Nevada's 7 Unsung Small Towns

In a state like Nevada, where visitors can find sweeping forests, mountain ranges, and rushing rivers, there is no shortage of ways in which the paths of adventure may divert. But while beautiful landscapes contain their own allure, this list will focus on some under-the-radar and underappreciated small towns that deserve plenty of their own recognition.

Many of these Nevada towns contain as much history and personality as anywhere, so if you are interested in learning more about Nevada's most unsung small towns, here are seven of the most enduring.

Wells

Serving as a gateway to innumerable wilderness adventures, this town of 1200 is so much livelier than its size. Its most stunning destination begins just outside of Wells proper: Angel Lake, a gorgeous body of water with a scenic mountain backdrop. Hiking and camping opportunities abound at this alpine site, and exploring the region is a must for all wildlife enthusiasts since the area is home to bighorn sheep, mountain goats, antelope, and more. For those interested in more than just the lake, the Angel Lake Scenic Byway is a must as well. This stretch of road explores the best of what the East Humboldt Mountains has to offer and offers access to further hiking trails, fishing spots, and lookout areas.

While the nature around Wells stretches for many a rugged mile, the heart of town serves plenty of its own attractions too. Front Street is the most historic area of this 1869 town, but the bulk of its history can be explored at the El Rancho Hotel, a registered historic building that now doubles as a casino. Visitors here can learn about Wells' railroad history while admiring the Hotel's refurbished Old West architecture.

Elko

Less than an hour from Wells, Elko is a town saturated with unique offerings. Since 1985, Elko has proudly hosted the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, a week-long celebration of life in the rural West. Featuring more than just poetry, attendees to this event can enjoy music, movies, photography, and food. One of the more endearing traditions in the state, this annual festival does get some recognition, but deserves far more.

Like Wells, Elko's attractions also extend to the geological. The Hot Hole is a hot spring currently unavailable for use, but it still represents some of the most interesting natural formations in the state. Knowledge of the Hot Hole's existence predates Elko's formation as a town. And speaking of history, the Cowboy Arts and Gear Museum offers a unique and interpretive exploration of the past. Visitors here can learn about the construction of saddles, explore interactive exhibits, and enjoy a vast collection of artifacts from the American Old West.

McGill

McGill was founded as a copper-mining town in 1908. Flourishing in the early 20th century, McGill has since dwindled and is now part of the legion of Nevada's unsung small towns. Still a lively example of American life over a century ago, the Drugstore Museum is part of McGill's charm: a unique museum that has been largely unchanged for decades. Visitors can read from a prescription log dating back to the 1930s, or peruse the many 1950s toys and products that line the shelves.

McGill's outdoor amenities are plentiful, as well. Nearby Cave Lake provides fishing and camping opportunities, while September and October are given over to pine nut harvesting, a regional tradition every autumn to gather the delicious bounty given by Pinyon pine trees. There is also the annual McGill town picnic, replete with games, food, fireworks, music, and a parade.

Laughlin

Laughlin does appeal to the masses with its many casinos, but it is this very indulgence that, in turn, makes this town overlooked. While some might be drawn in by the bright lights of the gambling dens, others can find the hidden gems of the area. Namely, the Laughlin Labyrinths: a series of nine man-made stone labyrinths. These structures range in shape and size; each is meant to be explored, and its centers found. Certainly a different outing for the day, navigating the Laughlin Labyrinths is a perfect family activity for those passing through the area.

In keeping with Laughlin's topographic theme, Grapevine Canyon lies just outside town. This is a stunning area to hike, and it is most famous for its one-of-a-kind collection of petroglyphs. Walk the windswept canyon and admire the rock carvings that represent the region's oldest human activity. In town proper, people of all ages might also appreciate Don Laughlin's Classic Car Museum. This exhibit showcases over eighty of the world's most distinctive automobiles. With constantly rotating displays, visitors can see everything from rare antiques to private collections.

Ely

This town is for the folks whose predilections tend toward all things artsy. Ely is an artistic and creative town as a whole, and what it lacks in size it makes up for in expression. The Fire and Ice Winter Arts and Athletics Festival is held every winter, showcasing a variety of sports and art in the heart of town. Festival-goers can experience tournaments, food and drink, live music, and more. The best sights to behold are the ice sculptures: carefully crafted over three days, these intricate works encapsulate the best of local artistry and bring to life stunning creativity in the frigid winter air.

There is more to Ely's rich artistic culture: the Renaissance Village promotes and preserves historic buildings, but also infuses them with concerts, theatrical productions, and artists' workshops. Walking this area of town gives visitors an in-depth appreciation for Ely's history and art combined. Still, there is more: enjoying the Ely Mural Walking Tour means seeing twenty different vibrant murals throughout the town. Keeping Ely's history alive through color and vision, these beautiful and expansive works of art are produced by local and visiting artists alike. A brochure provided by the Renaissance Society provides further details about both the Renaissance Village and the Mural Walking Tour.

Winnemucca

In keeping with the state's Indigenous history, Winnemucca was named after a Paiute chief. The town began as a stop on the railroad network and has since become a gateway to the Wild West. Tourists can appreciate Winnemucca's layered and fascinating history at the Humboldt Museum, which features several 1800s-era buildings on site. The Buckaroo Hall of Fame also displays Winnemucca's past in Western memorabilia and genuine cowboy gear.

Tourists will also want to visit nearby Water Canyon, a rugged yet lush landscape used by locals as a picturesque setting for recreation. Hiking, ATV use, camping, and picnicking are all activities encouraged in the area and are free of charge.

Tonopah

This list concludes with a town one might wish stayed in the “unsung” category. Tonopah is for those interested in a spooky adventure. The city is best known for the Clown Motel, which is every bit as creepy as it sounds. This unique motel is filled with clown artwork and statues, and, of course, is reportedly haunted. It's really no wonder, considering the historic Tonopah Cemetery is next door to the motel. In use only for ten years in the early 1900s, the cemetery is filled with victims of plague, gunfights, and more from an extremely tumultuous time.

Not to be outdone, the Tonopah Mining Park is home to the abandoned silver mine around which the town was formed. Here, visitors can tour amongst preserved and restored early mining equipment, buildings, and a variety of exhibits that represent the beginnings of 20th-century mining.

Explore Nevada's Most Unsung Towns Today

Nevada's beauty knows no limits, but neither does the uniqueness of each town that dots the state map. Sometimes overlooked or underappreciated, the eight towns highlighted here deserve further recognition. Whether it is Tonopah's haunted mines or the petroglyphs deep in Grapevine Canyon outside Laughlin, the many unsung towns of Nevada's rich history and exciting present are as eccentric and diverse as any in the country. So start planning your road trip today.