Things to Do in Nevada
If you’ve never been to Nevada, here are some things to do. Explore Las Vegas, Reno, Great Basin National Park, and the Valley of Fire to understand the state. If you’re not into casinos, you can take a nature trail or hike in the state’s parks. In addition to these, Nevada is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. There are countless other places to explore in Nevada, too.
Las Vegas
If you’re looking for unique things to do in Nevada, consider going to the Great Basin National Park. Located in the heart of the state, this park is home to the 5,000-year-old bristlecone pines that have captivated the imagination of many a writer. Nevada is also home to 600 or more ghost towns. Nevada has more historic mining camps than actual populated cities.
The Smith Center for the Performing Arts is one such cultural attraction. The arts district is a central hub for art and culture in southern Nevada. It’s an eclectic mix of businesses and cultural attractions, combining the best of Las Vegas with an edge of the West Coast. Neonopolis is another place worth visiting for kids, with its three miles of neon lights crisscrossing a single open courtyard. The museum offers many hands-on activities and exhibits for visitors to experience.
The state is home to several natural wonders. While Las Vegas is its largest city, the state is a beautiful destination for outdoor activities. Nevada’s national parks and recreation areas offer great terrain for hiking, cycling, fishing, skiing, and other activities. There are many museums and attractions to see and explore, including the Hoover Dam and the Fremont Street Experience. Even the traditional cowboy culture is alive in Nevada. Besides the casinos, it’s home to beautiful waterfalls, mountains, lakes, and other scenic landscapes.
Reno
When visiting Nevada, you can choose from a variety of things to do. While Las Vegas is a popular destination, the state is also home to scenic drives, waterfalls, historic sites, arts and entertainment, and top-notch restaurants. You can also spend the day on a road trip, which will lead to numerous bucket-list adventures. Road trips to Nevada include a visit to the Great Basin National Park, the Loneliest Road in America, and a visit to the cowboy culture. If you want a real taste of the western life, you can even stop by the roadside hot springs in Elko.
If you have children, you can take them on a ride on a rail bike through the historic downtown district. The museum features railroad artifacts, and you can also view scenic vistas of the Carson Range and Pine Nut Mountains. Families can also participate in various year-round activities, including a visit to the Children’s Museum of Northern Nevada, which features fun activities for kids. While there, don’t miss the chance to visit the iconic Hoover Dam.
Another attraction you can check out during your stay in Nevada is the Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park, which is about 170 miles from Reno. This park features many historic sites, including a giant dinosaur sculpture and a mine that produced an estimated million dollars of silver. Visitors will also enjoy the unique collections at the Nevada Museum of Art. You can even tour a brewery while enjoying the sights. And there are plenty of places to shop, from antique stores to gourmet restaurants and boutiques.
Great Basin National Park
The Great Basin National Park is the perfect spot for a family vacation near the Utah border in eastern Nevada. The park contains most of the South Snake mountains and ancient bristlecone pine groves. The Marble Lehman Caves feature striking stalactites and other formations. Bighorn sheep, elk, and other wildlife are also found here. While visiting Great Basin National Park, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, including bighorn sheep, and stay out of the sun.
The Great Basin is an enormous area that covers much of Nevada and parts of four neighboring states. The topography is basin and range, with broad valleys framed by tall mountains and swaths of high desert carved by meandering streams. This region has been home to many different human cultures. Some of the earliest inhabitants of the Great Basin were Paleolithic groups that lived in small family groups, subsisting on hunting and gathering. The region was inhabited by Shoshone and Paiute tribes until the 14th century.
A visit to Great Basin National Park in Nevada will allow you to experience the unique beauty of the desert. Not to be confused with the nearby Big Basin State Park, the park is located in eastern Nevada, near the Utah border. Visitors typically enter the park via Nevada State Route 488, which connects to U.S. Routes 50 and 6.
Valley of Fire
If you’re looking for something to do in Nevada that is a change of scenery, make a detour to the Valley of Fire State Park. The park is located just 50 miles from downtown Las Vegas. It’s easy to reach by car, and driving here takes about 45 minutes to an hour. Upon reaching the park, you can enjoy the natural beauty and age-old rock formations that are the park’s hallmark.
The wildlife in the Valley of Fire State Park is diverse. From reptiles to larger mammals, this park is home to many types of desert animals. Some of these creatures can be observed on the Valley of Fire scenic drive, but others may require a little more effort. You can spot a desert tortoise and a group of Bighorn Sheep. In addition to snakes, you may also spot kit foxes, iguanas, and coyotes.
