6 Most Overlooked Towns In Nevada
When most people think of Nevada, Reno and Las Vegas are the first cities that pop into their minds. However, a host of smaller towns deserve credit in the Silver State. These towns are charming, have great history and beautiful scenery, and some are filled with Victorian-era architecture. Though small, these often overlooked towns offer plenty of sites to explore and activities to enjoy. Of course, exploring such towns often requires lodging, and these six towns have plenty of options. This article dives into the uniqueness of these towns and the diverse and sometimes comical sites and attractions.
Boulder City
Boulder City is a pleasant town near the famous Hoover Dam, committed to preserving its small-town status. The magnificent 60-story structure is the biggest tourist attraction in the town, but there are unique ways to travel to it. The Historic Railroad Hiking Trail is one such option. The hiking route winds beside Lake Mead and includes five historic train tunnels on the way to Hoover Dam.
The Boulder City-Hoover Dam celebrates its history and construction with exhibits, photographs, and personal accounts. On the quirkier side of the town is Tom Devlin's Monster Museum, which preserves the history of makeup and monsters. The museum is filled with movie props and cartoon characters with which Tom Devlin has been associated. Visitors often overlook this fun and historic town for the ritzier cities, but it is worth a stop.
Genoa
Genoa is a charming town founded in 1851, the first in the Nevada Territory. The pioneer settlement has retained its small-town status and is warm and welcoming to visitors, with plenty of amenities for an extended stay. The registered historic district has Victorian-era buildings and boasts the Siver State's oldest saloon, established in 1853. Some eateries offer take-away meals for a daytime picnic at Mormon Station State Park.
The overall aesthetic was created in the 1850s, and the town has preserved its history, much of which can be learned at the Genoa Courthouse Museum. The hot springs of Genoa were one of Mark Twain's favorite haunts, and they are now David Walleys Resort. The historical sites and proximity to Reno and Lake Tahoe make Genoa a town that should not be overlooked.
Beatty
Perhaps the town of Beatty's claim to fame is the now-defunct Angel's Ladies Brothel and plane wreck. However, there is much to see and do in this unique town, as it is close to the ghost town of Rhyolite and the Open Air Museum. There is also the Yucca Mountain Nuclear Depository to consider. The town has two distinct museums: the Museum and Historical Society, which highlight the history of the Bullfrog mining district, and the Tom Kelly Bottle House. Built in 1906 by an Australian gold miner using over 50,000 bottles, the house is a sight to behold.
Virginia City
Virginia City was part of a mining boom in the 1800s, and most of Victorian architecture is still present today. The reportedly haunted Washoe Club and the Piper's Opera House are two examples of historic buildings in the downtown district. The Fourth Ward School Museum includes an 1876 classroom and other historical artifacts. This quaint city should not be overlooked if traveling through the state. Check out The Way It Was Museum for a glimpse of the history of mining. Virginia City may be a small town with history and beautiful structures to explore.
Ely
Ely, in White Pine County, was founded as a stagecoach stop along the famed Pony Express and Central Overland Route. Copper was discovered in 1906, and the town experienced a mining boom later than the surrounding towns. Ely is situated on "the loneliest road in America" and is known for its artistry and history. The town is packed with things to do and historical sites, including an entire Renaissance village. Self-guided tours are encouraged through the village, where visitors can sneak a glimpse into how life was in the early 1900s. The Nevada Northern Railway Museum is another glimpse into Ely's rich history.
Eureka
Eureka is perhaps the most overlooked town in Nevada. It is filled with historic sites like the Eureka Opera House, Raines Market and Wildlife Museum, and the Eureka Sentinel Museum. The self-proclaimed "friendliest town in America" has dozens of historic buildings, many in the classic Old West downtown area.
The Sentinel Museum was home to the local newspaper from 1879 to 1960, and the Courthouse has been in the same building since 1876. After exploring the opulent Opera House, stroll downtown, which feels like a Western movie set. The town also has a host of modern amenities and lodging, and it takes more than one visit to explore the history of this tiny mining town.
Though Nevada is home to glamorous metropolises like Reno and Las Vegas, these six Old West towns have much to offer guests. From historic mining towns like Virginia City to stagecoach stops like Ely, these towns are full of historic significance and fun attractions. Towns like Genoa strive to maintain their small-town status while offering modern accommodations to their visitors.
Amazingly, towns with populations under 1,000 are also home to so many museums. Eureka is one such place, and these museums truly tell the story of how Nevada became its current state. Of course, there are quirky attractions like the airplane-turned-brotherl in Beatty. Nevada has a unique history, and these towns embody the best of the history and should not be overlooked.
