From ignored roadside sights to quirky museums and rare natural wonders, Local Hidden Gems will highlight some of the distinctive and surprising features that contribute to America’s allure. We aim to focus on charm, astonishment, and joy.
White Pine County in Nevada lies well off the usual tourist path. It takes a solid day’s journey from Las Vegas, Reno, or Salt Lake City along what Life Magazine once referred to as “the loneliest road in America.”
This remoteness is what makes it a fantastic destination for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors, with towering mountain ranges, clear night skies ideal for stargazing, and an unexpected packed schedule of events for a county with a mere 9,000 residents.
The city of Ely serves as the starting point for the Northern Nevada Railway, offering visitors not just a train ride, but also the opportunity to operate the locomotive or spend a week as a track crew member during Railroad Reality Week. Additionally, Ely marks the end point for the Silver State Classic Challenge, an official 90-mile open-road race recognized by Guinness as the fastest in the world, where racers can reach speeds over 200 mph. (Interested in joining? Anyone with a vehicle averaging at least 95 mph can participate, though there are a few safety stipulations.)
Speed also plays a crucial role in several other notable events hosted in town, including the Fears, Tears, and Beers Enduro Mountain Bike Race in June, the White Pine County Fair and Horse Races in August, and the Race the Rails competition where trains face off against mountain bikes in September.
Ely itself is a delightful destination and serves as a perfect base for regional exploration. The town, which houses about 4,000 residents, features attractions like the historic Hotel Nevada, the nostalgic soda fountain at Economy Drug, and the quirky appeal of the Jailhouse Motel & Casino’s Cell Block restaurant, where meals are enjoyed in booths behind bars.
Located about an hour away from Ely, Great Basin National Park is one of the nation’s most undervalued national parks. The park features stunning mountain landscapes, the oldest known living trees, and a diverse ecosystem filled with unique plants and animals. Visitors can enjoy striking views both above and below the ground—recognized by Dark Sky International, the park is among the top locations for stargazing in the country, and the fascinating two-mile Lehman Caves system has captivated visitors for thousands of years. The park offers hiking trails suitable for all types of hikers, from novices to experts, and campgrounds that accommodate backpackers, tent campers, and RV enthusiasts alike.