While driving through the park, stop at Elephant Rock, a natural sandstone formation. This rock, nicknamed “Elephant Rock,” is an excellent photo opportunity. Located on the east end of the park, Elephant Rock has an elephantine shape that is visible from the road. Hiking trails surround the rock, allowing you to enjoy the desert landscape. While the landscape is stunning, exploring it on foot is best.
Burning Man Festival
The annual Burning Man Festival takes place in the Nevada desert each year and is dedicated to the principles of community, art, self-expression and self-reliance. This festival celebrates the diversity of people by bringing them together in a common purpose. Visitors are free to be who they are and to express themselves. There is no right or wrong way to participate, and there is no set dress code. Here are some tips to help you enjoy the event!
The first Burning Man festival occurred in 1990 on a playa in the Black Rock Desert, 110 miles from Reno. The event’s organizers, Kevin Evans and John Law wanted to create a situationist, dadaist environment that would inspire creative expression. Participants were encouraged to make sculptures to burn and to perform self-directed performance art. The Cacophony Society, a collective of artists and musicians, was founded by Law, a defining figure in the Burning Man movement.
In addition to the art and music, the festival is famous for its art car culture. The “art cars” are giant, pimped-up vehicles with sound systems and free drinks. One visitor even danced on a bus called “Dancesaurus” – a replica of the iconic vehicle. Another popular art car featured polar bears inhabited by off-duty models in white. It’s a unique way to experience Burning Man!
Lake Mead
The Hoover Dam formed the massive Lake Mead, a huge reservoir that sits between Arizona and Nevada. Just 24 miles east of Las Vegas, Lake Mead is the largest reservoir in the US. The dam’s main goal is to keep the Colorado River from drying up. The lake is home to many animals, including fish. Despite its name, Lake Mead is not an aquarium – it is the largest reservoir in the US by water capacity.
The Lake Mead National Recreation Area is home to more than 240 species of birds and other animals. You can even spot desert bighorn sheep in the park and desert iguanas and mountain lions. The park has an extensive history of aboriginal people, and you can view evidence of it on the canyon walls. No matter how you choose to spend your time, you will enjoy Lake Mead in Nevada.
The water supply for Lake Mead comes from precipitation and groundwater, but more than 90 percent comes from the Colorado River, which stretches 1,450 miles through the desert. This year, the Colorado River is experiencing its worst drought in 1,200 years, and Lake Mead will experience the first federally-declared “water shortage” next year, forcing Nevada to cut its water allocation. This will have dire consequences for the region.
Best Sightseeing in Nevada
This state is located in the Western United States. Its borders are Oregon to the northwest, Idaho to the northeast, California to the west, Arizona to the south, and Utah to the east. It is the 7th largest state by area and the 32nd most populous, but it is also one of the least populated states. In addition, Nevada is one of the few Western states to feature the Grand Canyon. There are numerous attractions to see and do in Nevada.
Great Basin National Park
Eastern Nevada is home to some of the most impressive scenery in the country. Great Basin National Park is a prime example. This park is located near the Utah border and includes the South Snake mountain range and most of the Great Basin. Visit the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive to explore ancient bristlecone pine groves. Another highlight is the Marble Lehman Caves, which are known for their distinctive stalactites and other formations. There are many animal species in this area, including bighorn sheep.
The park offers several hiking and biking trails that are accessible by car. The Park Visitor Center and Lehman Caves Visitor Center offer information on the park’s open and closed times. If you don’t feel like taking a hike, you can always drive to the Lehman Caves Visitor Center and explore the underground system. It’s an underground system that’s approximately two to five million years old and features 300 shield formations and two miles of tourable passageways. Many endemic species live in the caves.
Located in eastern Nevada, Great Basin National Park is home to most of the South Snake mountains. Take the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive to see ancient bristlecone pine groves and visit Marble Lehman Caves. There are many beautiful formations in Marble Lehman Cave. You’ll also see bighorn sheep in the park. If you’re looking for a breathtaking view of the Great Basin National Park, it’s worth the trip.
While there are many places to explore in Great Basin National Park, there’s something for everyone. You can spend the day exploring the park or take a guided tour to Lehman Caves. It’s best to allow at least a full day for your trip, but ideally you’ll spend three days exploring the park. During this time, you’ll have ample time to visit Lehman Caves, hike to bristlecone pine forests, and swim in one of the many high mountain lakes.
