10 Underrated Nevada Towns That Deserve A Second Look
By Natalie Faulk
|
Published October 24, 2017
When you hear “Nevada,” admit it, you probably immediately think of Las Vegas, Reno, Carson City, and Lake Tahoe. However, the Silver State is chock-full of many smaller towns that are exceptionally quaint, charming, historical, and intriguing. Here are ten underrated Nevada towns truly worthy of a second look.
1. Eureka
This seat of Eureka County is, probably, the
most underrated of all of Nevada's small towns. Its rich history can be explored through the Eureka Opera House, Raine's Market and Wildlife Museum, the Eureka Sentinel Museum, and the historic Jackson House Hotel.
2. Rachel
With a population of just 50 (humans...not sure about any aliens), Rachel is the closest you'll ever get to the infamous Area 51. While here, check out the Little A'Le'Inn, the black mailbox (that is actually white), and take a drive up
Tikaboo Peak for the best (legal) view of Area 51.
3. Caliente
Caliente is a town surrounded by incredible natural beauty. The town is home to Kershaw-Ryan State Park that has miles and miles of scenic hiking trails, picnic and camping areas, and makes a great place to see wild horses. The Spanish architecture of the converted train station is also truly beautiful. If you haven't been, be sure to place Caliente on your Nevada bucket list.
4. Minden
This adorable small town in Douglas County has been used in several movies. With spectacular natural beauty and rich railroad history, Minden is, truly, an underrated town.
5. Gardnerville
Right next door to Minden,
Gardnerville attracts artists and photographers, antique hunters, and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
6. Pioche
This living ghost town is the seat of Lincoln County and has quite the bloody and disturbing
history. Regardless, today, Pioche is a quaint underrated town you should visit.
7. Beatty
Perhaps Beatty's greatest claim to fame is the abandoned Angel's Ladies Brothel and plane wreck; however, there is so much more this town has to offer. Its location is quite close to the ghost town of
Rhyolite, the Goldwell Open Air Museum, and
Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Repository.
8. Battle Mountain
The seat of Lander County, Battle Mountain is a quintessential mining town with a rich gold mining history. In 2001, the Washington Post Sunday Magazine labeled Battle Mountain "the armpit of America," and the townsfolk embraced this "honor" with an Old Spice-sponsored Festival of the Pit (that has since been replaced with a Bluegrass Festival.) Battle Mountain has a wide array of outdoor activities, and bicycling is quite popular with the town sponsoring an annual race.
9. Pahrump
Located one hour west of Las Vegas and one hour east of Death Valley National Park, Pahrump epitomizes the Nevada desert. In fact, this hideaway attracts hikers, mountain bikers, rock climbers, and off-roaders of all skill levels. Add wonderful restaurants, accommodations, and casinos, and you have the best of the southern Nevada desert.
10. Winnemucca
The only incorporated city and the seat of Humboldt County, Winnemucca (named for a Paiute chief) is full of fun activities and interesting places to visit like the Humboldt County Courthouse (pictured), the Humboldt Museum, and the Lazy P Adventure Farm.
How many of these underrated Nevada towns have you visited? Which is/are your favorite(s)? Did I leave one of your favorite underrated Nevada towns off this list? Please comment below.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Related Articles