10 Unforgettable Small Towns To Visit In Nevada
Nevada feels like a surreal Neverland, an otherworldly landscape defined by vast beauty and quiet wonder. Its northern reaches, in particular, remain remarkably untouched, revealing some of the most arresting scenery in the United States. Wild horses roam freely, sunsets and sunrises feel almost theatrical, and the immense Mojave Desert overwhelms the soul with its stark beauty and austere grandeur. Scattered across the State is a constellation of small, captivating towns, where cowboy-era storefronts stand beside Art Deco architecture, ghost stories linger in the air, and outdoor adventures begin just beyond the town limits. If you're wondering where to start, read on to discover 10 unforgettable small towns in Nevada, each one certain to leave a lasting impression.
Goldfield
From its beginnings as a tiny gold camp to its later status as Nevada's largest and richest city, Goldfield is an interesting place to visit. Right off the main drag through downtown, across from the reportedly haunted Goldfield Hotel, and the occasional wild burro, stands a building that looks plucked straight out of a classic Western film. On the door is a sign that reads "Radio Goldfield KGFN 89.1," an iconic enterprise that calls itself "The voice of the old West." Although it began as an unlicensed pirate station about 20 years ago, broadcasting from an old miner's shack, it now holds a license from the Federal Communications Commission. South of town is the "International Car Forest," arguably the main draw for travelers. It features painted cars with murals and feels like an open-air art gallery in the middle of the desert. Meanwhile, the Goldfield Hotel was one of the first hotels in the West to use electric lights and to provide running water in every room. The Goldfield Art Car Park Gallery, a roadside attraction located along Crook Avenue, is a quirky outdoor lot showcasing local artistic expression.
Boulder City
Boulder City is the only incorporated city in Nevada without gaming and one of only two Nevada communities where gambling is illegal. The other is tiny Panaca. Additionally, Boulder City provides access to Hoover Dam: the State's number one tourist attraction. Actually, the ban on gambling was initially the federal government's idea to regulate the behaviour of workers engaged in the monumental Hoover Dam project. The Lake Mead National Recreation Area, containing North America's largest man-made lake, is an outdoor playground with countless recreational opportunities. To cap it all, Boulder City is home to the First Designated National Water Trail in the desert Southwest. Black Canyon National Water Trail, a 30-mile stretch of the Colorado River flowing through Black Canyon, is also the first water trail in the United States to traverse a desert environment. No need to croon about the town's stunning architecture and its art deco vibes.
Austin
From its excellent mountain bike trails to its evocative setting as a little town on a hill, Austin cuts the image of a fairytale community that an artist dreamt up. The town is speckled with historic structures, many of them not heavily modernized, an aspect that makes it look stuck in the 1960s. The International Hotel, Cafe & Bar, which predates the Civil War years, still serves meals and drinks as it has always done. The hotel's historic charm is easy to feel, and the burgers, typically served with hand-cut fries, are always on point. Stokes Castle, an impressive local landmark, is a three-story stone tower built by a famous railroad magnate as a summer home. It towers over the picturesque Reese River and symbolizes Austin's lucrative silver-mining heritage. Keep in mind that Austin is also known for the historic churches that decorate the canyon walls, three of which have stood for almost 150 years. For example, St. Augustine's Catholic Church was constructed in 1866 and is reputed to be the oldest standing Catholic church in Nevada. The church keeps a custom-built organ from the prestigious Henry Kigen factory, which doubles as the only surviving Henry Kigen organ to be both tonally and mechanically intact. For some thigh-busting action, you will want to experience the Toiyabe Crest National Recreation Trail.
Lamoille
The entire Ruby Mountains region is akin to a high‑desert mountain paradise: verdant, rugged, and surprisingly lush. It evidently looks different compared to much of Nevada's standard desert landscapes. Known as the "Swiss Alps of Nevada," the Ruby Mountains are a glacier-carved outdoor wonder full of endless outdoor adventure opportunities. From some of the fluffiest snow in winter to epic-level fishing opportunities in summer, especially at Lamoille Lake, this area is a true recreational jewel. Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway, which weaves through vistas straight out of a photographer's dream, offers a lifetime experience. There's Ruby Crest Trail, which rewards endurance with beautiful views of the surrounding scenery, and Pine Lodge Dinner House, a rustic, romantic facility with a stunning view of the outdoors in the back of the restaurant and a cozy fireplace towards the front. Something else: you have to find time for Lamoille Canyon, a jaw-dropping wonder evocatively called "the Yosemite of Nevada."
