These Small Towns in Nevada Have the Best Historic Districts
Although overshadowed by bigger cities like Las Vegas and Reno, the best of Nevada鈥檚 small towns are wonderful places to visit if you seek a more authentic travel experience. Scratch the surface of these small, often remote communities, and you will find historic downtowns full of fascinating references to the pioneers, miners, and settlers who built the "Silver State."
From the historic streets and alleys of Virginia City to the Basque influences of colonial Winnemucca, each of these towns offers a fascinating mix of history, culture, and natural beauty that make them worth including on your Nevada travel itinerary.
Virginia City
Located in the rugged hills of the Nevada highlands mid-way between Carson City and Reno, Virginia City鈥檚 roots can be traced to the 1859 discovery of the Comstock Lode, one of the most significant silver deposits ever found. Soon after, Virginia City became a boomtown, drawing prospectors, pioneers, and entrepreneurs from far and wide, all of them seeking their fortunes.
The Virginia City Historic District has done a great job of preserving the town鈥檚 old downtown core, with wooden boardwalks leading you to well-preserved buildings dating back to the Wild West period of the late 19th century. Highlights include old saloons once visited by Mark Twain, the ornate interiors of Piper's Opera House, and the town's cemeteries with their evocative headstones.
Eureka
Referred to by savvy marketers as the "Friendliest Town on the Loneliest Road," Eureka鈥檚 small population of just 411 people does live in a remote location. Over a four-hour drive north of Vegas on the iconic US Route 50 highway, much of this former lead and silver mining community has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Explore Eureka鈥檚 downtown historic district, and you鈥檒l spot many well-preserved 19th-century buildings, including the Eureka Opera House, a grand edifice that dates back to 1880. Now meticulously restored, pop in and take a look at what is now a unique venue for conferences, performances, and events. Just a stone's throw away, the Eureka Sentinel Museum, housed in the old Sentinel newspaper building, features exhibits detailing the town's history and the daily lives of its first inhabitants.
Boulder City
Just a stone's throw from Lake Mead and the architectural marvel that is the Hoover Dam, Boulder City is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Nevada for history buffs. Founded in the 1930s, the town's genesis was unique in that it was driven by the dam鈥檚 monumental feat of engineering. Meticulously planned to house the thousands of workers needed to build the dam, a great deal of attention was paid to ensuring the community had the amenities and infrastructure required to support its population.
This careful planning is very evident today in Boulder City鈥檚 wide streets and many parks. Take a stroll through the historic district, and you will see Art Deco buildings, charming shops, and a series of murals that pay homage to the town's past and the countless workers who transformed the surrounding desert into a livable community.
Genoa
Situated at the base of the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, Genoa is Nevada's oldest permanent settlement. Established in 1851, this quaint town is steeped in legends of the westward movement of pioneers and settlers and became a vital rest stop for travelers. Its significance solidified with the establishment of the famous Genoa Bar. Said to be Nevada's oldest "thirst parlor," this fascinating old building once hosted icons like Mark Twain and even President Ulysses S. Grant.
Highlights of the town鈥檚 historic district include the Genoa Courthouse Museum. Housed in the original Douglas County Courthouse, it offers a comprehensive look at the region's history through displays of Native American artifacts and relics from the first settlers. The town's annual Candy Dance, a tradition that began in 1919, attracts visitors with its fun mix of crafts, food, and dance.
Winnemucca
Set in northern Nevada's Great Basin, Winnemucca鈥檚 strategic location has long made it a gathering place for travelers from various cultures. The most important structures here display influences from the Basque region of Spain, and the town boasts one of the largest Basque populations in the US. Wander the streets, and you will come across Basque restaurants serving traditional dishes like lamb stews and pintxos, and stores selling traditional crafts.
Winnemucca has long been a hub for pioneers, settlers, and gold seekers, whose stories are told in the must-visit Humboldt Museum. Housed in a former church, displays and artifacts here tell fascinating tales of the region's indigenous tribes, the early pioneers, as well as the gold rush era.
Austin
Located along the slopes of the Toiyabe Range, Austin is a striking reminder of the state's vibrant mining history. Established during the silver rush of the 1860s, the best examples of Austin鈥檚 well-preserved historic architecture can be viewed with a walk along Main Street. Here, you will find attractive Gothic Revival churches, rustic brick storefronts, and Victorian-era homes constructed during the town鈥檚 early boom time.
Be sure to grab a photo of Stokes Castle. This impressive three-story stone tower was built in the late 1800s and can be toured, a real treat given its panoramic views over the Reese River Valley below. Nearby attractions include the Toiyabe National Forest, popular for its hiking and biking trails.
Lovelock
Lovelock not only possesses one of the best place names in Nevada, but it鈥檚 also home to a charming, well-preserved historic district. Located just off Interstate 80 connecting Reno to Salt Lake City, you will find the Pershing County Courthouse. This unique government building was built in 1920 and has the distinction of being one of only a handful of domed round courthouses in the United States.
Traveling with your significant other? Then, head to the Lovelock Lovers Lock Plaza for a romantic selfie. Situated near the town鈥檚 old train depot, this popular Nevada attraction drew inspiration from an old Chinese tradition where couples "lock their love" by attaching a padlock to a chain and tossing away the key, signifying unbreakable love and commitment.
Despite their small populations and often remote locations, a number of towns in Nevada have managed to preserve and highlight their historic districts. These old downtown areas each provide unique opportunities to delve a little deeper into the state's rich history, offering an accessible, authentic take on the people, places, and events that helped shape the US.
