7 Towns in Nevada With Rich History
Located in the great basin of the Mojave Desert, Nevada officially became the 36th state in 1864. Nevada is much more than Las Vegas and is entrenched with a history unlike any other state in the country. Take a journey through the historic towns of Nevada, where visitors can experience former mining towns, railroad tales, and ghost towns alike. There are a variety of options for those who seek adventure within the state of Nevada. Navigate the charming streets of Virginia City, where saloons and historic architecture transport you to the 1800s. Each town is a living picture of history. Attached to each town are numerous forgotten tales along with commemorated histories. Nevada's vibrant history enchants every visitor, and these seven small towns are must-stop destinations within the Desert State.
Boulder City
Boulder City is Nevada’s most extensive listing on the National Register of Historic Places. The town's original purpose was to house the workers who arrived to work on the famous Hoover Dam. It goes without saying that Boulder City would not exist without the Hoover Dam, making the Hoover Dam Museum an essential visit. The museum tells the story of the men and women who braved the desolation of the southern Nevada desert to build Hoover Dam and settle in Boulder City; visitors can learn about the construction, architecture, and impacts of the dam on the local town.
The Historic Railroad Tunnel is not to be missed when visiting Boulder City; The original 300-foot-long tunnels carved out of the Nevada mountainside were necessary to transport the building materials to the Hoover Dam in the 1930s. Today it serves as a trail for those who visit. The trail can be accessed near the Lake Mead Alan Bible Visitor Center, and walking tours are offered, or visitors can explore the trail at their discretion. After, enjoy a visit to the downtown center and a homecooked meal at the Southwest Diner; save some room for dessert as some delicious treats, made in-house at Grandma Daisy’s Malt shop, are right around the corner. Make sure you don’t miss Boulder City during your visit to historic Nevada.
Elko
Settled in the heart of northeastern Nevada, Elko attracts history enthusiasts with its ability to depict the unique story of the American West. This town was once the center of the region's mining and ranching industry; since then, Elko has managed to preserve its rugged charm and serves as a living testament to the pioneers who once roamed these lands. To understand the meaning of Western charm, a visit to the Western Folklife Center is a must. The cultural center is solely focused on telling the various stories of the early American West settlers, and visitors can enjoy the various exhibits displaying the lifestyle of the American Cowboys who once called this place home. It also hosts the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, celebrating the region's cowboy heritage.
Visitors also can’t miss the Northeastern Nevada Museum, a treasure trove of artifacts and exhibits showcasing the area's cultural evolution. Located within is the historic Sherman Station; this stagecoach stop turned museum assists in providing a glimpse into Elko's past through its scenic surroundings and captivating history. Elko promises an immersive journey into the Old West, enticing those who seek a genuine connection with the spirit of Nevada's frontier. To marvel at the natural beauty of Elko, You are encouraged to visit the Humboldt National Forest; this park offers plenty of outdoor activities such as hiking, horseback riding, and backpacking and is sure to provide jaw-dropping scenery.
Rhyolite
Rhyolite, an abandoned town in Nevada, fascinates visitors with its eerie ambiance and historical importance. Placed in the heart of the desert, this once-thriving mining settlement flourished during the early 20th-century gold rush. Today, its meticulously preserved remnants, such as the renowned Bottle House and the Cook Bank Building remnants, provide a window into the past. The infamous Ghost Town is open and welcomes visitors from sunrise to sunset, seven days a week, so be sure to bring your camera as this is one of the most photographed towns in the West due to the stark contrast between the parched landscape and deteriorating structures. Rhyolite generates a surreal ambiance, making it an ideal subject for photographers who seek to document the forgotten chapter of the state's history. Additionally, the nearby Goldwell Open Air Museum displays fascinating sculptures amid the vast desert backdrop and is one of the more unique visits within state lines. This eery townRhyolite allows adventurers to explore a forgotten era, blending history with the scenic desert.
Virginia City
Virginia City offers the chance to experience the 19th-century American frontier by visiting the town that has managed to preserve its unique heritage and seemingly enabled time to stand still. Visitors can immerse themselves in the bygone era of the silver rush that captured the town during the 19th century through the town's historic Victorian architecture that takes you back in time and provides a perfect background for a scenic walk, jog, or drive throughout the town. One of the must-visit attractions is the historic Fourth Ward School Museum, which showcases educational history throughout the nation. Visitors can explore the earliest forms of education throughout the country, witness the evolution of the educational field, and maybe even learn a thing or two with a visit to this historic museum. Another must-see attraction is the “Way It Was” Museum. The museum prides itself on its well-curated exhibits that provide very accurate depictions of the past. This centrally located history center lies in the heart of historic C Streets, which is continually rated as one of the top 10 historic streets in America.
