Nevada certainly has its fair share of bizarre towns. Gerlach, Nevada is a tiny town located right in the middle of the desert. This place may be small, but it definitely marches to the beat of its own drum. It’s most widely recognized as the gateway to Burning Man, an annual festival that brings thousands to this otherwise peaceful part of the desert. The festival may happen just one time a year, but Gerlach is one of the most unique places to visit no matter what time of year it is. If you’ve never heard of it, or have not been here, there are actually quite a few fun things to do in Gerlach, Nevada. This quaint community and one of the most interesting small towns in Nevada is definitely worth a visit!

Located two hours north of Reno and on the edge of the famous Black Rock Desert, the small town of Gerlach is home to only 206 people. It's most well-known as "the gateway to Burning Man," but there's much more to this quaint community than that.
Patrick Nouhailler/Flickr
The majority of Gerlach's visitors are on their way to adventures in the Black Rock Desert. Encompassing more than 300,000 acres, the desert is full of recreational opportunities. A stop at Gerlach is inevitable on your way to the desert, but you certainly won't be disappointed that you had to visit this unique place.
It's apparent Gerlach is unlike any other town as soon as you arrive.
Ken Lund/Flickr
Their slogan is "Attitude Good. Population Wanted." Their welcome sign reads "Center of the Known Universe." It's obvious the town contains an interesting character to say the least!
It's undeniable that Burning Man has affected Gerlach in various ways. Residents of the town are torn on the issue. Some welcome the festival every year, and others despise it.
Sebastian Lange/Flickr
On one hand, the festival brings a much needed economic boom to the small town every year. It's the main source of revenue for the few businesses that remain in the town. On the other hand, more and more "hippies" are choosing Gerlach as a place to settle down in Nevada even after the festival subsides which has caused some friction among long-time residents.
The town has become a unique mix of an eclectic art community and blue collar workers who have lived in Gerlach for generations.
Ken Lund/Flickr
If you can't make it to Burning Man, "Guru Road" is located just a couple miles outside of town. The stretch of road contains dozens of bizarre sculptures from local artists. The gathering of sculptures is almost like a miniature Burning Man.

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The road is truly a hidden gem in the middle of the desert. Even if your definition of "art" doesn't fit with the accumulation of sculptures, you have to admit these things are fascinating to look at.
Ken Lund/Flickr
Some even consider Guru Road a spiritual place where one can hang out for hours and reflect. The bizarre sight of the art amid the stark desert landscape is definitely worth the drive.
Gerlach, Nevada is a quiet town, but that's what makes it such a great place to visit. It may be quiet but by no means is it boring.
Ken Lund/Flickr
It's easy to see why 20 or so people call this place home. The atmosphere is so peaceful and takes you far away from the hustle of big city life. The town has even been nationally recognized as one of the darkest towns in the country, meaning the night skies here are absolutely breathtaking. With little artificial light to disturb the dark skies, Gerlach is a paradise for stargazers and astronomers.
Bruno's Country Club is the main business in town. It has many sides to it, including a casino, restaurant, bar, and motel.
Ken Lund/Flickr
It's a local favorite for a reason (not just because it's one of the few places to grab a bite in town). The place is reminiscent of an Old West-style saloon. You absolutely have to stop by and enjoy some homestyle food here. At Bruno's, you truly get a taste of the rural West.
Gerlach may look like just a place to stop and eat or sleep on your way to something else...
Ken Lund/Flickr
...but you'll soon see the charms of this community that make it so unique. There's definitely something a little wacky about this place, but that's what makes a visit here so memorable.

Have you ever been to Gerlach? How about any other weird towns in Nevada? If so, which were your favorites? We’d love to read about your experience in the comments section below!

One of the most incredible wonders in the world is located in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert.

If you’re still in the mood for more Nevada adventures, take a look at this video about the Valley of Fire Drive:

 

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More to Explore

More Adventures in Nevada

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | March 19, 2023

Where can we find other small towns in Nevada?

  • Winnemucca, which is named after a 19th-century Native American from the Paiute tribe, is where you’ll find the Buckaroo Hall of Fame & Heritage Museum.
  • Gardnerville became a big draw for Basque people from Spain in the early 1900s and many Basque restaurants can still be found there today.
  • Caliente, founded in 1901, is named after the nearby hot springs that people visited for their perceived healing powers.

Read on to learn about some of the other charming small towns in Nevada.

Where can we go for a weekend getaway in Nevada?

  • The Resort on Charleston Peak in Mt. Charleston in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest is great for folks who love skiing and hiking.
  • New Washoe City offers lots of things to do including camping, hiking, water sports, and more at Washoe Lake State Park.
  • Great Basin National Park offers a wide array of recreational activities including hiking, underground caves, camping, and skiing.

Read on to learn about some of the other great places to go for a weekend getaway in Nevada.

Where can we find annual festivals in Nevada?

  • The Amazing Las Vegas Comic Con event draws superhero, villain, and comic book character fans from all over the country.
  • The Pahrump Social Powwow in the town of the same name celebrates the celebrate Native American traditions of the Paiute and Western Shoshone tribes.
  • The Best Dam Barbecue Challenge in Boulder City attracts scores of barbecue teams that compete for a spot at the famous Jack Daniels World Championship Invitational.

Read on to learn about some of the other exciting annual festivals in Nevada.

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Gerlach, NV 89412, USA