Off the Beaten Path in Nevada
Of course, when you think of Nevada the first thing you’ll probably think of is Las Vegas, or Reno. But what can you do when you’re done trying your luck at a cards table and want to get out of the city for a bit?
Nevada ghost towns across the state were mostly born from the old mining and milling days of the past. Many still offer bed & breakfasts, saloons, and of course a look into the past.
Eldorado Canyon
You could make a whole trip out of visiting El Dorado Canyon and the town of Nelson and all the history it holds. About 45 minutes from Las Vegas, Nelson is easily the most famous ghost town in the state.
The Techatticup Mine is the oldest and richest mine in Southern Nevada, churning out gold, silver, and cooper, and can be toured by visitors year round.
Nelson knows that many people want to show off their trips with Instagram-worthy photos.
There are plenty of props placed around the town so people can take quirky and fun vacation pictures, like a crashed plane in the desert! In order to keep the town running for years to come, there is a photo shoot permit visitors must purchase.
But don’t worry, the $10 is well worth the photos you will take!
Fish Lake Valley and Dyer
At the California-Nevada border, on the side of White Mountain’s Boundary Peak, is two towns tied together in history. Fish Lake Valley began to fall into disarray and time.
Descendants of the original settlers did not want to see their history go to dusk, so they used materials from the original buildings and settlement to construct the Fish Lake Valley Heritage Center.
These buildings have been restored in one location that allows visitors to walk around and see how life was lived, as well as see donated artifacts from grandchildren and beyond of the original settlers.
When you’re done exploring the heritage summer, grab a snack and fill your gas tank in Dyer.
Delamar
At its peak, Delamar was out producing the rest of Nevada’s gold mines in the late 19th century. Less than a decade after gold was originally found, the town had churches, shops, saloons, and even an opera house! Unfortunately, a fire in 1900 destroyed most of the town.
And as quickly as the town rose to riches, by 1909 the mining efforts shut down and thus started the town’s slow decline into obscurity.
Visitors today can explore the many stone structures that have been able to remain standing for the last century. Due to the nature of mining back in the day, visitors are discouraged from visiting the mines due to old explosives, poor air quality, and cave-ins.
While ghost towns may not be the first reason you chose to head to Nevada, it is always good to take a break from the Vegas Strip and get out and see new things. Make sure you are hydrated, have a tank full of gas, and get out there and explore!
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