Nevada, a state often associated with its vibrant cities and vast deserts, holds a collection of small towns that offer unique experiences beyond the usual tourist paths. These lesser-known destinations provide a glimpse into the state's rich history, natural beauty, and distinctive culture, far from the bustling crowds.
Key Takeaways
- Nevada's small towns offer diverse attractions, from outdoor adventures to historical sites.
- Destinations like Wells and Elko are gateways to stunning mountain landscapes and cultural festivals.
- Towns such as McGill and Tonopah preserve unique historical narratives and quirky local legends.
- Laughlin and Ely showcase artistic expression and natural wonders, often overlooked by mainstream tourism.
Wells: Gateway to Wilderness
Wells, a town of approximately 1,200 residents, serves as a crucial entry point to Nevada's eastern wilderness. Located just outside the town, Angel Lake stands as a prominent natural attraction. This alpine lake, surrounded by mountains, provides opportunities for hiking and camping.
The region around Wells is a habitat for various wildlife, including bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and antelope. The Angel Lake Scenic Byway offers a route through the East Humboldt Mountains, leading to additional hiking trails, fishing spots, and scenic overlooks.
Did You Know?
The El Rancho Hotel in Wells, established in 1869, is a registered historic building that now functions as a casino, showcasing the town's railroad history and Old West architecture.
Beyond its natural surroundings, Wells maintains a historical core. Front Street represents the town's oldest area. The El Rancho Hotel, a historic landmark, allows visitors to explore Wells' past, particularly its connection to the railroad industry, while appreciating its refurbished Old West design.
Elko: A Hub for Western Culture
Less than an hour from Wells, Elko presents a different set of attractions, deeply rooted in Western heritage. Since 1985, Elko has hosted the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering. This annual event, lasting a week, celebrates rural Western life through poetry, music, films, photography, and local cuisine.
Elko's natural features include the Hot Hole, a notable hot spring. While not currently accessible for use, its existence predates the town's formal establishment, highlighting the area's geological significance. History enthusiasts can visit the Cowboy Arts and Gear Museum. This museum provides an interpretive look into the past, featuring interactive exhibits, saddle-making demonstrations, and a collection of Old West artifacts.
McGill: A Copper Mining Legacy
Founded in 1908 as a copper-mining community, McGill once thrived in the early 20th century. Today, it stands as a testament to American life from over a century ago. The Drugstore Museum is a unique highlight, largely preserved as it was decades ago. Visitors can examine a prescription log from the 1930s and view 1950s products and toys.
Outdoor activities are also available near McGill. Cave Lake offers opportunities for fishing and camping. In September and October, the tradition of pine nut harvesting takes place, where locals gather nuts from Pinyon pine trees. The town also hosts an annual picnic, featuring games, food, fireworks, music, and a parade.
Laughlin: Beyond the Casinos
While Laughlin is widely known for its casinos, the town also offers less conventional attractions. The Laughlin Labyrinths consist of nine man-made stone structures, varying in size and shape. These labyrinths are designed for exploration, providing a distinct family activity.
"Laughlin offers a different kind of adventure for those willing to look beyond the bright lights of the casinos."
Grapevine Canyon, located just outside Laughlin, is a popular hiking area. It is notable for its collection of petroglyphs, ancient rock carvings that represent early human activity in the region. In the town itself, Don Laughlin's Classic Car Museum displays over eighty distinctive automobiles. The exhibits rotate regularly, showcasing everything from rare antique vehicles to private collections.
Ely: An Artistic and Historic Town
Ely is a town recognized for its artistic and creative atmosphere. Each winter, it hosts the Fire and Ice Winter Arts and Athletics Festival, which combines sports and art. The festival features tournaments, food, drinks, live music, and impressive ice sculptures crafted over three days by local artists.
Historical Context
The Renaissance Village in Ely works to preserve historic buildings while integrating them with modern cultural events, including concerts, theatrical performances, and artist workshops.
The Renaissance Village in Ely actively promotes and preserves historic buildings, transforming them into venues for concerts, theatrical productions, and artist workshops. This area provides insight into Ely's combined history and artistic culture. Additionally, the Ely Mural Walking Tour features twenty vibrant murals throughout the town, created by both local and visiting artists, which depict Ely's history through color and imagery. A brochure from the Renaissance Society provides details on both the Renaissance Village and the Mural Walking Tour.
Winnemucca: A Glimpse into the Wild West
Winnemucca, named after a Paiute chief, began as a railroad stop and evolved into a gateway to the Wild West. The Humboldt Museum offers insights into Winnemucca's layered history, with several buildings dating back to the 1800s on its premises. The Buckaroo Hall of Fame further illustrates the town's past through Western memorabilia and authentic cowboy gear.
Nearby Water Canyon provides a rugged yet scenic landscape for outdoor recreation. This area is popular among locals for hiking, ATV use, camping, and picnicking, with free access to these activities.
Tonopah: A Spooky Adventure
Tonopah caters to those seeking a more unusual experience, often described as spooky. The town is widely known for the Clown Motel, which is filled with clown artwork and statues. The motel is also rumored to be haunted, possibly due to its proximity to the historic Tonopah Cemetery.
The cemetery, used for only ten years in the early 1900s, contains the graves of individuals who died from plague, gunfights, and other events during a tumultuous period. The Tonopah Mining Park preserves the abandoned silver mine around which the town was founded. Here, visitors can tour restored early mining equipment, buildings, and various exhibits detailing 20th-century mining practices.
Unusual Attraction
The Clown Motel in Tonopah is famous for its extensive collection of clown-themed decorations and its reported paranormal activity, making it a unique stop for brave travelers.
These towns collectively demonstrate Nevada's diverse offerings beyond its well-known urban centers. From natural landscapes and historical sites to quirky cultural experiences, each destination provides a distinct reason to explore the state's less-traveled roads.
