1. When You Wish: The Star Hotel and Basque Restaurant, Elko
Photos: Nevada Commission on Tourism
Anyone who has ever been to Elko will tell you the same thing: you have to eat at The Star. Originally built as a boardinghouse for Basque sheep-herders in 1910, it has since become one of the most historic hotels and restaurants in Nevada. This now legendary restaurant serves huge portions in a rich and colorful Basque atmosphere. The rich Spanish décor adds colour to the vibrant desert landscape, while the food gives the hotel some fabulous flavor. Don't forget to bring your appetite though – the Basque Restaurant doesn't know how to serve dainty portions.
2. Native Treasures: The Lost City Museum, Overton
The Lost Museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the ancient artifacts and exhibits of the Anasazi culture. The artifacts were found at the Pueblo Grande De Nevada archeological site, which has since been cut off by the water reserves of the Hoover Dam. The museum also showcases recreations of pueblo housing and irrigation systems so that travellers can understand and celebrate the culture of Nevada's natives.
3. Mighty Mammoth: The Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas
What's a trip to Nevada without at least one little pit-stop in Las Vegas? However, if the casinos and theme parks get tired, there’s always the Nevada State Museum. This small museum, which is nestled in the heart of Las Vegas, features displays of Nevada state fossil, an ichthyosaur, as well as a full scale Columbian Mammoth.
4. Slurp And Stomp: Pahrump Valley Winery
If Nevada's arid heat is causing you to work up a thirst, a visit to Pahrump Valley Winery should be on the cards. Only a short drive from Las Vegas, this desert oasis offers tours and tastings, as well as lunch or dinner its vineyard restaurant. To relieve any pent-up stress, get involved in the wine-making process and stomp on the juice from grapes.
5. Full Steam Ahead: Nevada Northern Railway, Ely
The Nevada Northern Railway isn't your typical museum; it's a working restoration shop. There are no clean floors and glass cases to be found here – instead you’ll see old trains being reassembled, cared for and returned to working order for passengers to ride on. The big highlight is a ride on the working diesel and steam trains.
6. Home On The Range: Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park, Minden
The Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park started its days as a humble log cabin built by German immigrant Heinrich Friedrich Dangberg in the Carson Valley. However, it soon it grew to be a home to his wife and their five children. Dangberg prospered from his home through his success as a rancher, businessman and politician. Today, the Dangberg Land and Livestock Company owns over 20,000 hectares of ranchland and farmland – and Heinrich’s humble log cabin has been turned into a historic site.
What's your favourite place in Nevada?
Comment below!