9 Quirkiest Nevada Towns You Didn't Know Existed

Every year, over 40 million people visit the state of Nevada for one particular destination—the Las Vegas Strip. The lights, the excitement, the shows, and the restaurants draw in crowds all year round. But what else does Nevada have to offer? What about for the tourists wanting a break from the clusters of people and high-priced entertainment venues? Nevada is a vast desert with opportunities for adventure, history, and sightseeing beyond the norm. These nine small, quirky towns will be a unique experience that should not be missed.

Ely

A unique experience in Ely is the Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park. Located in the Egan Mountain Range, the park has six charcoal ovens used in the 1800s to process silver discovered in the area. Post mining, the ovens were used as shelters for travelers and hideouts for bandits. Walk the grounds of the park and venture inside the ovens for a serene encounter. Another popular spot in town is the Ely Renaissance Village. The murals and the village itself tell the stories of settlers from throughout the West. The 11 houses and one barn on the property have been made into a one-of-a-kind museum depicting the town’s multicultural population.

Another historical museum to visit is the Nevada Northern Railway Museum. Take a train ride on a vintage steam engine train, or experience railroading with hands-on encounters. It is not a typical museum, but the grounds include over 70 buildings and 30 miles of track to explore. Extend your stay in Ely with a night at the Prospector Hotel & Gambling Hall. This Western-themed hotel includes enough amenities, so you don't have to leave the building to gamble or eat.

Genoa

Start your trip to Genoa with a stop at Mormon Station State Historic Park. Built in 1851 as a trading post, this was the state’s first permanent non-native settlement site. The park is a replicated version of the post that, unfortunately, was lost in a fire and serves as a museum with original artifacts from the pioneer era. Continue learning about the town’s history at the Genoa Courthouse Museum. Originally a courthouse and later a school, the building currently houses exhibits highlighting Native Americans, the Emigrant Trail through Nevada, and Snowshoe Thompson. Additional displays show an old-fashioned parlor, post office, courtroom, and jail.

For outdoor relaxation, visit Genoa Town Park, a three-level park hosting concerts during the summer months. Stop by for a stroll around the property, or plan your visit to include music from different eras, including psychedelic folk, rock, and classic country. End your trip at Genoa Bar & Saloon. This spot is the oldest bar in Nevada. Opening in 1851, before Nevada was even a state, this bar served patrons who included Mark Twain, John Wayne, Raquel Welch, and more. Stop in for a drink and to hear some stories from the servers who pour your drinks and the patrons who have frequented the bar for years.

Winnemucca

Named after a local Native American chief, this town has a rich history of tribes and settlers. Start your history tour at the Humboldt Museum. Located right where pioneer wagons traversed the Humboldt River is the church-turned-museum that features remains from the Ice Age, beaded and quilled antiquities from Native American collections, and an early soda manufacturing scene. Another eclectic museum is the Buckaroo Hall of Fame & Heritage Museum. Memorabilia include Western collectibles, like chaps and saddles, as well as paintings and sculptures. But what makes the Hall of Fame what it is? Over 70 inductees have been included for their bronc riding skills, rawhide braiding, roping, and cattle handling.

Head to the Sundance Casino for a different local experience. Hailed as a local secret treasure, this establishment features 99 games, including Lots-O-Slots. If you like doing more outdoorsy activities, trek to Winnemucca Mountain and enjoy a 10-mile hike through the Nevada high desert. The hike provides a picturesque town view and ventures through sagebrush and grasslands.

West Wendover

Begin your journey in West Wendover at one of the town’s biggest landmarks. The 63-foot mechanical cowboy, affectionately named Wendover Will, straddles the Utah-Nevada state line, welcoming tourists. Visit the world’s tallest mechanical cowboy during the day, or at night when he’s all lit up. Once in West Wendover, enjoy a round of golf at Toana Vista. The course cuts through native desert scenery and provides immense views of the black-top-covered mountains.

For another scenic stop, take a drive to the Victory Highway Memorial. A commemorative marker across the highway recognizes the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War I. Stop at the bronze eagle soaring over the road, and enjoy a moment of calm solitude. For one final stop in West Wendover, go to the Historic Wendover Airfield. This museum is the most authentically preserved World War II Army Air Force base in the United States.

Amargosa Valley

For a truly unique roadside attraction, don’t miss a drive to see Big Bovine of the Desert. Initially stationed in Las Vegas, this giant cow sat atop the Holy Cow Casino and Brewery. After the casino closed, the cow was moved 95 miles, where it now sits near the Longstreet Inn and Casino. Even if you’re not there for the casino, take a picture with this famous Nevada attraction. After hanging out with the gigantic cow, visit the Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge. This wetland is a rare and unique desert oasis that is working to promote conservation management and awareness. It is currently the largest remaining oasis in the Mojave Desert and contains species of fish that have been around since the Pleistocene (Ice Age).

