Location: Elko
Top Things to do in Elko
- 1. California Trail Historic Interpretive Center
- 2. Northeastern Nevada Museum
- 3. Humboldt National Forest
- 4. Western Folklife Center
- 5. J.M. Capriola Co
- 6. Sherman Station Visitor's Center
- 7. Good Time Charlee's
- 8. Rolling Rock Gallery
- 9. Elko Cinema 6
- 10. Wild Horse Reservoir State Recreation Area
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The 10 Best Things to Do in Elko, United States
Elko brings the drama of the high desert to vivid reality with its unspoiled nature, its breathtaking vistas on the rugged beauty of the Ruby Mountains and its rich Western history. Whether hiking the rocky trails, taking a chance at one of the casinos, visiting one of the museums or taking a tour to see firsthand one of the area’s many Gold Rush ghost towns, visitors have no shortage of activities to choose from.
Restaurants in Elko
1. California Trail Historic Interpretive Center
Overall Ratings
5 based on 207 reviews
Get hands-on with Western history at the California Trail Interpretive Center, where visitors can immerse themselves in the experiences of emigrants and Native Americans during the United States' period of Western Expansion. Programs and live demonstrations every day: the calendar is on our website. Fun and educational for all ages, with hiking trails for the more adventurous sorts!
Reviewed By DZKathrynE - Los Angeles, California
Stopped here in January while on a road trip from Independence, MO to Sacramento, CA following the California Trail. This place is great! The exhibits are well designed and informative while also entertaining for all ages. The building and grounds are well designed to also help tell the stories of the emigrant trails. Stop, get off the interstate, and visit. You'll be glad for the fun break from the drive!
2. Northeastern Nevada Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 104 reviews
Visitors interested in the local and natural history of Nevada will enjoy this attraction, which also offers an art gallery, museum store and free admission.
Reviewed By Joan W - Green Valley, Arizona
I enjoy visiting museums in small towns and this one is outstanding. Out front is a relocated Pony Express Station from 1860 and a lovely garden. Inside there are exhibits on many subjects including, ranching, mining, Native Americans, Basque, Chinatown, the Spring Creek Mastodon found just six miles from Elko, and the railroad to name a few. There is an extensive collection of guns. In the Wanamaker Wildlife Wing there are over 300 animals from around the world. There is a mountain peak with animals from North America. I found it interesting to see all the different mountain sheep found in the Rockies in one place. Upstairs is a wonderful art display which includes signed work by Ansel Adams and first cover editions signed by Will James, an author and artist who wrote books for children and adults on the American West and life of the cowboy and did all his own illustrations.
There is a great gift shop which sells James' books along with many other books, jewelry by local artists, and unique souvenirs. The museum is next door to a city park which has a rose garden, playground equipment, picnic area and Sherman Station, which is a Visitor Center with several historic buildings and exhibits. Across the street is a restaurant which serves American and Basque food. There is so much to see in the museum and nearby that I spent about four hours here (I did not want to miss anything) including my lunch at the Basque restaurant. There is a nominal entrance fee at the museum.
3. Humboldt National Forest
Overall Ratings
5 based on 42 reviews
Located in north-central Nevada, this national preserve spans more than two million acres and offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, horseback riding, camping and backpacking.
Reviewed By Daniel J - Castro Valley, California
We spent the morning driving and walking trails in Lamoille Canyon. Access to the canyon is free, although picnic areas require a fee. The area is dog-friendly and dogs must be kept on lead.
I highly recommend the 1/2 mile long "changing canyon trail" that goes through a small grove of Aspen and passes by what is identified as an abandoned beaver dam and lodge. The beaver dam was holding a lot of water and appeared to me to be in great shape, so I have no idea as to how long it has been abandoned.
4. Western Folklife Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 52 reviews
This center focuses on contemporary folk art, cowboy gear and serves as the headquarters for the Cowboy Poetry Gathering.
Reviewed By Gemma'smum - California
We usually visit during the Gathering but it is well worth the visit regardless. Staff are welcoming and salon is so fun. The gift shop is really nice and the small exhibit is fun especially if you find a volunteer. Parking is plentiful and Several good lunch places nearby.
5. J.M. Capriola Co
Overall Ratings
5 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By JerryQuill - Ammon, Idaho
They've been making saddles and other leather goods for over a 100 years along with spurs and other items. Best place to buy your cowboy stuff.
6. Sherman Station Visitor's Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By mini - Fremont, California
We went to the Sherman Station Visito Center to get some information for our trip. Staff was very helpful.
Its also a nice place to visit. There is several historic buildings to visit such as the blacksmith shop, the schoolhouse, the cook house, the livery stable, historic wagons and more.
Its free to visit. The visitor center is next to a park.
7. Good Time Charlee's
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By melndaklimes - Twin Falls, Idaho
Very friendly and welcoming! It is a very popular place for the locals. The karaoke was very unbiased and we enjoyed ourselves.
8. Rolling Rock Gallery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Rolling Rock Gallery has unique gifts for those off all ages, including prospecting supplies, science kits, home decor,art, and toys. We are also the only rock shop in the area.
Reviewed By MemoryInvestments
I got a few things for my children and granddaughter. A lot of unique items. well lit on the inside but easy to miss when walking by.
9. Elko Cinema 6
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By mini - Fremont, California
We were traveling and spent the night at Elko. Elko Cinema 6 is a wonderful place to see recent releases. The staff is very good here. We had popcorn - the price was reasonable for a movie theater. There is parking right by the movie theater. Seating is the standard movie seats (not the newer recliner) but the seats were comfortable enough to watch the movie.
10. Wild Horse Reservoir State Recreation Area
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By CrankingChick - Tucson, Arizona
This park is a natural area for outdoor activities at Wild Horse Reservoir. While it is named after the wild horses that live in the area, ranching activities have restricted their movements to the Owyhee Desert west of the park. The landscape is high desert with sagebrush and few trees. Some of the surrounding mountains are more than 8000' high and are lovely reflected in the placid waters of the reservoir. It's a remote area so a good quiet place to "get away from it all", though there may noise from traffic on NV225 and fellow campers. The park is popular for camping, fishing, hiking, and viewing wildlife and wildflowers. Amenities include a campground, picnic area, beach, visitor center, restrooms, and a couple of short trails. There is a $7 entrance fee and additional charges for boat launch and camping. It's open year-round but winters are harsh and the lake freezes. Note that pets must be leashed and OHV use is restricted to established roads used to enter and exit the park only.
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