10 Unique Places to Visit in Nevada
When thinking about Nevada, if you’re like most people, you’ll generally think of labels like “weird” or “haunted” when describing its wide variety of destinations. However, us locals tend to prefer referring to our state as “unique”, more than anything.
Don’t get me wrong, we do have some arguably weird things here. Additionally, with our history being intertwined with the pioneer days, wild west, and early mining efforts, we definitely have our fair share of haunted buildings.
In my opinion, though, those myths or beliefs (whatever you want to call them) only add to the overall uniqueness of this state. If you look outside of Las Vegas and Reno, I believe you’d be genuinely surprised at all of what Nevada has to offer (I know I was when I first moved here nearly twenty years ago).
If you’re eyeballing Nevada for your 2025 family travel plans but want to get the true experience, read on to see my recommendations for ten unique places to visit in Nevada. This list is by no means exhaustive, but it’s a great place to start. Let’s get into it!
1) Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park
Located 20 miles up the road from the small town of Gabbs, the abandoned ghost town of Berlin gives visitors a glance of what life was like in Nevada’s gold rush era. Many of the original buildings, including the mill, still remain.
The other awesome feature of the park is the large concentration of Ichthyosaur fossils on display inside the fossil house. The fossils were first discovered in 1928 and excavations continued until the mid-60’s. All told, 40 near complete fossils were found here.
READ ALSO: “How to Visit Berlin-Ichthyosaur Historic State Park”
2) Wilson Canyon
At first glance, Wilson Canyon may seem like it offers nothing more than a beautiful section of Walker River to gaze at. That couldn’t be further from the truth as the canyon offers hiking, camping, fishing, and motor bike opportunities.
Wilson Canyon can be found roughly 12 miles from the town of Yerington. There are plenty of pull outs for you to use and towards the end of the canyon just before and after the bridge are large dirt lots. Coming from Yerington, the left side of the canyon is for hikers while the right side is where you can use your motorbikes and ATV’s.
READ ALSO: “Hiking Wilson Canyon: A Hidden Gem in The Nevada Desert”
3) Fly Geyser
It doesn’t get much more unique than Fly Geyser. Situated right outside the tiny town of Gerlach (near where the annual Burning Man Festival is held), is an ever evolving, sulphuric formation that was initially and accidentally created by humans, but over time has been formed and perfected by nature.
Currently, Fly Geyser is only accessibly via a tour with the Friends of Black Rock, a local non-profit. Included in your tour is a visit to historic Fly Ranch, which has numerous art installations from Burning Man on display. You can read more about the tour in the post below.
READ NEXT: “The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Fly Geryser”
4) Pyramid Lake
If you’re an avid fisherman, there’s a good chance you’ve at least heard of Pyramid Lake. Located on Paiute Tribe land, and not very far from Reno and Carson City, this beautiful desert lake is home to some of the best fishing in the state.
If fishing isn’t your thing, then it’s gorgeous landscape, captivating sunsets, and eye-catching geology will leave you wanting to return again and again. Photographers, drone operators, kayakers, history buffs, and more, will love recreating here.
5) Sand Mountain Recreation Area
Just outside of Fallon on the north side of highway 50, a just under 4,800 acre recreation site called, “Sand Mountain”, can be found. It’s not exactly unknown but outside of summer months, you’ll typically be able to visit with minimal to no crowds.
The main activity here is riding ATV’s, dirt bikes, and the like, but you’re also free to explore the area on foot. Photography buffs, can capture great photos during golden hour here.
Sand Mountain is on BLM land and is a designated fee site. Prices are $40 for 1-7 days or you can opt for the annual pass for $90.
6) Rhyolite & Goldwell Open Air Museum
Becoming a boomtown after the discovery of high grade ore in 1905, Rhyolite stood out among the rest of the mining camps of the time. Even attracting the attention and money of Charles M. Schwab in 1907. Despite its success, the town’s quick decline was just as impressive as it’s rise. By 1920, all but 14 people had moved on.
The Goldwell Open Air Museum was established in the 1980’s as a direct result of the increase in tourism at nearby Death Valley. Artist Albert Szukalski created the museum’s most famous sculpture, a ghostly take on the, “The Last Supper”, painting. The museum is located at the southern entrance of the town and is a must see.
7) Tonopah Historic Mining Park
This park located in Tonopah is teething with history and is worth a stop either on your way to Vegas or as a destination on its own. It’s located on the original mining claims that led to the rush in the area.
The park is over 100 acres in size and features portions of the original four major companies that once operated in the area.
Historic and preserved equipment, buildings, exhibits, and more can be found along the self guided tour. If you wish, you could also partake in a tour led by highly knowledgeable guides.
8) Lovelock Cave
While not big and expansive by any means, the cave near the tiny town of Lovelock is both easy to get to and rich in history.
It was once home to Northern Paiute American Indians and during an archaeological dig in 1912, ancient skeletal remains and artifacts were discovered making this cave popular with historians, scientists, and explorers alike.
READ ALSO: How To Visit The Historic Lovelock Cave
9) King’s Canyon Falls
A quick drive outside the city limits of Carson City and a (very) short hike from the parking lot is where you can find this relatively well hidden waterfall. To see it at its best, you’ll want to come during spring. If you’re up to it, scramble up over the falls to see some additional cascades.
READ ALSO: Take An Easy Hike To King’s Canyon Falls in Carson City
10) Dayton State Park
As you can see in the image above, visiting this beautiful park during the fall is a must! The park is rated as one of the top 10 places in the state for fall colors and if you see it for yourself, you’ll no doubt agree. The park makes for an excellent day outing with the family or events such as reunions, birthdays, etc (post covid, of course).
READ ALSO: Visit Dayton State Park and Rock Point Mill
There you have it! Our list of 10 little known places in Nevada that you should visit in 2021. Have you been to any of these or did we leave your favorite off the list? Let us know in the comments below!
Please support this site by sharing this article with your friends & family on Facebook, Pinterest, or any of your favorite social media sites. It truly does help and we appreciate your support!
