The Best Small Town In Nevada For A 3-Day Weekend
Nevada is a state of great beauty, partly within the Mojave Desert and near the Colorado River. Bordering some of the country’s most popular destinations, such as California in the west, it can be easy to overlook what Nevada has to offer. Yet Nevada is a memorable place to visit, and few places show its appeal more than the small town of Ely. Ely remains tied to the broader landscape of Nevada, which shapes much of the town’s character and appeal. If you are looking for a place to spend your three-day weekend, here are a few reasons to stop in Ely.
Places to Stay in Ely
Among the most notable places to stay in town is the Hotel Nevada and Gambling Hall. Although it has a history dating back to 1929, guests are often more focused on gaming and entertainment. The gambling hall includes gaming machines ranging from classics to digital blackjack tables. Guests can also use a fitness center and an adjacent Denny’s that is open 24 hours a day. The nearby Jailhouse Motel and Casino provides a similar experience, with slot machines, video poker, and daily jackpots. Themed dining in the motel ranges from the Jailhouse Sports Bar, which serves those who want to watch a game, to the Cell Block, where guests dine behind cell bars for a distinct evening. Both locations reflect the steady mix of lodging and entertainment that has long been part of Ely’s visitor experience.
Shops and Restaurants in Town
In town, there are many locally owned shops to visit for gifts to take home and places to eat. This & That is a locally owned gift store specializing in antiques, handcrafted items, and repurposed treasures. Those looking for craft gifts, particularly ceramics, might find the specialty store Desert Rose Ceramics and Crafts to be a good match. The Desert Rose includes craft items like yarn and paint, and also lets visitors paint their own ceramics. Classes are available for those starting a new crafting hobby. After shopping, Juanita y Chava's Taco Shop is a steady option. An Ely institution, Juanita's serves pastor tacos, carne asada, burritos, and other staples of southwest Mexican food. These shops and restaurants can be found along Aultman Street, which runs through the center of town, and visitors will find many other local destinations as they walk the lane.
Historic and Cultural Sites
There is more to do than shop while in Ely. Visitors often start with the Ely Renaissance Village, a historic part of town made up of preserved miners’ cabins that form a cultural center. Guests can walk through the area and see homes reflecting their appearance when the region was first settled. The cabins mirror the time when Italians, Germans, Japanese, and others lived in Ely. The Village also hosts community events and includes a kitchen and bar for visitors.
Another popular spot is the Nevada Northern Railway Museum, a 56-acre site where locomotives from earlier eras remain on display. Guests can take tours to learn about the old rail routes that once supported the region. Train rides allow visitors to travel the line at sunset with champagne. During the holidays, the museum includes fireworks on the Fourth of July and visits with Santa at Christmas. Together, these sites give visitors a clear sense of how different periods of the town’s past continue to appear in the present day.
Outdoor Areas Near Ely
Nature lovers will find plenty to do outdoors when visiting Ely. Great Basin National Park is within an hour’s drive of town and is crossed by hiking trails leading to views throughout the area. The Lehman Caves Tours take guests through the Lehman Caves to see a range of natural formations. In winter, visitors can go skiing and snowshoeing. Closer to Ely is Cave Lake State Park. Set on the Cave Creek Reservoir, the park draws those who want to go out on the water by boat, with 24-hour fishing permitted with a license. Hikers have many places to roam, while in winter, snowmobiling, sledding, and snowshoeing remain common. Dedicated fishers can also go onto the ice for a day of ice fishing.
Weekend Summary
It is not difficult to see why Ely is considered the best small town in Nevada for those seeking a weekend retreat. There is natural beauty throughout the region, from the caves beneath Great Basin National Park to the Cave Creek Reservoir. In town, guests can visit local shops and see historic sites that reflect the area’s past. For a three-day weekend, Ely remains a steady choice for travelers who want a mix of outdoor landscapes and local history. This combination of landscapes and local stops allows visitors to plan a weekend that moves at a steady and comfortable pace.
