Other Destinations and Attractions in Nevada

Lake Tahoe is a wonderful lake set high in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The lake is a Mecca for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy swimming, sailing, diving, and fishing. The water is crystal clear and has sandy beaches in areas surrounded by hills of pine trees. The higher altitude allows for a cooler climate than some of the surrounding areas making it a pleasant destination in summer.

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is located only 27 km / 19mi from the famous Las Vegas "Strip". This wonderful area boasts of stunning geological sights including the namesake red rocks. The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area boasts of hiking trails that take the casual visitor to some amazing sights. Other activities within the park include horseback riding, camping, mountain biking, and 4WD trails.

The Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge, located near the city of Alamo, about an hour and a half drive from Las Vegas. The refuge boasts of numerous spring-fed marshes that are home to migratory and resident bird species. Camping, hiking, hunting, fishing along with many other recreational opportunities are available to the visitor at Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge.

If you feel the need to get back to nature after all the glam and glitz of Las Vegas, Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge is just the place. Located 144-km / 90mi northwest of Las Vegas in the Amargosa Valley, the refuge is a wonderful place to see local flora and fauna. Bird watching, swimming, and hiking are just a few of the options at the refuge, check in at the visitor's kiosk for more options.

Travelers interested in unusual sights should head to the ghost town of Austin. Here visitors will find an assortment of abandoned buildings left behind when the silver mines were exhausted in the late 19th Century. At one time Austin had over 10,000 residents; today that number has dwindled down to about 200. Several hours can easily be passed just wandering the town site and thinking about the way life used to be in this location over a century and half ago.

The relocating residents of Argenta founded the town of Battle Mountain in 1870. This small town has a population of just fewer than 3000 people and some of the local businesses have been in operation for well over 100 years. The town gained notoriety in 2001 when Washington Post Magazine declared it the "Armpit of America". Since then, the town has had an annual "Armpit Festival" not surprisingly supported by Old Spice.

The Trail of 49ers Interpretive Center is closed.

Fancy a game of golf while in Nevada? The Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course is just the place. Located along the shores of Lake Tahoe, this spectacular golf course challenges the skill sets of the golfer while providing an overload of scenery. The golf course opened in 1968 and was created by acclaimed designer George Fazio.

The city of Fernley was established in 1904 and has grown rapidly over the years and is now home to almost 20,000 residents. Fernley is located in the extreme northwest of Nevada, approximately 48km / 30mi from the Reno / Sparks area in the high desert region. If you order an item for Amazon.com, it will be shipped from Fernley.

The Wigwam Restaurant Museum is located in Fernley and is a unique attraction. Not only can you get a decent meal, you can also tour the museum that features Native American artifacts on display.

The interesting Floyd Lamb State Park is located 16km/10mi north of Las Vegas. This day-use only park was once a watering hole for Native Americans and later on, a dude ranch. Today it is a pleasant spot for a picnic or a little fishing. There four small lakes, a walking trail, grills, and restrooms.

The name, Berlin Ichthyosaur State Park may be hard to pronounce, but don't let that deter you from visiting, especially if you are into dinosaurs and near Gabbs. At the park is found North America's best concentration and collection of Ichthyosaur fossils. Also in the park is the preserved turn of the century mining town of Berlin and the Diana Mine. Camping is available and picnic sites are provided. Note that the park is at 2333 m / 7000 ft and may be closed in the winter.

The Thunder Mountain Monument is located near Imlay. Perhaps one of Nevada's most unusual attractions, the Thunder Mountain Monument is a testament to one man's unique take on art. Visitors will find a large number of very unusual structures, all of which were created by Frank Van Zant starting in 1968. The Thunder Mountain Monument has fallen slightly into disrepair since the suicide of Van Zant in 1989.

The town of Jackpot is located in the far northeast of Nevada on the border with Idaho. The small town exists primarily as a gaming destination for the residents of Idaho, where gambling is illegal. For a town of 1500, Jackpot has six large hotel resorts including Barton's Club 93, Cactus Pete's Resort, Covered Wagon Hotel, Four Jacks Hotel, Horseshu Hotel, and the West Star Hotel.

Located not far from Las Vegas, the Lee Canyon Recreation Area makes for an excellent day trip from the city. This is a good place to escape the fast pace of the city and relax in nature. Visitors gain significant elevation and are treated to excellent views out to Mount Charleston. Numerous hiking and biking trails dot the area and are easily accessed from the main highway. A ski hill operates in Lee Canyon Recreation Area in the winter months.

The very small town of Rachel has the distinction of being the town closest to the famed Area 51 military installation. The town owes its livelihood to the supposed presence of UFO's flying around Area 51. Rachel has limited services including accommodation, food, & beverages, but note that no gasoline is available here.

The Research Center has closed.

Rye Patch State Recreation Area is a great spot to get out and enjoy the wilderness. Located 35 km / 22mi from Lovelock, Rye Patch State Recreation Area boasts of a multitude of recreational opportunities. Some of the options include camping, hiking, biking, water sports, and fishing for walleye, crappie, perch and bass.

The small town of Wells is located halfway between Elko and Wendover, and has a population of just over 1000. The main attraction in Wells is the 49er's interpretive center.