Ely
Besides boasting plenty of places to camp and fish nearby, and a nice vibe and atmosphere, Ely is home to one of the best-preserved historic railroads in the United States. The Nevada Northern Railway Museum, which transports people back to when the iron horse ruled the rails, lets you ride authentic steam and diesel trains through the high desert. While other towns have old trains, Ely's is fully operational and essentially unchanged from its early 20th-century setup, giving a real "living history" experience. Additionally, Ely is the ideal basecamp for Great Basin National Park, a hidden gem with rugged mountain peaks and vast underground caverns. Start the day with delicious burritos at Roberto's Mexican Food Ely, then head to White Pine Public Museum, a wonderful space with an eclectic mix of old items, including a replica of the famous short snout cave bear found locally, scary medical equipment used over the last century, and tiny cabins that town leaders lived in.
Eureka
Nearly the entire town of Eureka is on the National Register of Historic Places, and you don't get that often. Many of the commercial and public buildings that line Main Street date from around 1880-1881 and are, in many cases, beautifully restored, pointing to one of the few attempts to develop heritage tourism in the State. The Eureka Opera House, built in 1880 and restored more than 100 years later, is a small-town jewel that is still standing and operating. It's one of the few surviving 19th-century opera houses in America, in a rural mining town. The balcony of the Grand Hall Auditorium is one of only three horseshoe-shaped balconies in Nevada. Never set foot in a newsroom? No problem. You're in for a treat at the Eureka Sentinel Museum, located in the same building that housed the Eureka Sentinel newspaper. The museum's first floor displays the original, complete pressroom. Additionally, there’s the iconic Jackson House, which became an instant attraction for two reasons: its lavish accommodations and its claim to be the only fireproof hotel in Nevada.
Virginia City
Founded in the 1850s during the Comstock Lode silver boom, Virginia City quickly became the epicenter of one of the richest silver discoveries in American history. Today, visiting Virginia City is like going to a living, breathing theme park frozen in the 19th century. You will find wooden storefronts, saloons, and theaters, many of which still carry original 19th-century signs and architecture. The Mark Twain Museum celebrates the young Samuel Clemens, who started here as a journalist writing about the miners, hustlers, and social chaos of a boomtown. Virginia City also has underground attractions. The Chollar Mine Tours, for example, lets you go down into the very mines that fueled the Comstock Lode, with guides explaining the then grueling conditions. Finally, Comstock Rock Shop is true to its name, especially for its big, beautiful crystals and other sparkling trinkets.
Genoa
It would undoubtedly be a mistake to skip the oldest town in Nevada and one of the oldest in the West. Situated 30 minutes from Lake Tahoe, an aspect that water lovers will want to keep in mind, Genoa sits at the foot of a steep, narrow ravine in the picturesque Carson Valley. Trees line the town's Main Street, where an old brick courthouse has been transformed into a history museum. The Genoa Courthouse Museum is a cool place to learn about Snowshoe Thompson and how he ate beef jerky, crackers, and melted snow while delivering mail. On the other hand, Mormon Station State Historic Park offers fabulous views and tells bits and pieces of Genoa's colorful history, primarily through a wide variety of engaging exhibits. Genoa Bar & Saloon, which is the oldest continuously operating bar in the State, features interesting Old West memorabilia and a cool, historic atmosphere. It was built in 1853, ten years before the outbreak of the Civil War. Outdoor lovers have the Genoa Canyon Trailhead, a memorable out-and-back trail that covers 5.9 miles.
Tonopah
Tonopah plays host to The Clown Motel, which boasts what could be the largest private collection of clown figurines and memorabilia under the sun. To add to the creepiness, the Clown Hotel is adjacent to a cemetery. As expected, rumors abound about shadowy figures who regularly visit the hotel, though they don't check in at the lobby. When staying here, remember to snap up some truly unique souvenirs from the mini gift shop in the corner. Tonopah itself amplifies the creepy feel, mainly because it is a high-desert town that is incredibly isolated and quiet. With its loose slots and friendly staff, Mizpah Club Casino is among the best places to win or lose your money. History nerds should check out Tonopah Historic Mining Park, an evocative place to appreciate the hard work and sacrifice of miners, many of whose stories remain untold. For some yummy eats, Hometown Pizza delivers on its name.
Elko
Elko's bragging rights include its designation as the unofficial capital of Nevada's ranching country, meaning it offers a mix of cowboy heritage, mind-rousing art, and wide-open adventure. The internationally famous National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, held every January, draws talented storytellers, musicians, and poets who come together to celebrate the area's cowboy culture and the ranching way of life. Western Folklife Center, home of the annual National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, offers visitors a chance to explore cowboy culture year-round. It has a neat gift shop with interesting souvenirs that you will want to snap up on your way back. Not to be outdone, the Northeastern Nevada Museum houses old guns, beautiful paintings, and lots of world-class taxidermy. In terms of food, perhaps some impressively seasoned tofu, Teppanyaki is a Japanese restaurant that offers a relaxing atmosphere, a lovely colour scheme, and prompt, friendly service.
So, next time you get a chance to explore Nevada, don't just focus on the landscapes, most of which range from obscure to downright staggering. Alongside the foxy little patches of mountains, or the swirling rock formations prevalent in places like the Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada is studded with several small, charming towns with so much color and character.
