8 Most Underrated Towns In Nevada To Take A Trip To
Nevada, also known as the "Silver State" because of silver’s significance in its history and economy, is a Western State tucked between California and Utah. The state is renowned for its mesmerizing rocky landscapes and vibrant cities, but there are many underrated towns hidden in the state that offer a memorable experience for intrepid travelers. Whether you are looking for a tranquil retreat, an artist's escape, or a trip down memory lane, there is a town in Nevada that is sure to be your next vacation destination. Discover the natural wonders, historic landmarks, and cultural offerings of The Battle Born State in these one-of-a-kind travel locations.
Boulder City
Boulder City is a historic town in Nevada, most famous for the Hoover Dam that the town’s people built in the 1930s. The dam was one of the biggest of its time and, still standing 900 feet tall, attracts brave tourists to its top to look over the edge at its magnificent structure. When at the site, make sure to walk over the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, as it is the tallest concrete arch bridge in the world.
The town is also home to Lake Mead, America's largest reservoir, that outdoor enthusiasts would be delighted to explore. It’s part of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area and attracts a host of boaters, swimmers, and fishermen every year. There are numerous hiking and biking trails in the area, as well as over 900 camping and RV sites for the adventurous. Tourists can even enjoy a cruise or a jet skiing experience on the lake waters or find a scenic spot to sunbathe on the 750 miles of shoreline. Before heading back home, make sure to walk through the downtown area, which is home to the city’s Historic District and has a plethora of antique shops, such as Goatfeathers Emporium or Bella Marketplace, where you can find a unique souvenir to remember the trip by.
Incline Village
Incline Village is a small town, only about an hour’s drive from Carson City, and located on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe, making it the ideal spot for those craving a relaxing resort-like getaway. There are numerous beaches along the shoreline where tourists can spend the day or participate in the variety of watersports available, including kayaking tours. In the summer, golfers can enjoy the pristine Incline Village Championship Golf Course while bikers can take to the stunning Flume Trail for stunning views of the village.
For theater lovers, the town puts up the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival in the summer months as well. In the winter, however, this same town becomes a haven for winterport fanatics, especially skiers, as the mountain slopes are fully transformed for the season. The Diamond Peak Ski Area and Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe are both popular spots to check out for outdoor winter activities. Visitors can enjoy themselves at the famous Grand Lodge Casino in the Hyatt Regency Hotel in the Village, which also comes recommended for places to stay.
Genoa
Genoa is the first settlement in Nevada, located just east of Lake Tahoe and, thus, in close proximity to Incline Village as well for those who want to cover multiple towns in a short trip. Visitors can begin their trip by diving into the town’s history with exhibits from the 19th century at the Genoa Courthouse Museum. Then, to further experience that history, head to the town’s historic district and visit famous sites such as the Mormon Station State Historic Park and the Genoa Cemetery. The Hanging Tree is a more morbid historic attraction that tells the story of a night in town gone wrong.
On a more lively note, the town has an incredible, close-knit community that holds annual events such as the Genoa Candy Dance, where tourists can delve into 400 arts and crafts stalls and witness Genoa’s special Dinner Dance. There are two scenic golf courses in the town, maintained by the Genoa Lakes Golf Club, and a mountainous loop trail with picturesque valley views that outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy. The David Walley’s Resort is a favored place to stay, with its five hot mineral springs and a heated swimming pool.
Moapa Valley
Moapa Valley, also known as "The Lost City," is a quaint historic town located only an hour away from Las Vegas. Nevada’s most famous State Park, the Valley of Fire, is in Moapa Valley and has a plethora of scenic hikes and breathtaking views, which, coupled with the watery escape of Lake Mead, makes this town a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. To learn more about the city’s rich history and the origin of its pseudonym, visitors should take a tour of the Lost City Museum, which illustrates stories starting in 300 BC.
In the spring, Moapa Valley hosts the Clark County Fair & Rodeo, attracting tourists from all over the state to revel in premier PRCA and WPRA Rodeos, enjoy musical entertainment, and explore a lively carnival. The town also has numerous off-road trails and off-roading events throughout the year, which visitors can enjoy from the sidelines or participate in. For local restaurant recommendations, try out CABLP, Pirate’s Landing, and The Inside Scoop.