Visit the Amargosa Big Dune Recreation Area to experience another outdoor thrill. Hike, off-road, and explore these dunes that stretch 1.5 miles into the Mojave Desert. End your stay in Amargosa Valley with a nightcap at the Stateline Saloon. Located near the entry to Death Valley, this saloon also serves old-fashioned milkshakes, malts, and ice cream sundaes.

Lovelock

Start your visit to Lovelock at the park with a play on words that resemble the town’s name and what the park represents. Lover’s Lock Plaza has over 1,000 locks hanging from a chain placed there by couples and visitors locking their love forever. Add your chain and leave a piece of yourself in this small town. After the plaza, head over to Lovelock Cave and take a self-guided tour to the cave entrance. The cave was once the home of the Tule Duck Decoy, which has been recognized as Nevada’s state artifact and is over 2,000 years old. Though no longer located in the cave, tourists are still encouraged to visit.

Learn more about history at the Marzen House Museum. The house, built in 1875, includes mining and farming equipment as well as Native American artifacts and an Indian Cave exhibit. Replicas of the famous Tule Duck Decoys are also on display. Finally, trek over to the Rye Patch State Recreation Area. Located along a reservoir, the rec area includes 72 miles of shoreline for all types of activity. Swimming, fishing, and water skiing are just some options available. The park also has trails for hiking and wildlife viewing.

Yerington

Make your first stop in Yerington a scenic one at the Walker River State Recreation Area. The park itself includes five separate segments for activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, horseback riding, and more. Development is currently taking place on the segments, and the town is opening them to the public as they are completed. Just outside of town lies Wilson Canyon. Another popular area for outdoor recreation, visitors come here to go off-road, hike, and horseback ride.

Check out the Mason Valley Hatchery Outponds for a rare destination within town. Four of the six pounds are open for fishing once a year (the first Saturday in May), and all are responsible for raising fish. The ponds are stocked with Rainbow Trout, but Largemouth Bass have also found their way to them and are caught occasionally. Head over to the Lyon County Museum for one last stop in town. Built in an old Community Church in Mason, Nevada, the building was moved to Yerington in 1930. Within the church museum, there are displays of houseware, kitchen, bedroom, and even a barbershop.

Alamo

Find out-of-this-world stops during your time in Alamo by driving down the Extraterrestrial Highway. The almost-100-mile drive runs through Alamo and has alien-themed stops and attractions. For years, rumors have been circulating about the otherworldly visitors in this area, including whispers about the Nevada National Security Site and Area 51. Pick up some alien-themed jerky, get an E.T.-style souvenir, and enjoy alien beer. One spot on the Extraterrestrial Highway that stands out is the Black Mailbox. For decades, those searching for UFOs have made the lone mailbox along the highway a gathering place to search the skies. Covered in stickers and scribblings, the mailbox accepts offerings visitors leave behind for extraterrestrial communication.

If aliens aren’t your thing, opt for a visit to the Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge. This unique area is in a section of Nevada that only receives 6.4 inches of rain annually, but is kept alive by the Crystal and Ash Springs. Explore the oasis by hiking, hunting, camping, or fishing, all permitted on the property. Just outside of town, visit Ash Springs Rock Art Site. Like Great Basin rock art, the petroglyphs display many line widths. The site is known to have been home to a small group of Pahranagats, a traditional band of Southern Paiute people.

Laughlin

Don’t leave Nevada just yet. Make one more stop in Laughlin to see all their offerings. Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area is located on the shores of the Colorado River and is a popular destination spot for camping, hiking, picnicking, and water activities. Spend some time relaxing along the approximately two miles of shoreline, and enjoy the wildlife and scenic views. Other enticing outdoor excursions in Laughlin are the Laughlin Labyrinths. The nine stone labyrinths within a quarter-mile radius of each other are believed to bring peace and re-energize oneself. Walk through the rock collections and see if you feel the calm.

For a different experience, visit Don Laughlin’s Classic Car Museum. More than exclusive automobiles worldwide are on a rotating display in the showroom, including antique and classic cars, some of which were even owned by Don Laughlin himself. Finally, check into Don Laughlin’s Riverside Resort Hotel & Casino. It’s the town’s first hotel and casino and is found on the banks of the Colorado River. Stay for the night or do some gaming and dining.

Step out of a regular vacation experience and witness something different. Participate in outdoor adventure and be a part of small-town history by visiting historical monuments and markers. These nine small towns in Nevada have quirks that make them a distinctive place to visit. Aliens, the Colorado River, deserts, and a giant cow are just a few attractions you’ll see on your trip once you venture off the strip.