The Most Picturesque Small Towns In Nevada
Nevada is landlocked in the southwestern United States and the most mountainous state in the Lower 48. The picturesque scenery comprises snowy mountaintops, lakes, rivers, and sagebrush. The small towns that dot the landscape define the best of Nevada, with many historical structures from the mining boom of the mid-1800s adding to its charm.
The desert scenery and endless two-lane blacktop roads conjure images of Hollywood-worthy motorcycle cruises. The little towns that dot this landscape help to further that image. Even though the desert state is primarily known for being the home of Las Vegas, the little towns offer the most insight into what makes it unique. Here are the most picturesque small towns in Nevada.
Caliente
The small railroad town of Caliente started as a ranch that produced cattle and produce for the miners in the 1800s. Remnants of the vintage railway system are still visible and add a pleasant aesthetic to the small community. The Mission-style Caliente Railroad Station is the town's focal point, has been converted to public offices, and is a great way to envision the region's history.
Outdoor enthusiasts will love the Oak Springs Tribolit Site and the railroad depot. It has gorgeous desert views and is perfect for hiking and fossil hunting. Fossil remains from six varieties of trilobites are in the shale deposits close to Oak Springs Summit. Caliente is a beautiful town with Mission Revival architecture and scenic vistas, and it is a great place to travel on foot.
Eureka
Eureka is one of the state's most historic and picturesque towns, right off Highway 50, the "Loneliest Road in America." One notable structure is the Eureka Opera House, built in 1880. The two-story brick building has a white balcony and is available for significant events and tours. The Eureka Sentinel Museum in the Historic District was home to the Eureka Sentinel Newspaper from 1879 to 1960. It is now a museum that offers a fascinating glimpse into the region's history.
The Jackson House and Tea Room is another historic building next to the Opera House. Though it has been renovated for lodging, it maintains its 19th-century grandeur. The small town atmosphere and Old West architecture make Eureka, the friendliest town in Nevada, one of the prettiest towns in the southwest.
Virginia City
Just south of Reno lies Virginia City, home to Victorian-era homes and a downtown reminiscent of the Old West. The small town is known for its 19th-century architecture, and some original hotels are reportedly haunted. One of the most historic hotels is the Silver Queen Hotel, built in 1876 and the oldest in Virginia City.
The historic hotels and shops downtown add to the attractive desert scenery. The Gold Hill Hotel, Washoe's Club, and Miner's Cabin have been open since the mid-19th century and still look like they did initially. This town is a haven for Old West buffs and those looking for a scenic, historic town to explore.
Winnemucca
Winnemucca is a charming small town known for its hospitality, all-night gaming, lodging, and quaint downtown. A highlight of the town is the Humboldt Museum. It sits on the site where wagon trains passed through the Humboldt River on their way to Califonia. Two other historic buildings are on the same site: the Greinstein Building, a 19th-century store, and the Richardson-Saunders House, built in 1899.
There is much to see and do in such a small town, such as visiting the Model T Casino. At one point, the casino was a Ford dealership in the heart of town, right off I-80. Winnemucca is also famous for its outlaw mystique. The First National Bank was robbed by the Hole in the Wall Gang in 1900. The infamous Butch Cassidy was part of the gang, and the town celebrates his infamy in many ways, most notably at the Hole in the Wall bar and grill, a prime way to wind down a day of exploring outlaw history.
Mesquite
The sophisticated town of Mesquite may be in the middle of the desert, but it is known for its championship golf courses. The town is part of the Virgin River Valley and, along with golfing, is the gateway to Valley of Fire State Park. Cultural attractions include museums like the Virgin Valley Heritage Museum, a tribute to the area's early settlers.
The Virgin River Hotel and Casino is popular among visitors for its gambling and over 700 rooms. It is also convenient to several golf courses in the Virgin Valley. For a panoramic view of historic and picturesque Mesquite, try skydiving. Skydive Mesquite, located on Kittyhawk Drive, offers tandem and solo skydives, perhaps the best way to soak in the area's beauty.
Incline Village
Named for the Great Incline Tramway, built in 1878, Incline Village offers some of Lake Tahoe's most spectacular resorts. The natural scenery is the main focus, but there are plenty of indoor and community events to enjoy. The Lake Tahoe Shakespeare at Sand Harbor has excellent live theatre, and the quaint downtown area is pedestrian-friendly.
Extreme sports enthusiasts will love Flume Trail, where mountain bikers scream down the trails. Lake Tahoe is the main attraction, but the town is also beautiful. The local restaurants are sophisticated yet casual at restaurants like the Lone Eagle Grille and Austin's. Incline Village is the place for sophisticated and jaw-dropping natural beauty and outdoor adventure.
Genoa
Genoa is full of historic charm, hospitality, and beautiful buildings. It is located on the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada Range and is a short drive from Lake Tahoe. It is also home to Mormon Station State Park, which honors the area's first settlers. The Historic District is on the National Register of Historic Places and has stunning Victorian architecture and modern shops.
Famous author Mark Twain frequented the springs in Genoa at what is now David Walley's Resort. He possibly visited the oldest saloon in Nevada, the Genoa Bar and Saloon. The mountain range is stunning as you stroll through town and explore historic sites and mining history, including the Genoa Courthouse Museum. The museum tells the town's story and how the original courthouse burned down in 1910. This small town's beauty and historical significance cannot be overstated; it is simply a gorgeous place to visit.
Ely
Ely is a remote mountain town off the "Loneliest Highway in America." It started as a stagecoach stop but grew into one of the region's most profitable copper mining areas. There is great pride in this history and the modern-day arts and culture movement. In the downtown area, 22 murals and sculptures showcase Native American sculptures and murals displayed by the Ely Renaissance Society.
The Nevada Northern Railway Museum is here, and it showcases the region's famous railway history and offers trips on vintage rail cars. Visitors should stop at the Ely Renaissance Village Museum to experience the town's historical beauty. The museum honors the early settlers' life experiences and follows the town's chronological history. The Central Theatre is a must-see attraction. The Art Deco building, built in 1939, captures the beauty of Ely and is a short distance from other historic sites.
Nevada, in the southwest region of the United States, has a rich past steeped in mining, railroads, and outlaw history. The picturesque small towns showcase the best of the Silver State through art, vintage buildings, and downtowns that look the same as they did during the Old West period.
There are also towns like Mesquite that offer fine dining and beautiful golf courses. Natural beauty exists in all these towns, especially Incline Village, and architectural beauty in downtowns like Genoa. The structures and the desert landscape make these towns the most picturesque in Nevada.
