The Best Small Towns in Nevada for a Weekend Retreat
Nevada is a state that offers a plethora of lovely locations for a relaxed holiday and has an inviting community to welcome tourists. While many wish to explore the big urban centers and busy cities of Nevada, such as Reno or Las Vegas, there is much to be explored within its quaint small towns. These towns, with their rich culture and history, are ideal for a weekend retreat. They also offer visitors several opportunities to be close to nature and enjoy outdoor adventures such as biking, hiking, off-roading, and much more. The following small towns in Nevada are ready to be explored on a weekend retreat!
Genoa
Genoa is a historical town in Nevada, located at the foot of the beautiful Sierra Nevada Range, only a 25-minute drive to Lake Tahoe. What makes Genoa the ideal place for a peaceful weekend retreat is its vast natural beauty, historic charm, and local wildlife. One of its key attractions is the Mormon Station State Historic Park, which was founded by Mormon traders back in 1851. A day in Genoa can be quite eventful if you prefer. For those who like shopping, there are some amazing collectibles and wares to explore at Dancing Deer. The Genoa Lakes Golf Club is popular among golfers while hikers can enjoy an adventure at the River Fork Ranch Preserve.
The best way to end an adventurous day in Genoa is to sit at the Genoa Bar & Saloon for some cold drinks. For accommodation, a popular recommendation is The Genoa Country Inn, which is located in the center of the town and offers 11 cozy rooms for weekend getaways.
Ely
Nestled at the eastern edge of Nevada is the remote town of Ely. This mountain town is a culmination of outdoor adventure, art, and history. For those who have a passion for the outdoors, spending a day at the Great Basin National Park is a must. Walking amidst aged bristlecone pines in the quaint wilderness is quite a unique and memorable experience. Great Basin National Park is also home to five well-developed campgrounds; these are Baker Creek, Lower Lehman Creek, Upper Lehman Creek, Wheeler Peak, and Grey Cliffs. All these campgrounds have picnic tables, campfire grills, tent pads, and toilets.
Art lovers can enjoy a day at The Art Bank, a cultural center and gallery that houses a grand collection of photos, paintings, and sculptures that are a depiction of the White Pine County and Great Basin. Copper Queen Ramada Hill, Hotel Nevada, and Holiday Inn Express & Suites are some of the lodging options available in Ely.
Lovelock
When speaking of Lovelock, a quirky little town in Nevada, what comes to mind is lots of outdoor opportunities, a storied cave, a wildlife sanctuary, and recreation areas created around rivers. It is considered to be the ideal pit stop for those driving on Interstate 80 (also called the Cowboy Corridor) as the entire route has an abundance of western culture and heritage. One of the best ways to start the trip is to take a driving tour on the Lovelock Cave & Backcountry Byway, which kickstarts at the historic Marzen House Museum. Other historical sites one can witness on this tour include the Big Five Dam, the old Lake Lahontan, and the Humboldt River.
Marzen House Museum is a great spot for history buffs as they can delve into a lineup of artifacts from the early days of Lovelock. For lodging in the town, check out The Cadillac Inn and Old Pioneer Garden Country Inn. For a road trip, drive through the Cowboy Corridor where the speed limit can hit 80mph.
Virginia City
An ancient mining town in Nevada, Virginia City is known for its rich culture, wild events, and storied sights. There is plenty to explore in this town, from museums like The Historic Fourth Ward School Museum and The Way it Was Museum to the Virginia & Truckee Railroad. Another amazing experience that no tourist should miss is the Ponderosa Mine Tour. Here, one can see the complete workings of underground mine-crosscuts, shafts, winzes, tunnels, and antique mining machinery. Some popular lodging options for an overnight in Virginia City include The Virginia City Inn, Comstock Lodge, and Silver Queen Hotel. Other must-visit places in Virginia City are Piper’s Opera House, Gold Ranch Casino, and The Washoe Club Haunted Museum.
Caliente
Caliente, a quaint little town in eastern Nevada is a great destination for a weekend getaway. Also known as the “City of Roses,” Caliente was earlier a resort town. Over the years, it has taken on a completely new character as a mountain biking weekend retreat. Some of the beautiful state parks to visit in Caliente include Valley of Fire, Beaver Dam, and Cathedral Gorge. Hikers and mountain bikers will love an outdoor adventure at Barnes Canyon, Kershaw-Ryan State Park, and Rainbow Canyon. Some lodging options in Caliente recommended by locals and tourists alike include the Agua Caliente Mobile Park and Pine Tree Inn & Bakery.
Austin
Austin is a small mountain located in the beautiful Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. It is in close proximity to several natural attractions and ghost towns. The town is a key attraction among tourists who enjoy lots of outdoor adventure. Austin is also known for its beautiful historic downtown, where one can explore churches like the Methodist Church, St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, and St. George’s Episcopal Church. These are also cultural centers for the local community. A must-visit in Austin is the Stokes Castle. This gem was founded in the 1800s and designed by a super-wealthy silver tycoon to imitate a luxurious Italian villa.
Boulder City
Another luring town for a quaint weekend retreat in Nevada is Boulder City. Founded in 1931, this town was home to the hardworking builders of the Hoover Dam. Today, Boulder City is among the most vibrant towns in Nevada, brimming with fun cafes, art galleries, and cute local shops! To explore Boulder City’s rich heritage, visit the Hoover Dam Museum and Boulder City Historic District. Spend a day at the Nevada State Railroad Museum—Boulder City, which houses original locomotives, rotating exhibits, and artifacts, among other things. Visit Casa Don Quixote for a delicious Mediterranean meal and lip-smacking Spanish dishes. For some coffee and sandwiches, head to Chilly Jilly'z Bakery & Cafe, which also has a great collection of frozen drinks and smoothies. For lodging, you could consider Best Western Hoover Dam or Hoover Dam Lodge & Casino.
Tonopah
Tonopah is a scenic town in Nevada, located between Reno and Las Vegas (Nye County). It is among the ideal weekend getaway destinations in Nevada. Walk in the footsteps of Jim Butler at the famous Tonopah Historic Mining Park. Witness a plethora of restored and preserved buildings, rotating exhibits, and artifacts that are spread throughout the 100-acre space. For history buffs, a visit to The Central Nevada Museum is highly recommended. Popular eateries in Tonopah include the Pittman Cafe and Tonopah Brewing Company among others. Plan a stay at The Mizpah Hotel or Belvada Hotel during your visit to Tonopah!
Popularly known as America's 'Silver State,' Nevada is blessed with lots of natural beauty, high-quality living, quirky delights, and historical landmarks. This article highlighted some of the far-removed towns of the state that are ideal for a laid-back weekend retreat. Some of these locations are perfect for base camps, providing thrill seekers an opportunity to enjoy all kinds of outdoor activities. At the same time, they also work pretty well for families that wish to savor a quiet retreat, which disconnects them from the busy city life. From scenic lake towns to some of the oldest-founded towns in Nevada with historic mining legacies, these small towns are worth visiting instead of Las Vegas. Each of them feels a world away from the bright neon lights and casinos of the state's most iconic city in the desert.
