8 Most Charming Small Towns In Nevada

Thanks to its many appearances in pop culture, unique history, and amazing weather, the famous state of Nevada has been a popular travel destination for decades. While the bigger cities like Las Vegas and Reno tend to get all the attention, the state is filled with towns that make for a charming getaway. Nevada may be famous for its gambling, but it's a safe bet that at least one of these small towns has just what you're looking for!

Virginia City

The town of Virginia City keeps the spirit of the Old West alive in our modern world. You'll feel as if you stepped back in time as you walk on the town's old-fashioned boardwalk sidewalks, just like you see in western movies. First settled in 1859, Virginia City is said to be one of the most haunted towns in America and is a popular destination for paranormal investigators. During the day, you can spend time at the Mackay Mansion Museum to see how early residents of the town lived.

While you're in town, make sure to catch a show at the legendary Piper's Opera House, with options ranging from theatrical performances to concerts and community events. Meanwhile, those who are daring enough can participate in a Ghost Tour that includes the Washoe Museum & Saloon. The Washoe Club even offers an overnight package, which consists of an all-night lockdown and access to all three floors of the club, as well as the crypt and spiral staircase.

Ely

Ely offers a mix of old-world charm with modern flair. Locals and visitors alike swear by JT’s Steak House, serving ranch-to-table food in a warm and casual space. To see just some of what this great community has to offer, check out the Nevada Northern Railway Museum. While there, you can learn more about the amazing machines that helped build the U.S. of A. into what it is today and even take a ride on a vintage locomotive.

For a bit of an outdoor adventure, you can spend time at the Cave Lake State Park. Spread over more than 4,000 forested acres in the Schell Creek Range, the park is home to an abundance of year-round trails, including a portion of the American Discovery Trail, camping areas, and, of course, the 32-acre reservoir it's named after. If you feel like stepping back in time, pay a visit to the Ely Renaissance Village, a unique museum that honors and celebrates Ely’s multicultural population at the turn of the century.

Tonopah

Between the cities of Reno and Las Vegas sits the town of Tonopah. This unique community wears its heritage on its sleeve. At one point, the town was a hotbed of mining activity; today, it exists as a great place to live and visit. While in town, you can go underground and learn a bit about the town's history at the Tonopah Historic Mining Park. Next, you can spend some time with the authentic artifacts, photographs, and stories at the Central Nevada Museum.

From there, you can spend a magical evening at the Clair Blackburn Memorial Stargazing Park. Enjoy one of the state's chilly evenings as you watch the constellations reveal themselves, one star at a time, in the blanket of the night sky without any light pollution. For a lighthearted stay, you can spend the night at the world-famous Clown Motel. The infamous inn boasts more than 6,500 clowns throughout the premises, perfect for taking photos that are sure to delight and bewilder your friends back home!

Genoa

Founded in 1851, Genoa has the distinction of being the first European settlement in Nevada. Since then, not a whole lot has changed in this idyllic town. Originally called Mormon Station, the name was changed to its current name in 1856. Despite the change, you can still find remnants of the original name in places like Mormon Station State Historic Park, an open-air museum featuring a replica of the original trading post and several other period artifacts, offering an authentic glimpse into the town's early days.

You can also tour Genoa's Historic District, home to more than 25 historic buildings, including the oldest bar in Nevada. In town, as well as in nearby Carson City, you'll find the two championship courses that make up the world-renowned Genoa Golf Club. Hit the links under the perfect Nevada weather while surrounded by the state's iconic, rugged terrain. Just try not to let the area's natural beauty throw you off your game. When you work up an appetite, you can stop by local favorite, The Pink House, for a hand-forged pizza and a signature cocktail.

Lovelock

As anyone who's been there will tell you, there is a lot to love about the town of Lovelock, Nevada. If you visit in the summer, you can take in the annual Frontier Days Festival. The community event features fun, food, and rides for all ages. But that's not all! Over the Valentine's Day weekend in February, you'll get to witness one of the most incredible events in the state, Lovers Aloft. The annual hot air balloon festival features balloon races and competitions, and is a sight to behold for those on the ground. To learn a bit about the town's history, you can stop by the Marzen House Museum.

Lovelock is a great place to visit by yourself or with others, but if you happen to be in a romantic mood, you can take part in a local tradition. Tucked behind the courthouse, you'll find Lover's Lock Plaza. Here, you can check out the chain that includes more than 1,000 padlocks, and you can even purchase a padlock from one of several participating vendors in town to symbolize your own enduring love for someone special.

Panaca

Panaca is just a couple of hours from Las Vegas, but for all that there is to do in town, one thing you won't be able to do is gamble. That's because Panaca is one of only two communities in Nevada where gambling is illegal. So, instead, while you're in town, you can spend time at the Panaca Warm Springs, a great way to relax and forget about the stresses of the day.

Every July 24th, Panaca hosts its annual Pioneer Day to celebrate the town's settlement. The event includes a parade, games, and fireworks, making it a favorite for locals of all ages. While you're in town, you can stay at the Pine Tree Inn and Bakery, featuring comfortable rooms in a convenient location near state and national parks. Speaking of which, for a truly awe-inspiring experience, pay a visit to the Cathedral Gorge State Park to view incredible rock formations.

Goldfield

The town of Goldfield was once one of Nevada's biggest boom towns thanks to the discovery of gold in the early 1900s. For a time, the town attracted a "who's who" of American historical figures, including a young Wyatt Earp and his brother Virgil, the latter of whom lived and died in Goldfield. Today, visitors and residents alike can spend time at a famous roadside attraction known as the International Car Forest of the Last Church. As the name implies, the art piece is a "forest" made out of painted vehicles, and it is one of the largest open-air art galleries in Nevada.

For a walk back in time, take a stroll through the town's historic district to see some of the buildings from a bygone era. In August, the town hosts the annual Goldfield Days. During this community festival, visitors can play games, delight in carnival rides, and sample the wares from a range of food vendors. When it's time to call it a night, the Goldfield Stop Inn is a fantastic place to stay while you're in town.

Caliente

With a population of fewer than 1,000 people, the town of Caliente has the distinction of being the least populated of any incorporated city in the state of Nevada. But don't let that statistic fool you; there is still plenty to see and do. While in town, you can spend time at the Caliente Heritage Boxcar Museum or the Elgin Schoolhouse State Historic Park to learn about the town's amazing history from the days of the Union-Pacific Railroad's heyday.

When you get hungry, stop in for a bite at the Side Track Restaurant, a classic diner serving American comfort food. After you've filled up, you can go for a hike at Beaver Dam State Park. The amazing state park is a great place to enjoy the area's natural beauty, and maybe even catch a glimpse of local wildlife, like jackrabbits and bobcats. Caliente is only about 150 miles from Las Vegas, making it perfect for a weekend getaway. The family-owned Shady Motel is a great place to stay while you're in Caliente. The friendly staff and welcoming environment will make you feel at home away from home.

As we've seen, there is much more to Nevada than bright lights and big cities. The smaller, unique, historic communities offer just as much fun and, in some cases, more adventure than bigger cities. While Las Vegas has always gotten lots of attention, each of these towns has something the bigger communities don't. From safe bets to diamonds in the rough, these small towns deserve a closer look.