10 Best Small Towns In Nevada For A Crowd-Free Summer
The Silver State receives its massive share of summer travelers who come out to revel under the sun, and they can hardly be blamed. Nevada has so much to offer, from vast landscapes that look like the Red Planet to bustling resorts adorned with flashy lights. While its top cities, like Las Vegas and Reno, are no doubt great places to visit, several small towns stand as better alternatives for many reasons, particularly fewer crowds.
From Yerington to Genoa, these towns are just as exciting as the larger Nevada cities, yet they remain peaceful and devoid of overwhelming crowds. In these towns, summer travelers will easily access Nevada’s unique landscape and numerous historic attractions offering insights into the state’s long history. A few of these towns, like Fallon, even host some of America’s quirkiest attractions that will spice up any vacation. With that said, visit these ten towns in Nevada today and experience the authentic Nevada away from the crowds.
Panaca
Panaca is the oldest surviving town in Eastern Nevada, and the ideal place for a crowd-free summer full of outdoor adventures. Populated by around 900 people, this town is just two miles from the Cathedral Gorge State Park, one of Nevada’s most famous attractions. The park alone is worth visiting, Panaca, as it presents otherworldly scenery characterized by dramatic rock formations carved by erosion for millions of years. Summer visitors are invited to the park to hike through tight cave-like formations and cathedral spires, and relax in picnic areas or one of 22 campsites. Besides Cathedral Gorge, the Panaca Heritage Center is in town and contains antiques and historical documents, reflecting the area’s long history dating to the 1860s.
This town is also near the Panaca Summit Kilns, two well-preserved charcoal kilns, built in the 1870s. These beehive-shaped structures are truly off the beaten path and worth visiting, as they offer insights into the period in Nevada’s mining history when charcoal was widely used for processing silver ores. Those planning to stay the night should check into the Pine Tree Inn, which offers a rustic and casual bed and breakfast experience.
Yerington
Yerington offers a true escape from the summer crowd with plenty of outdoor pleasures. This town is near exciting attractions like the Mason Valley Wildlife Refuge, where sights of birds like blue herons and geese are common. The refuge is famous for its fishing opportunities as it has several lakes and ponds like North Pond and Bass Pond, all stocked with trout, bass, and catfish. Visitors can spend the day boating, hiking around the waterbodies, or camping in one of the park’s campsites. Yerington is also around 20 minutes from the Walker River State Recreation Area, which covers 12,000 acres and features Walker River for kayaking and fishing expeditions.
Moreover, summer visitors to Yerington are always welcome at the El Superior Restaurant to enjoy a variety of Mexican dishes like fish tacos, salsa, and grilled meat. For history buffs, the Lyon County Museum in town features exhibits, including clothing, clocks, housewares, and pictures that tell more about the area’s industrial and cultural history.
Genoa
Genoa is a historic small town considered the oldest permanent settlement in Nevada. Summer visitors here will enjoy serenity and easy access to some of Nevada’s top historic attractions, like Genoa Bar & Salon. First opened in 1853, this bar is the oldest in Nevada, and visitors are invited to enjoy its rustic ambience and specialty drinks, including Bloody Marys and whiskeys. Elsewhere, the Mormon Station State Historic Park stands as the site of Nevada’s permanent non-native settlement, first established in 1851 as a trading post. Today, the site has a replica of the original trading post, a museum filled with pioneer artifacts, and a 1908 blacksmith shop, among other historic lures. Additionally, the town’s Genoa Courthouse Museum contains exhibits, including a collection of woven Washoe baskets, an original courtroom and jail, and a Victorian parlor, all highlighting early life in the Carson Valley.
Boulder City
Boulder City is an adventure-filled town offering an escape from the crowds of Las Vegas, which is just 25 miles away. While there is no gambling here, the town promises unforgettable experiences as it is in proximity to famed attractions like the Hoover Dam, which stands as the tallest concrete arch-gravity dam in the U.S. at 900 feet. This dam impounds Lake Mead, which also represents the largest artificial lake in the U.S. in terms of water capacity. Tours are offered year-round for visitors to see the Hoover Dam. At the same time, Lake Mead National Recreation Area delights with various activities, from boating and swimming to kayaking, fishing, and hiking.
Those fascinated by the dam can further learn about its history at the Boulder City Hoover Dam Museum. Notably, this dam was constructed with the effort of thousands of workers and cost over 100 lives. The museum offers insight into the construction through the eyes of some of those brave workers. On the other hand, the Bicentennial Park is in town to offer relaxation amidst green grass and trees.
Ely
Ely is a unique town, notable for its location on the eastern edge of what is regarded as the Loneliest Road in America. Besides its remote location, the town is populated by around 4,000 people, making it the perfect destination for a crowd-free summer vacation. Ely has so much to delight those who defy the odds to visit, starting from the Nevada Northern Railway Museum, where visitors can take a trip back in time by riding on a steam locomotive and exploring original railroad equipment, some of which dates back over 100 years.
This town is near the Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park, where unique beehive-shaped charcoal ovens are preserved. These charcoal ovens were used in the 1870s during the area’s silver boom years, and stand today as evidence of Nevada’s mining history. More exciting adventures await at the nearby Cave Lake State Park, featuring a 32-acre lake for fishing and boating. The park includes two developed campgrounds and exciting trails like the 4.5-mile loop Cave Lake Overlook Trail that winds through a lush forest and offers stunning views of mountains and the lake.
