the town started and how making the dam was possible. Rail fans will love the Nevada State Railroad Museum, which has running locomotives, both old and new. Also in Boulder City is Hemenway Park, where bighorn sheep roam freely. The nearby Lake Mead has cruises and boats available for water fun.
Minden
Minden was founded by Heinrich Friedrich Dangberg Jr., naming it after a town in Germany with the same name. A lot of the early settlers in Minden were German as well. The town was mapped before a single building appeared, meaning the earlier architecture and streets were tidy. That pattern shifted through new subdivisions as the town grew, but the original symmetry remains. The Dangberg family ranch helped shape the town into what it still stands, known as the Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park. Here, tours are available with friendly folks wanting to share Minden's history. Other activities in Minded include casinos like the Carson Valley Inn, COD Casino, or even skydiving and air tours.
Elko
Elko's town came up due to both the California Trail and the Central Pacific Railroad coming through in the 19th century. Its economy relies mainly on gold mining to this day, although it has a healthy casino industry. The nearby Ruby Mountains provide views and wilderness opportunities, and Lamoille Canyon is one of them. Elko has plenty of art and culture ready to welcome anyone in. During January, a week-long celebration called the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering has been running since 1985. Residents celebrate music, film, food, music, creativity, and life in the West. Another festival is the National Basque Festival, which features food and wine, Basque dancing, and even a running of the bulls.
Tonopah
Tonopah may be friendly, but it has a few scares waiting for visitors. It's home to a haunted hotel called the Mizpah Hotel, which is said to be a hotspot for paranormal activity for the miners who used to call this town home. Those up to the task can explore the Tonopah Historic Mining Park, which provides over 100 acres of mining buildings, artifacts, and mine shafts. Other activities include nearby hiking areas, mountain biking, and camping opportunities. People who want to see the stars can get an incredible view at the Tonopah Stargazing Park, which is open 24/7. As long as there are stars, there's a way to see them in Tonopah.
Stateline
Stateline has a lot to offer, with only a population of around 600 as of 2020. The town is next to California and welcomes many people throughout the summer and winter seasons. The town swells, likely due to its proximity to California and gambling being mostly illegal in the state. The four main resorts in town are Harrah's Lake Tahoe, Hard Rock Hotel, Harveys Lake Tahoe, and Bally's Lake Tahoe. Nearby parks and wildlife areas like Rabe Meadows and Kahle Park provide plenty of hiking and sightseeing away from the hustle and bustle of this small town. Plenty of eateries and bars are available, too, including the Red Hut Cafe, Brooks' Bar & Deck, and the Lucky Beaver Bar, to name a few.
Austin
Austin is set against the Toiyabe Range in the Humboldt Toiyabe National Forest. These nearby locations provide hiking trails that no visitor should pass up. Some trails include the Cow Canyon Trailhead, North Twin River Trail, Bucks Canyon, and many more. Among the trees is the three-story Stokes Castle, which overlooks the rest of the town and can be explored through a tour. Austin welcomes its visitors with plenty of motels and RV Parks for people to stay. Austin also has a local museum called the Austin Historical Museum, which is free and houses local history. Grandma's Restaurant and Champs Burgers are both on Main Street and have filling food after a long day of exploring around town.
Virginia City
Like other cities and towns throughout Nevada, Virginia City started as a mining establishment in the 19th century. Many buildings of the old architecture remain, down to the wooden boardwalks. It's only a half-hour from Carson City and has many saloons like the Red Dog Saloon. Plenty of tours line the town with eager guides waiting to welcome visitors and teach them about its history. These include tours by walking or by trolley. People strolling down C Street can stop at one of a few old-timey photo shops for a unique memory to keep. Antique stores also line the street, along with the Virginia City Mall, which houses plenty of souvenirs to make visitors happy.
Mesquite
Originally settled by Mormon pioneers in the 19th century, Mesquite was called Mesquite Flat. It took until the 1980s before the town was officially incorporated, and since then has grown significantly. The town is often a point where people travel on I-15 between Utah and California, so there are plenty of hotels and accommodations around town. Mesquite welcomes people to come on their Safari Tram Ride and Zoo Tour, where people can see animals like camels and sloths. Also, people who'd like to can ride the camels and not just look at them. Plenty of nature is around Mesquite, including desert flower trails like Whitney Pockets. The Mesquite Fine Arts Gallery, Virgin Valley Heritage Museum, and Donkey History Museum have lots to offer in history and fun.
Nevada's Welcoming Towns Await
The state of Nevada may be well known for its deserts and casinos, but there's so much more than that! So many different towns are waiting to be visited, with folks who'd treat people with nothing but hospitality and would love to tell people about their town's culture and history. Once you get away from all the bright lights of the Nevada strips, there's plenty of natural beauty and culture to find; you just have to look for it. Just remember to bring some sunscreen when it starts getting hotter.