Valley of Fire State Park
Valley of Fire State Park is located in Las Vegas, Nevada. This small, quiet park is a perfect picnic spot and offers a refreshing escape from the desert heat. Hiking trails and wildlife sightings are abundant. It’s easy to visit on the weekend. You’ll see plenty of desert wildlife and the valley’s natural beauty. However, it may be closed at certain times because of global health and safety concerns.
If you’re traveling by car, Valley of Fire State Park is just an hour’s drive from downtown Las Vegas. Although it draws about a quarter of a million visitors yearly, the park still retains a sense of remoteness. It’s not far from the city but still remote enough to be a relaxing getaway. To get the most out of your visit, go in cooler weather, as the park gets quite hot in the summer.
Located an hour’s drive from Las Vegas, Valley of Fire State Park has been the home to prehistoric civilizations since 300 BCE. Basket Maker people and Anasazi Pueblo farmers left their mark on the rocks with petroglyphs. These are scattered throughout Valley of Fire State Park, but Atlatl Rock and Petroglyph Canyon are two of the best places to see them.
Visitors can stay in a campground and camp out at Valley of Fire State Park, which is just 45 miles away from Vegas. You can access the park by taking Interstate 15 north, exit 75, and traveling to Valley of Fire E/Lake Mead. A day use fee of $10 per vehicle is required. The park is open to the public from sunrise to sunset, although the campgrounds are open 24 hours. Dogs are welcome, and leashed dogs are allowed on all trails.
Lake Tahoe
The Lake Tahoe area offers an abundance of activities. Visitors can hike, go rafting, or take a scenic boat ride. Hiking is a popular activity in the area. Hiking enthusiasts will also find that this area is home to the ghost of one of the original gold miners, Richard Barter. By the year 1916, the gold mines in the area were closed. Today, the lake is home to several different kinds of wildlife, including moose.
Another option for visitors to see the area is to go jet skiing or parasailing. These activities are a fun way to see Lake Tahoe from a different angle. If you’re scared of heights, you can also choose to go jet skiing. There are several companies that rent jet skis in Lake Tahoe. Jet skis can reach up to 60 miles per hour and are a great way to experience the area while avoiding the high-speed boat tours.
Visitors can hike or bike on the Lake Tahoe Rim Trail along the way to the lake. Hiking along the trail provides breathtaking views of the lake, which is especially impressive from above. Hiking along the trail provides a spectacular view of the lake, with its tropical-looking water hues and sandy bottom. Hikers can choose to walk the four-mile loop or take a guided hike with park rangers.
When is the best time to visit Lake Tahoe? The lake is stunning in the morning and at sunset. The water reflects the colorful sky above. If you’re looking for total solitude, consider visiting the lake early in the morning. Before the crowds hit the shoreline, sunrise is the best time to see the lake and its surroundings. Sunsets, on the other hand, tend to be more crowded.
Circus Circus Las Vegas
If you’re looking for cheap hotel rooms in Las Vegas, consider staying at the Circus-Circus. Despite the name, the Circus is an adult-only resort. You’ll find shopping, dining, and entertainment here. The 123-foot neon jester will make you smile. Prices are reasonable, and the Circus also offers affordable rooms and meals. But be aware that the Circus does charge a lot in hidden fees and taxes.
While the Casino is still the main attraction at the Circus, the entertainment center has many other attractions to entertain the whole family. The Adventuredome, a five-acre amusement park, offers rides for kids and adults alike. The ESC Game Theater offers a social gaming experience with surround sound, theatrical special effects, and high-definition graphics. Guests can also enjoy 200 classic arcade games on the Midway. Every morning, you can also catch free circus performances.
You can play carnival and video games in the Arcade throughout the day. The “be a clown” booth will let you become a clown for the day. And on weekends, you can watch free clown shows. Aside from clown shows, the Midway also features live performances from jugglers and aerialists. The Flying Poemas is another unique attraction at the Circus.
The fifth-largest hotel in the world is also home to the Adventuredome, America’s largest indoor theme park. In the promenade, you can purchase souvenirs from the past. You can also have a photo taken at the Buffalo Old Time Photo Co. You can also indulge in gourmet popcorn and ice cream. It’s all about fun. And what’s better than winning big?