Virginia City is known as being a haunted town, and for a more spooky experience and to experience the eerie side of Virginia City, visit the Washoe Club & Haunted Museum. The Washoe Club is a historic saloon with a haunted past, and the towering brick building lies in the heart of Virginia City’s bustling C Street, which is believed to be one of the most haunted locations in the West. When done right, Virginia City promises a historical journey into the Old West.
Ely
Ely is the perfect destination for travelers seeking a unique and authentic Western experience. Settled in the natural beauty of the Great Basin, Ely is known for its stunning landscapes and is home to The Great Basin National Park, which is the perfect spot for those seeking an outdoor adventure. The park allows for numerous opportunities for hiking, fishing, and exploring its natural beauty. Oddly enough, Ely is known for being situated along the "Loneliest" Road in America.
To learn more about the region’s history, visit the White Pine Museum, which highlights the town’s role in constructing America’s first coast-to-coast highway. Also, Ely's railroad history can be explored by visiting the Nevada Northern Railway Museum, providing visitors with an immersive journey into the region's past. Ely has chosen to celebrate the vast cultural diversity the town has experienced since its creation. Many people immigrated to Ely from all over the world, thus creating a “melting pot”, which is proudly on display at Renaissance Village, a “neighborhood” of small historic cabins, each done up differently to showcase what home life looked like for Ely residents from various ethnic backgrounds. A visit to Ely promises an off-the-beaten-path experience in the heart of Nevada.
Eureka
Eureka is a treasure trove of historical attractions that allow visitors to go back to the days of the late 19th century. It's important to note that people from all walks of life and from all corners of the globe came to Eureka in the mid-1860s to get in on one of the largest silver discoveries Nevada had ever experienced. To travel back in time, visit The Eureka Sentinel Museum. The museum is housed in a former newspaper building and showcases the town's rich mining and journalistic history, including artifacts and exhibits from its heyday. Another must-see is the Eureka Opera House, the beautifully restored venue that hosts events and performances and provides a glimpse into the high society culture of the past. Don't forget to hit Eureka’s historic streets to see dozens of preserved historic structures, many of which are still used the same way they were intended all those years ago. A can't-miss is the Eureka Courthouse, an architectural gem that adds to the town's charm.
Consider taking a tour through the underground tunnels of Eureka; there’s no Nevada tour quite like the Eureka Underground Tunnel Tours, a historic walking tour through the last remaining chambers of the Eureka Underground Tunnels system found beneath the town itself.
Silver Springs
Silver Springs is a quaint little town full of hidden gems waiting to be explored. The town is known for being able to offer something for everyone. Whether you are a nature lover, a history buff, or just looking for a unique adventure, Silver Springs has something for you. The Lahontan State Recreation Area offers an excellent opportunity to explore the natural beauty the area has to offer, and the lake offers the perfect opportunity for fishing, boating, and water sports. If you prefer to stay dry, there are numerous hiking trails throughout the park as well.
The Fort Churchill State Historic Park allows visitors to experience Nevada’s history since visitors can explore the remains of the fort's buildings, including the hospital, officers' quarters, and the ruins of the fort's walls. One of the must-visit attractions in Silver Springs is the Buckland Station which is a historic site that takes you back in time to the days of the Wild West. The station now acts as a museum that displays the heritage of Silver Springs, contains artifacts from the early settlers as well as Native American artifacts, and displays the area's mining and railroad history.
Embark on a Historic Nevada Journey
As your exploration of Nevada's historic towns concludes, it's clear that the state offers a treasure trove of experiences far beyond the neon lights of Las Vegas. From the well-preserved streets of Virginia City to the eerie remnants of Rhyolite, each town presents a unique chapter in the vast narrative of Nevada's past. Whether it's reliving the daring days of the silver rush, uncovering the secrets of ghost towns, or walking the paths of pioneers, these seven towns offer a compelling invitation to dive deep into the heart of Nevada's rich history. So, step away from the familiar and immerse yourself in these remarkable historic towns' stories, landscapes, and enduring spirit.