Caliente
Nevada's city of roses, Caliente, is the place to be this summer for some peace, alongside exciting outdoor experiences. Populated by just 1,000 people, and over two hours from downtown Las Vegas, the town is truly far from the crowd, but thankfully near the Kershaw-Ryan State Park, one of the best places to relax in Nevada. This park has lush trees, a pool ideal for soaking, a playground, over a dozen campsites, picnic areas, and short trails like the 1.5-mile Overlook Trail that offers dreamy views of a stunning canyon. For history buffs, the Caliente Railroad Depot is a must-visit to admire its impressive Mission Revival architectural style and learn about Nevada’s railroad history. Meanwhile, it is always delightful to relax at the Knotty Pine Restaurant and Lounge with delicious cocktails, cold beer, and hearty meals.
Overton
Overton is one of Nevada’s lesser-known towns with a rich history dating to 1869, when it was founded by Mormon Pioneers. Located on Lake Mead, the town is serene and a launch pad for exploring the Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada’s oldest state park. An entire summer vacation can be spent in this 45,900-acre park with an otherworldly scenery characterized by Aztec sandstone outcrops, petrified trees, and even petroglyphs dating back over 2,000 years. Visitors are invited to the park’s visitor center to learn about its geology, ecology, and prehistory. As for adventurers, the park offers developed campsites and trails that lead to Ancestral Puebloan ruins and the formations that look like fire under the sun.
Meanwhile, Lake Mead Recreational National Area is adjacent to the park and invites adventurers to come boat, kayak, and fish on Lake Mead. The park has over 900 tent and RV sites, and dozens of hiking trails for all skill levels winding through the park’s desert, mountains, and lakes. Back in town, the Lost City Museum stands as one of the best places to learn about Pueblo Indians. The unique museum features reconstructed Puebloan houses alongside a huge collection of artifacts such as pottery and shells used by early Puebloans.
Lovelock
Lovelock is a peaceful little town, perfect for an escape from the bustling city of Reno, which is around 100 miles away. While laid-back and less populated, this town is anything but boring, especially as it is near the Rye Patch State Recreation Area. This park is located on a 22-mile-long reservoir and is the perfect summer destination for fishing, swimming, boating, camping, and picnicking. Trails are available for hiking in the park, and sightings of wildlife such as waterfowl, eagles, antelope, deer, and foxes are common in the area.
Those who love history will be delighted at the Marzen House Museum in downtown Lovelock. Originally built in 1875, this restored house now features artifacts and exhibits covering the region’s history, including its earliest American Indians, pioneers, and the nearby Lovelock Cave. The museum is said to be haunted, and evening tours are offered to observe some strange occurrences attributed to a supposed spirit known as “Baby Girl,” who loves to play with flashlights and electronics. For those who love antiques, Nanny Joe’s is a worthy place to check out while in town, as its collection includes cowboy boots, clothing, furnishings, books, jewelry, and more.
Mesquite
Mesquite is a charming town in the Virgin River Valley, ideal for a relaxing getaway near some of Nevada’s remote attractions. Outdoor buffs will be thoroughly satisfied in this town as it is in proximity to the Little Finland and Gold Butte National Monument. At Little Finland, adventurers will be thrilled by otherworldly scenery, characterized by sandstone formations that take distinct shapes and sizes. Nearby, the larger Gold Butte National Monument offers even more sights of stunning rock formations, plus petroglyphs, and wildlife such as the Mojave Desert tortoise, mountain lion, and bighorn sheep. Visitors are invited to hike or ride off-road vehicles across this vast expanse and camp at the Cabin Canyon.
For some local history, the town’s Virgin Valley Heritage Museum is worth visiting. It includes exhibits like photographs, quilts, and early telephones, highlighting the area’s pioneers. Additionally, casino lovers will be delighted in Mesquite, with the town hosting several casinos, including the spacious Casablanca Casino, which features everything from slot machines to blackjack and video poker.
Fallon
Fallon is a beautiful city in Lahontan Valley, renowned as the home of Naval Air Station Fallon. Away from the Navy training facility, however, Fallon is a charming and relaxing place with exciting outdoor draws, like the Sand Mountain Recreation Area, where an expansive dune system sets the stage for sandboarding, hiking, and off-road driving. Around seven miles from town, the Grimes Point Archaeological Area is another cool outdoor spot where summer visitors can see ancient petroglyphs carved onto large boulders and rocks. The area has several caves, including the 21,000-year-old Hidden Cave that can be seen on tours from the Churchill County Museum. Moreover, the museum is a great place in town to visit as it displays exhibits about the county’s natural and cultural history.
Summer visitors will also find the Shoe Tree near this town. Located on what has become the Loneliest Road in America, this quirky cottonwood tree holds several items, particularly shoes left behind by passersby. This trend is said to have been started when a newlywed couple had a heated argument under the tree, which led to the man throwing the woman’s shoes up the branches and driving away in anger after she threatened to walk home. After the advice of a bartender, however, the man went back to reconcile with his wife, and they soon started visiting the tree on every anniversary to toss a pair of shoes up the tree. Others soon followed suit, and today, the tree is one of America’s quirkiest attractions.
Final Thoughts
Summer exposes the outdoor glory of Nevada and draws in crowds from far and near as they come to have fun in the casinos and experience nightlife to the fullest. Millions of people visit this state in summer, and most head to large cities like Las Vegas and Henderson, where they overwhelm attractions, hotels, and roads. While there is time to put up with the crowds, sometimes it is more enjoyable to visit the state’s lesser-known towns that may be uncrowded but equally exciting. This summer, head to these small towns in Nevada that receive fewer crowds and offer a good taste of Nevada’s unique landscape, fascinating culture, and long history.