Virginia City
There are many reasons to visit Virginia City. The Way It Was Museum, the Washoe Club Haunted Museum, and the Comstock Firemen’s Memorial are all worthwhile stops. At night, the historic town comes to life as passionate guides lead thrilling ghost tours through the city. One of the most haunted spots in Virginia City is the Mackay Mansion, which once belonged to one of the four Bonanza Kings. In fact, John William Mackay became the richest man in America during the California Gold Rush.
The historic Fourth Ward School Museum and Archives house some of the best exhibits about the history of Virginia City. The State Fireman’s Museum also has vintage cars and original firefighting gear. You can also check out the Way It Was Museum for some fascinating artifacts. You can also visit the St. Mary’s Art Center, a former hospital turned gallery, and the County Museum for its photo-rich exhibits.
Known as a frontier boom town, Virginia City sits on the eastern slopes of the Virginia range and is the most accessible city in the region. At 6,200 feet, the town is a stunningly beautiful place and caters to many tourists each year. The town has a historic district with more than sixty historic buildings – some original, some reconstructed, and many converted into commercial use.
The historic town of Virginia City is home to the Virginia and Truckee Railroad. It was once connected to Reno and Carson City, and was the only short line in the United States. The Virginia and Truckee Railroad still operates and reaches Gold Hill and Carson City. The train has a heritage diesel locomotive that tops out at 25 miles per hour, so it’s not too long for families to enjoy a scenic ride.
Top 5 Places to Visit in Nevada
One of the least-visited national parks in the country is Great Basin National Park, which is home to the second-tallest mountain in Nevada, Wheeler Peak. You can hike the Alpine Lakes Loop Trail, which passes two alpine lakes and offers killer views of Wheeler Peak. But if you want to see the great outdoors after dark, head to Lehman Caves, which are awe-inspiring caves filled with stalactites and other sinister rock formations.
Hoover Dam
The Hoover Dam is a concrete arch-gravity dam located in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River, which separates Arizona from Nevada. It was constructed between 1931 and 1936 during the Great Depression and dedicated on September 30, 1935, by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Located on the border of Arizona and Nevada, Hoover Dam is a great tourist attraction that should not be missed while visiting the state. Here, you can see the dam in all its glory, enjoy the fantastic views, and get a sense of the state’s history.
There are many things to do near Hoover Dam. The Nevada Southern Railroad Museum features historic train models, and a 7-mile heritage railroad ride is available. Mountain biking enthusiasts can take advantage of the Bootleg Canyon Park, which features cross-country and downhill trails and scenic lookout points over Lake Mead. There are plenty of activities and attractions to keep the whole family entertained in Boulder City. If you have a car, you can also rent a bike and take a scenic drive along one of the nearby dirt roads.
The Hoover Dam can be reached by car or by chartered tours. The dam is located on the border of two states, so you can either drive across it or take a shuttle to reach the other side. The more remote parking lot is free, while the closer lot is fee-based. Regardless of which one you choose, be sure to bring plenty of water with you. As the desert heat is high in the summer, visitors should make sure they bring water and other snacks to keep cool. If you’re planning a day trip to Hoover Dam, consider renting a car in Las Vegas. It can be cheaper to rent a car from a non-airport location, and many of the large resorts have a car rental counter.
Valley of Fire State Park
Hikers will find the Valley of Fire State Park a beautiful place to explore. Hiking trails, photography spots, and geological wonders are all available for hiking in the state park. If you are planning a hike, you should begin early in the morning so that you can drink lots of water. The best times to visit the state park are during the spring and fall, when temperatures are more moderate. The park is open from sunrise to sunset.
The aptly named “Rainbow Vista” is another of the park’s highlights. The sandstone is etched with a rainbow of colors. A scenic drive along the park’s road leads to this stunning site. Take time to hike along the nearby trails and enjoy the view of the sandstone formations. Once you’ve finished exploring the park, you can take a break at the park’s visitor center, where you can refill your water or grab a snack.
A short drive from the Las Vegas Strip, Valley of Fire State Park is a geological wonderland. Known as a National Natural Landmark, the park opened in 1934. The park contains structures from millions of years ago that glow in the afternoon sun. Its geological wonders make it a must-see place for anyone visiting Nevada. Visiting Valley of Fire State Park will allow you to witness the sandstone’s beauty up close and personal.
Accessible from the east or west entrance of Las Vegas, Valley of Fire is a great place to visit for hiking, biking, and scenic driving. The drive is easy to navigate and is accessible via I-15 north. There’s a fee to enter the National Recreation Area, so be sure to consider that before driving through the Valley. It’s about a half-hour drive from Las Vegas via I-15. The park is open daily, except on Christmas Day.