Tonopah
Tonopah, nicknamed the "Queen of the Silver Camps," is a town hidden away from the buzz of city life and attracts tourists seeking a peaceful but unique getaway. As a true Western town, Tonopah is home to the Historic Mining Park, which has 100 acres worth of buildings, artifacts, mine shafts, cave-ins, and even a tunnel to tell the town’s mining story. To further learn about the city’s heritage, visitors can tour the historic downtown area or plan a visit to the Central Nevada Museum.
Tonopah is also a haven for those searching for a perfect stargazing spot in the state, as it has a Stargazing Park dedicated to the activity. For braver folk, the town’s two most haunted motels, The Clown Motel and the Mizpah Hotel, are a must-visit. They have been voted as some of America’s scariest landmarks, and the courageous are encouraged to spend a night there - if you are lucky, you might see the "Lady in Red" at the Mizpah. Visitors can also delve into the town’s haunted atmosphere by hopping haunted downtown bars or visiting the Old Tonopah Cemetery.
Caliente
Caliente is a small town named after the hot springs located close by and is also known as Nevada’s "City of Roses" owing to the wild roses that line its streets. It used to be a famous railroad town and preserves its heritage through the Caliente Railroad Depot, which transports visitors to the town’s beginnings and also encourages creativity by doubling as an art gallery and event space.
The town also sits at a convenient intersection of multiple State Parks, which makes it the ideal city for those wanting to dive into nature. The Kershaw-Ryan State Park is the most popular one, owing to the cold springs, lush grapevines, fruit orchards, and rose gardens that crowd the park, making it a great place to catch stunning views. For bikers, the Barnes Canyon has numerous loop trails from beginner to hardcore level, and for climbers, the Rainbow Canyon is a hidden yet mesmerizing rock climbing destination.
Lovelock
The underrated town of Lovelock, also nicknamed "Banana Belt," is the only incorporated city in Pershing County, Nevada, and is in the Humboldt River Basin. Couples often come here to glimpse Parisian romance at the Lovers Lock Plaza, where they can attach a lock to a never-ending chain as a symbol of their eternal love.
Those more interested in the history of the town should head to the Lovelock Cave, which was a sacred place to the Northern Paiute people who inhabited the town in the 19th century and is now one of the most important sites of North American archaeology. Other popular historic sites include the Transcontinental Railroad, an old restored depot, and the Marzen House Museum to learn more about the historic significance of the town. Tourists can also enjoy outdoor activities such as camping, picnicking, hiking, and swimming at the Rye Patch State Recreation Area.
Elko
Elko is the largest town in northeast Nevada and invites tourists with a range of outdoor activities, historical attractions, and a creative atmosphere. A walk through the downtown areas presents colorful murals that adorn old brick buildings and an opportunity to explore the unique buckaroo bars, art galleries, and popular Basque food joints, such as the renowned Star Hotel. The town also hosts multiple cultural festivals and unique events, such as the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, the National Basque Festival, and Silver State’s oldest rodeo, all excellent reasons to visit the town during the summer.
To combine this artistic tour with a historic one, head to the Northeastern Nevada Museum and explore the works of numerous local artists and taxidermists. The Cowboy Arts & Gear Museum illustrates the more Western side of Nevada’s culture by showcasing the unique leatherwork and gearmaking done by locals as well. For an experience closer to nature, take a short drive to the Ruby Mountains, where tourists will find a paradise for hikers, backpackers, and cyclists in the summer and a white haven for skiers, snowshoers, and snowmobilers in the winter.
Head to Nevada, where there is a town hidden in the state waiting for every kind of traveler. From the tranquil lakeside retreat of Incline Village and stargazing sites in Tonopah to the architectural marvels in Boulder City and the artistic charm of Elko, each town shows a unique side of Nevada. Those who take a tour of the underrated gems are bound to develop a deeper appreciation for the state's multifaceted character. The Silver State's small towns are a testament to the region's ability to surprise and delight, calling travelers to venture beyond the well-trodden destination and uncover the hidden gems at the heart and soul of this region.
