6 Unpretentious Towns To Visit In Nevada
Nevada is defined by its sun-baked deserts, vast, untamed landscapes, and an intriguing frontier and mining history. To explore the authentic side of the state, one needs to visit the right destinations - its many less-explored, unpretentious small towns that have managed to keep their rich legacy alive even today. Here are six such towns that serve the purpose. Travel back in time to the 19th century in the historic streets of Virginia City, visit a “haunted” historical hotel in Tonopah, and soak in the warm waters of a natural hot springs at Caliente. There is much to see and do in these Nevada towns that will guarantee a most memorable time with loved ones.
Virginia City
Seat of Storey County near the border with California, Virginia City is a most fascinating and often overlooked community that was founded as a silver mining center in the 1850s. Today, just under 800 permanent residents call it home, but it maintains a most inviting and intriguing historical ambience and plenty of stunning desert landscapes. Listed in its entirety as a National Historic Landmark, a sense of travelling back to the 19th century can certainly be felt. Walking through the town center, one encounters boarded sidewalks, Victorian-style facades, and lovingly preserved landmarks of a bygone era. Amongst the properties of note include St. Mary’s in the Mountains Church (1868), the Savage Mansion (1861), and the Fourth Ward School Museum (1876). Visitors can also enjoy some great American cuisine and breakfasts at Crazy Calamities, while gift shops and antique stores like Finders Keepers Collectibles and the Wright Stuff Antiques are perfect for finding that special gift for oneself or another.
Minden
Minden was founded by German pioneers at the turn of the 20th century, and it is scenically situated within Carson Valley. It serves as the seat of Douglas County and houses a modest population of nearly 3,500 inhabitants. Enjoy afternoons at Minden Park, where quiet picnics, cooling fountains, shady gazebos, and lush greenery create a tranquil setting. Meanwhile, history lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike will love the Dangberg Home Ranch Historical Park, which showcases Nevada’s ranching heritage through a living museum-style attraction dating back to the 1850s.
Finally, on Minden’s Main Street, a fine assortment of proudly run local shops and diners dot the landscape, ensuring that a feeling of genuine Americana is palpable. These include Katie’s Country Kitchen and the Great Basin Brewing Co. for some tasty hot meals and drinks, and Red Barn Antiques and The Pink Rose Boutique for a wide range of novelty goods.
Caliente
From the Spanish for “hot”, the town of Caliente is indeed a veritable hotspot that truly defines what it means to live in the Nevada desert. Known for highs that typically reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit, just under 1,000 residents call this Lincoln County community home. Visit the Kershaw-Ryan State Park for stunning canyon vistas and awesome opportunities for hiking, camping, rock climbing, cycling, and swimming! The local hot springs can be experienced at the Caliente Hot Springs Motel and Spa, offering a natural hot spring water bath that is extremely rejuvenating after a long day outdoors.
The Railroad Depot (1923) is a must-visit when in town. It is included on the National Register of Historic Places. Built in the Mission Revival style, this former train station now houses Caliente’s local art gallery, library, and city hall services. End the day with some fine American dishes at the Side Track Restaurant or the Knotty Pine Restaurant, both offering tasty meals and warm hospitality.
Tonopah
Another historic silver mining town, Tonopah, was founded in 1900 and retains the affectionate nickname of “Queen of the Silver Mining Camps.” Seat of Nye County and home to a population of just over 2,000, Tonopah delights those interested in Nevada's history. With its warm climate and mountainous terrain, adventurous visitors can enjoy a variety of fun activities around town, including hiking, cycling, and rock climbing.
Visitors can explore the Central Nevada Museum, which showcases the growth of ranching and mining in the State through an impressive collection of artifacts and exhibits. The Tonopah Cemetery houses the resting places of many Wild West figures. One can even book a walking tour and browse at leisure past the many wooden tombstones. Then, there is the famed Clown Motel, which is said to be haunted and has been labelled as “America’s Scariest Motel!" The Strawberry Hill Diner is an inviting local eatery serving delectable dishes, while the Tonopah Brewing Company offers a great evening spent with friends over a drink!
Genoa
One of Nevada’s oldest modern settlements, the town of Genoa was established by the Mormons in the 1850s. Today, home to around 1,300 residents, this humble community near the famed Lake Tahoe and the California border also attracts visitors for its location within the Carson River Valley. This makes Genoa stand out with notably cooler temperatures than many other Nevada places, and indeed, peak summer months typically only reach the mid-70 degrees Fahrenheit. Enjoy some outdoor fun at the pretty Genoa Town Park, featuring nice walking and cycling trails and quiet picnic sites, and simply take in the welcoming ambience of the small town.
History enthusiasts will not want to miss the opportunity to spend time at the Mormon Station State Historic Park and the downtown Historic District, respectively. Learn more about the once Nevada Territory through a living museum-type recreation at the former (including a fur trading post), while the latter features many late Victorian style landmarks, including the Courthouse originally designed in 1865. Naturally, one may be hungry after a day of exploration, and Genoa’s cute local businesses will certainly satisfy appetites and minds alike. Get some Western-style treats at the Genoa Bar and Saloon or some finer curated dishes at the Pink House, while the Dancing Deer Gift Shop is waiting with that very special, unique present, unlikely to be found anywhere else.
Lovelock
The seat of Pershing County in northwest Nevada, Lovelock, offers a special sense of community and intriguing American history. Established in the early 1900s, the town is home to around 1,800 inhabitants today. Enjoy tranquil afternoons at Lover’s Lock Plaza and the Rye Patch State Recreation Area (that spans some 2,400 acres) for hiking, cycling, picnicking, and special scenic drives. Then, along Main Street, historic markers like the Marzen House Museum (1875) serve as reminders of another era, informing guests about Nevada’s historic growth.
Meanwhile, like any noteworthy smaller town, a fine assortment of local shops, diners, and other businesses can be found in Lovelock, always ready to make a special impression of Americana. These include Nanny Joe’s Antique Store, Casa Mariachi Mexican Restaurant, and the BlackRock Grill, amongst others. Add in great community events like the spring Portuguese Festa and the summer Frontier Days, and one can certainly fall in love with Lovelock!
These unpretentious communities stand out as great examples of the natural beauty and cultural allure inherent to Nevada, which can be overlooked in the larger urban centers. While a slower pace of life may certainly be present, these lovely places are a testament to Nevada’s diversity, and they rightfully belong on any traveller’s list that is looking for extraordinary adventure.