Lehman Caves
To learn more about the geology and history of the caves, take a tour with a ranger. You’ll learn about their formation, their geology, and their ecology. A visit to Lehman Caves is a must for all naturalists. Numerous guided tours are available, including the eco-tour, which covers various topics. Tour guides are very knowledgeable and can help you plan a great tour.
In 1881, Absalom Lehman’s daughter Laura discovered the cave while leaving her family’s ranch. After the family lost their beloved Olive to tuberculosis, Lehman told Laura about the cave near the ranch. The natives had warned Laura not to go inside the cave, as it was a sacred burial place for the dead. A stalactite he brought to Laura later proved to be an exciting find, and Laura told Laura of her discovery.
The main cave at Lehman Caves is only accessible by guided tour. The Lodge Room tour lasts about 60 minutes, but it’s not the most extensive tour. The Grand Palace tour is 0.6 miles long and is best for families with young children. Tours are limited to 20 people, so make sure you book your tickets in advance. A minimum age of five is required for the tour. You’ll also need to bring your own flashlight.
To explore Lehman Caves, visit Great Basin National Park. In 1922, it was designated a national monument. In 1986, it was expanded into a national park. You can learn about the caves and its history through the Lehman Caves Virtual lecture series, sponsored by the Nevada Humanities. Lehman Caves offers a unique chance to learn more about the cave’s natural history and science.
Alpine Lakes Loop Trail
Hiking on the Alpine Lakes Loop Trail will allow you to soak up the fresh air and see the surrounding mountain landscape. This trail is easy to follow, and features a scenic stream. At the end of the trail, you’ll see three alpine lakes. If you’re looking for the most relaxing experience, you might want to try swimming in one of the lakes. The easiest one to swim in is Winnemucca Lake.
The Bristlecone-Glacier Trail leads to an impressive tree stand that predates the Roman Empire. You’ll also find a glacial cirque at the base of Wheeler Peak, the highest mountain in Nevada. Combine the two trails for the ultimate adventure. The Alpine Lakes Loop Trail is 4.6 miles round trip, with a moderate pace. You’ll pass Stella and Teresa Lakes on your way.
The Alpine Lakes Loop Trail begins at the Bristlecone Parking Area near Wheeler Peak Campground. The trail begins by crossing a creek, and continues up through a wooded valley. The trail then passes two alpine lakes. Stella Lake offers views of Wheeler Peak and Jeff Davis Peak. You’ll also pass through an aspen grove on the west bank. In early August, you’ll be able to spot butterflies and other wildlife on this trail.
The next section of the Alpine Lakes Loop Trail leads to the mountaintop. It begins at 6,825 feet and descends to Theresa Lake. The trail follows an icy-cold creek, with numerous logs spanning the creek. This 2.7 mile trail is moderately difficult and will take you about 15-30 minutes. The Alpine Lakes Loop Trail is an excellent choice for hikers seeking the best of the Great Basin.
Black Rock Desert
In northern Nevada, the high-desert landscape is home to several wilderness areas. The Black Rock Desert–High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area is managed by the Bureau of Land Management and contains 10 Wilderness Areas. This desert has a rich history that traces its formation to the early 19th century. Listed below are some of the places to visit in the area. All of them are worth a visit.
In the early 19th century, the Black Rock – High-Rock area was inhabited by European-American emigrants. Many prospectors believed that they had discovered James Hardin’s lost silver deposit. As a result, they flocked to the region and constructed stamp mills. Unfortunately, no silver materialized, and the eager miners soon moved on to more profitable communities. Today, only a few historic structures remain to remind people of this history.
The Black Rock Desert contains incredible petroglyphs, which are ancient rock carvings. Many are prehistoric and depict creatures such as mammoths, humans, and everyday life. The petroglyphs depict the past in a unique way. These sites have a rich history and are excellent destinations for stargazing. While you’re in the area, be sure to explore the Black Rock Desert National Conservation Area.
The Black Rock Desert has abundant wildlife. Mule deer, antelope, and mountain lions live in this wild area. Mountain lions and coyotes have been observed in the area. Native Americans have inhabited this area for more than 10,000 years. To the north of the Black Rock Range Wilderness area, there are two Indian reservations: Summit Lake and Pyramid Lake. Despite the harsh climate of the desert, the locals live in harmony with nature.
