9 Unforgettable Small Towns To Visit In Nevada
The extravagance of the state capital, Carson City, and the globally recognized nightlife and iconic casinos of Las Vegas are always the first to come to mind whenever one thinks of vacationing in the singly landlocked US State of Nevada. However, beyond the extremely bright lights and awe-inspiring tourist magnets of these urban metropolises, the 109,781.18 sq. mi terrain of the Silver State is dotted with innumerable scenic small towns providing exclusive insights into the best-kept secrets of The Battle Born State. No matter what time of the year you visit or whichever town you choose to explore, you are bound to be amazed by the spectacular sceneries ranging from lofty mountain peaks to stunning desert landscapes, fascinating landmarks, vibrant cultures, and limitless outdoor recreations.
Ely
The biggest city and seat of government of east-central Nevada’s White Pine County, Ely is a remote year-round alpine hamlet at the eastern extremity of ‘America’s loneliest road’ roughly 77 miles east of Eureka. A stagecoach station along the erstwhile Central Overland Route and Pony Express at the outset, the settlement started expanding rapidly after massive copper mining and the foundation of several copper mining companies. Nevertheless, at present, tourism is the mainstay of Ely’s economy, where the “Ghost Train of Old Ely” at Nevada Northern Railway Museum, White Pine Public Museum, Ely Renaissance Society Village, the Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park’s six charcoal furnaces, Hotel Nevada & Gambling Hall, and nearby wilderness areas like Great Basin National Park, Cave Lake State Park, and Ward Mountain Recreation Area are some prominent sites of interest. Furthermore, holidayers, while out for a walk, can admire the more than 20 murals and sculptures that superbly illustrate the history and ethnic diversity of the town.
Genoa
Sagebrush State’s oldest permanent settlement, Genoa, is a picturesque Douglas County town on the Carson River Valley’s western end, nearly 7 miles northwest of Minden and 42 miles south of Reno. Primarily settled by Mormon pioneers as the trading post ‘Mormon Station,’ the settlement was rechristened by Orson Hyde after the hometown of Christopher Columbus. Heritage lovers must check out the Genoa Courthouse Museum, the Mormon Station State Historic Park, and the more than 29 contributing structures in the Late Victorian architectural style in the 129.5-acre Genoa Historic District. Also, survey the River Fork Ranch Preserve, trek the Genoa Trail System, enjoy playing golf at Genoa Lakes Golf Club, have a mind-boggling shopping experience at Genoa Square, soak in the pools of David Walley’s Resort, and unwind after an eventful day at the Genoa Bar & Saloon. Every year, the Candy Dance Festival is held over two days on the last weekend of September with several fun activities, a Saturday Night Dinner Dance, food vendors, and arts & crafts fairs.
Austin
Often called Nevada’s Living Ghost Town, this teeny community in Lander County rests on the western inclines of the Toiyabe Range close to the junction of Highway 50 and State Route 305. Besides the uncountable old buildings on Main Street, Austin’s leading churches include St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, St. George’s Episcopal Church, Austin Methodist Church, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Additionally, stop by the Stokes Castle, Austin Cemetery, Odd Fellows Home & Masonic Lodge, Gridley Store, the one-time Lander County Courthouse, and Toquima Cave when visiting the town. Approx. 15 miles east of the town is a conglomeration of natural hot springs, while the Hickison Petroglyph Recreation Area, situated around 24 miles east, features a 0.5-mile interpretive trail providing access to many high-desert flora and panels of age-old petroglyph.
Tonopah
Nicknamed “Queen of the Silver Camps,” this Nye County seat is situated at the meeting of U.S. Routes 95 and 6 in south-central Nevada, halfway betwixt Reno and Las Vegas. This tourism-based resort town welcomes tourists to engage in an array of recreational activities apart from touring the Tonopah Historic Mining Park and the Central Nevada Museum, both of which superbly preserve the town’s rich mining heritage. Those who wish to have spooky experiences head to the Old Tonopah Cemetery and Crown Motel - considered “America’s Scariest Motel.” The Tonopah Stargazing Park is a paradise for stargazers while foodies must taste the buttermilk pancakes, country-fried steaks, egg miz-muffins, and grass-fed beef burgers at Pittman Café of Mizpah Hotel.
