These 6 Towns In Nevada Have Bustling Main Streets

Think of Nevada, and you’ll no doubt conjure up images of the bright lights and party vibe that permeates the city of Las Vegas. But venture a little beyond “Sin City” to the state’s charming small towns, and you’ll be rewarded with the opportunity to experience a whole other side of the “Sagebrush State.”

Whatever you enjoy doing, these towns feature a little of everything that’s of interest to the curious traveler. Spectacular desert scenery? Yes. Friendly locals? Of course. Attractive, vibrant main streets to explore? Naturally! Exploring these wonderful communities not only provides an altogether more laidback travel experience but also provides ideal introductions to a more authentic side of Nevada than could ever be found in the state’s bigger cities. Find out more and be inspired by these six towns in Nevada that have bustling main streets.

Elko

Located mid-way between Salt Lake City, UT, and Reno, NV, Elko’s easy to get to, thanks to the I-80 highway. And while many travelers pass by, don’t make the same mistake: there’s plenty to see and do here. Elko is deeply connected to Nevada's mining and cowboy heritage, vestiges of which can be seen along its main drag, Idaho Street. It’s here you’ll find the fascinating Western Folklife Center, founded in 1985 and home to year-round exhibits and performances that highlight the traditions of the American West.

Head a little further along Idaho Street (it’s about a 20-minute walk), and you’ll find the Northeastern Nevada Museum with its wildlife dioramas, an impressive collection of old weapons, as well as local art (a gift shop is also located on-site). From here, you’re just a block from the Elko Convention Center, a venue for events including the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering. Held every January, this quirky event draws poets, musicians, and artists from across the country to celebrate cowboy culture and Western storytelling. Another plus: Elko's proximity to the Ruby Mountains makes it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Ely

Situated an hour’s drive from the state border with Utah, Ely’s main street, Aultman Street, reflects the town’s rich railroad history. Established in 1868 as a camp for gold mining, Ely grew in leaps and bounds with the advent of the railway and the discovery of copper. A memorial, the Northern Nevada Railway Nevada State Historical Marker, is worth checking out, as is its neighbor on Aultman Street, the White Pine Public Museum, with its interesting collections of local memorabilia.

The star attraction, however, is a little further away: Ely Renaissance Village. Just over a mile from the downtown area, this excellent Nevada attraction features an impressive collection of restored historic buildings that offer a glimpse into early 20th-century life and boasts a fun Wild West vibe. Also worth checking out is the Nevada Northern Railway Museum, complete with train rides and exhibits about the town's railroad heritage. Ely’s main street is also a jumping-off point to explore Great Basin National Park with its cave tours and stargazing adventures.

Winnemucca

Winnemucca is another stop along the I-80 that’s worth making and is just 170 miles east of Reno. The town’s main street, Winnemucca Boulevard, is where you’ll find the Winnemucca Events Center, home to the Winnemucca Basque Festival, held each June and celebrating the local Basque heritage with traditional food, music, and dance.

Another attraction to visit is The Humboldt Museum. Though a short drive from the town’s main drag (it’s on Veterans Memorial Highway), this state-of-the-art museum opened in 1982 and features many exhibits related to the area’s fascinating history, including its role in the railroad and mining industries. Winnemucca a is also positioned near the Black Rock Desert, known for its rugged terrain and the quirky Burning Man festival, a desert festival that draws large crowds from around the world.

Fallon

Located only 60 miles east of Reno, Fallon makes for a perfect day trip from Nevada’s fourth-largest city. Fallon’s main drag, Maine Street, is very much the center of community life and is where you’ll find the Churchill County Museum, one of the town’s top points of interest. Established in 1966, this great local museum provides insights into the town's history, including exhibits relating to its agricultural and military past, as well as its role in Nevada’s development.

Fallon is also known for the annual Fallon Cantaloupe Festival & County Fair, held each August and showcasing local produce (yes, cantaloupes are big here!), agricultural exhibits, and, of course, plenty of entertainment. Additionally, Fallon’s proximity to the Lahontan State Recreation Area provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and outdoor recreation, enhancing the town’s appeal to nature enthusiasts.

Pahrump

Pahrump is handily located just 60 miles west of Las Vegas and on the border with California, making it a great spot for an excursion when a break from all that glitz and glamor is needed. Not that the community is without a dash of excitement, as it does offer up a few casinos of its own, along with the requisite resorts, RV parks, bars, and restaurants, most of which are located along Highway 160, the thoroughfare locals would consider their main street.

A great time to visit is during the Pahrump Fall Festival, a family-friendly event started by local farmers to celebrate the harvest that’s since grown into one of the best fall fairs in Nevada. Taking place over four days in September, admission is free (except for rides and the rodeo), but bring some cash for the great BBQ food and other treats on offer. Although a little off the main strip, the Pahrump Valley Museum features exhibits on local history and cultural heritage, providing an interesting perspective of the town's development. Also worth noting is Pahrump's proximity to Death Valley National Park, one of the world’s most extreme desert landscapes, makes it a convenient base for exploring this fascinating geological feature.

Mesquite

Just 80 miles northeast of the Vegas Strip, Mesquite is another great Nevada getaway destination. Much of the action here takes place along Mesquite Boulevard, a lively area with a mix of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues that are fun to explore. The Virgin Valley Heritage Museum is a great place to start your Mesquite adventure and features Interesting exhibits on the area's history, including its early settlers and agricultural development.

The town is well-known for the annual Mesquite Hot Air Balloon Festival, which takes place every January. In addition to seeing around 35 of these colorful balloons in flight, this fun festival features plenty of live entertainment and family activities to enjoy. Mesquite’s proximity to the scenic Virgin Mountains is another plus and provides opportunities for hiking and outdoor adventures.

The Final Word

For a welcome break from the glitz of Vegas, the best of Nevada’s smaller towns offer an intriguing contrast to the state's more famous cities. These towns each boast their own distinct character and provide fascinating insights into the state’s early years… long before Las Vegas was even founded in 1905. With interesting museums and festivals to enhance the fun factor even further, these six towns in Nevada have bustling main streets just begging to be visited and explored.