The Silver State of Nevada may be world-famous for the dazzlingly bright lights of the Las Vegas Strip, but one mere street shouldn’t define an entire state. There’s actually a whole lot more to explore across Nevada, including the clear, azure waters of North America’s largest alpine lake, the “Swiss Alps of Nevada” that make for epic mountain adventures, and an old mining town that’s found a new life via ghostly excursions. And yes, you can even go searching for extraterrestrial life and hidden UFO secrets out in the open desert. Whether you fancy a refined ski resort getaway, a rugged expedition into the American West’s wildest stretches of wilderness, or something else entirely, these six can’t-miss towns in Nevada really must be seen to be believed.
Elko
Located around 230 miles west of Salt Lake City (Utah), Elko might seem like just another stop on the I-80 highway to Reno, but there’s much more to this town off that highway. Every January, Elko gets a strong case of “main character syndrome” when the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering brings the best in American Western folk art, music, food, traditions, and (yes) poetry to town. Even if you can’t make it to Elko for the gathering, the Western Folklife Center is open year-round and showcases the best of local and regional “contemporary cowboy craftsmanship” and Native American indigenous art.
Though Elko is proud of its American Western heritage, this town also serves as the gateway to the “Swiss Alps of Nevada.” Yes, really, take the Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway to reach the treasures of the Ruby Mountains, many of which (such as Liberty Lake) can be reached by hiking the 43 mile-long Ruby Crest National Recreation Trail. Or, for a more easygoing experience at Lamoille Canyon, stop at Powerhouse Group Picnic Area to go fishing at Lamoille Creek or simply enjoy the views all around. From there, return to town and check into the Shutters Hotel for a good night’s sleep at this recently renovated inn.
Battle Mountain
You might be wondering, “Where is Battle Mountain, and why should I go?” Basically, you will find this town about 218 miles east of Reno by the Humboldt River and the I-80 highway, and it may be the ideal entry point to Northern Nevada’s backcountry. To better understand this town’s backstory, stop at the Battle Mountain Cookhouse Museum to tour this lovingly restored 1920s ranch cookhouse and find a number of historic artifacts that tell the stories of Lander County’s Native American communities and pioneer settlers. And for some present-day good cooking, grab a table at The HideAway and enjoy some tasty homestyle grub.
If you’re hoping to get out and experience more of the backcountry, head out to Mill Creek Recreation Area to look out for native birds like great horned owls, woodpeckers, sparrows, and hummingbirds, go fishing at the creek for rainbow trout, or just take in the scenery at the cottonwood-adorned canyon. For something more adrenaline-pumping, hit the Copper Basin Mountain Bike Trail and ride 11 miles of one of the state’s best maintained single-track trails. Whatever you end up doing, cap off a great day with a restful night at The Big Chief Motel in town.
Incline Village
Nestled on the north shore of Lake Tahoe, about 37 miles south of Reno, Incline Village is the ideal launchpad for experiencing this magical corner of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. While Tahoe has a number of great beaches to access the lake, it’s hard to beat the exceptional natural beauty of Sand Harbor State Park, especially if you’re hoping to go swimming, kayaking, or scuba diving in the lake. Or, if you prefer exploring on dry land, take the Lake Tahoe Flume Trail for some incredible hiking and biking with panoramic lake and mountain views.
During the warmer months, the 18 hole and par-72 Incline Village Championship Golf Course shines as one of the region’s most sought-after set of greens to tee off. Meanwhile, in winter, head to Diamond Peak for a unique, community-owned ski resort that provides a more carefree approach to skiing in Tahoe. Whenever you’re visiting Incline Village, it’s always a good idea to stay at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe, a cozy yet posh resort with all the creature comforts you need for the perfect Tahoe vacation.
Tonopah
Situated roughly halfway between Reno and Las Vegas on the U.S. 95 highway, Tonopah is a small town with big character and an otherworldly reputation. Here, you can walk right into history at Tonopah Historic Mining Park, which spans over 100 acres of preserved mine sites (including an underground tunnel!) that help you understand why Tonopah was crowned the “Queen of the Silver Camps” in the early 20th century. To get to know more of the region’s history, stop at the Central Nevada Museum to see artifacts and archives that share the story of Western Shoshone indigenous communities, early ranch life, and how the area has developed since the mines’ heyday passed.
Speaking of the mines’ heyday, the Mizpah Hotel still stands as a testament to Tonopah’s rich history: It was built in 1907 with the backing of powerful business moguls like George Wingfield and George S. Nixon, and it continues to welcome guests to its beautifully restored rooms and suites. But if you’re feeling much more adventurous, you can try your luck at the increasingly world-famous Clown Motel, “America’s Scariest Motel” that just so happens to sit next to a 124-year-old cemetery. More recently, this motel gained clout on YouTube and elsewhere on the internet as the go-to place to spend the night searching for ghosts.
Rachel
Once upon a time, this town that’s about 152 miles north of Las Vegas was largely considered a remote desert outpost. But as word began to spread about the strange goings-on at Area 51, UFO enthusiasts turned this town into quite the ethereal hotspot. Though Area 51 is part of the Nevada National Security Site that’s off-limits to visitors (seriously, don’t even try),drive Nevada State Route 375, officially designated as “The Extraterrestrial Highway.” to catch views and vibes of whatever’s going on behind that highly secured fence. When you can use some refreshment, stop at Little A’Le’Inn for alien-adorned snacks, swag, and so much more.
Though there’s no guarantee you will find aliens or ghosts out here, it’s still worth the detour to the Old Tempiute Mine to get up close and personal with this 1870s mining camp that stands as a reminder of the area’s rough-and-tumble history. From there, head back to town and spend some quality time at the Little A’Le’Inn, a welcoming refuge for extraterrestrial explorers seeking a fully immersive environment to connect with the larger universe.
Mesquite
About 86 miles northeast of Las Vegas, Mesquite makes a surprising paradise for nature lovers, golf enthusiasts, and anyone else looking to experience the beauty of the Mojave Desert without the hustle and bustle of the Las Vegas Valley. If you’re up for a field trip, do the drive to Gold Butte National Monument, a nearly 300,000 acre nature preserve that abounds in stunning sandstone red rock formations (including the iconic Little Finland), as well as Paiute indigenous-made petroglyphs and ample opportunities to spot wildlife like bighorn sheep, desert tortoises, mountain lions, and Cooper's hawks.
Back in town, Mesquite excels on the greens, and you can play for yourself at noticeably challenging yet satisfyingly scenic local courses like Wolf Creek Golf Club and Conestoga Golf Club. After a long day exploring the desert wilderness or playing the town’s finest golf courses, wrap it up with a relaxing stay at the Eureka Casino Resort, which offers the most luxurious accommodations in town along with multiple dining and retail options on site.
Nevada has much more to offer behind the bright lights of Las Vegas. Beyond Sin City is a long list of beautiful natural wonders that are waiting to be explored.
You Can’t Miss These Towns and Their Uniquely Nevadan Charm
Las Vegas may offer a whole lot of reasons to stay and play in Sin City, but it’s a really heinous sin to miss out on everything else that makes Nevada such a great state to visit. Go to Elko to discover the “Swiss Alps of Nevada” and a colorful cowboy culture, and hit up Incline Village for the perfect spot to dive into the magical world of Lake Tahoe. Try Tonopah for a big helping of rugged mining heritage and ghostly encounters, and head to Mesquite for some of the Desert Southwest’s most underrated wilderness preserves. If you’re hoping to do a different kind of Nevada trip, you can’t miss these towns and all their uniquely wondrous treasures.
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