Eureka
Eureka - “The Friendliest Town on The Loneliest Road” is the seat of government and second-largest settlement of Eureka County, located along the Lincoln Highway at the Diamond Valley’s southern margin. Settled at first by a team of silver prospectors originating from Austin, the town was named based on a particular event where one of the prospectors exclaimed ‘Eureka’ after uncovering the silver ore deposits. Travelers should walk past the painstakingly maintained antique buildings that wondrously reflect the bygone days of this 19th-century mining town, in addition to surveying the town’s other tourist spots such as the Eureka County Courthouse, Richmond Mine, Eureka Opera House, Jackson House Hotel, Eureka Sentinel Museum, and Raine’s Market & Wildlife Museum. Try to attend the town’s annual festivals like the Eureka Volunteer Fire Department’s Fourth of July celebrations, Eureka Art, Wine & Music Festival, Nevada Old Time Fiddlers’ Contest, and Eureka Gold Rush Games.
Virginia City
Storey County’s administrative center and its biggest community, Virginia City, rests on Sierra Nevada’s eastern flanks, approx. 20 miles south of Reno. Settled in 1859 and named for Old Virginny Finney, the town developed rapidly after the unearthing of Comstock Lode silver at the adjoining Mount Davidson. Drawing over 2 million tourists every year, the Virginia City Historic District has many decades-old landmark properties, some of which at present have been restored as bed & breakfasts for visitors. The Silver Terrace Cemetery, Police Officers’ Museum, Comstock Historic Walking Trail, Piper’s Opera House, Silver Queen Hotel & Wedding Chapel, Way It Was Museum, Fourth Ward School Museum, St. Mary’s of the Mountain Catholic Church, Fireman’s Museum, Washoe Club Haunted Museum, and the countless saloons like Red Dog Saloon, Bonanza Saloon, Delta Saloon, and Bucket of Blood Saloon filling the Historic C Street are Virginia City’s noteworthy sites.
Minden
Minden, labeled after its namesake German town, is the Douglas County seat occupying the core of Nevada’s Carson Valley to the east of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. This idyllic hamlet is esteemed for its exquisite surroundings, friendly ambiance, and historic allure. Walk down Minden’s delightful downtown and browse the scores of antique shops, restaurants, storied brick buildings, and century-old structures lining the streets. Visit the Red Barn Antiques, Skydive Lake Tahoe, Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park, Carson Valley Museum & Cultural Center, and Carson Valley Inn Casino, and be present at any of Minden’s yearly events like Dangberg Summer Festival, Eagles & Agriculture, Carson Valley Days, and Aviation Roundup Air Show.
Caliente
Dubbed the “City of Roses,” this peaceful Lincoln County community, with only 990 inhabitants as per the latest US Census, is considered the state’s sparsely-populated incorporated city. Established in 1901 on land possessed by Charles and William Culverwell, the town previously called ‘Calientes’ is an excellent locale for an array of outdoor recreations. Adrenaline junkies must traverse the miles of mountain biking trails and motorized off-road tracks, participate in fishing activities at Eagle Valley Reservoir, and check out the rock climbing routes in Big Rocks Wilderness area and Rainbow Canyon. The Caliente Railroad Depot, Cathedral Gorge State Park, Kershaw-Ryan State Park, Beaver Dam State Park, and Delamar Ghost Town are some popular attractions. Annually, the town hosts the Independence Day and Memorial Day celebrations, Mountain Bike Fest, and softball tournaments.
Incline Village
An upper-class census-designated place, Incline Village, set on Lake Tahoe’s northern shores in Washoe County, forms a part of the Reno-Sparks Metropolitan Statistical Area. Housing some of the nation’s most expensive real estate, this town, christened after the former incline railway of the Sierra Nevada Wood & Lumber Company, is currently a business center for wealthy individuals hailing from California and Southern Nevada. Moreover, phenomenal mountain vistas and spotless water bodies appeal to holidayers drawing them in large numbers to this all-season vacation retreat. When in town, go golfing at the Incline Village Championship Golf Course, slide the well-maintained ski slopes at the Diamond Peak Ski Area, mountain bike the Flume Trail, participate in various water-based recreations, tour the Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park and UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center, and have a comfortable stay at the town’s home-like accommodations.
From Eureka - “The Friendliest Town on The Loneliest Road” to Tonopah - the “Queen of the Silver Camps,” the breathtaking towns in the 7th most extensive and 32nd most populous state of the nation are ideal locales to spend quality time with loved ones. Although almost entirely overshadowed by the glitz of the big cities, the lesser-known Nevada communities offer unforgettable experiences for visitors of all ages and interests. So, if you are a heritage buff, a cultural aficionado, a thrill-seeker, a sightseer, a stargazer, and a nature enthusiast, look no further than these pretty towns for a memorable vacation in the Sagebrush State.
