When you arrive you will notice that Elko is a community rich in history and laced with character. There are so many things to see and do.

You could begin indoors at our award-winning museums and galleries or head outdoors to one of our many parks.

As evening falls you might want to try your luck at one of the local casinos, better known for their live entertainment and fine dining.

In the morning jump in the car and take a scenic tour around Elko County and take in nature's beauty or visit a modern gold mine. Speaking of gold mines be sure to visit one or all of the ghost towns that turn of the century mining left behind.

If you are looking for a slice of the real west you should consider staying at one of the area's guest ranches.

Whatever you are looking for Elko is sure to provide you with a wide range of attractions.

MUSEUMS & GALLERIES

NORTHEASTERN NEVADA MUSEUM

1515 Idaho Street
775.738.3418
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Saturday
1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday

Features exhibits on natural and regional history of northeastern Nevada. Including mining, ranching, firearms, the California Trail, railroads, and the lifestyle and basketry of the Paiute and Shoshone Indians.

Outdoor displays include an 1860s Pony Express cabin and stagecoach. In the 18,000-square-foot Wanamaker Wing there are more than 200 full-size, mounted animals from the all over the world, all shown in their natural environment. The art gallery features portfolios by Ansel Adams and Edward Weston, permanent art displays, Western art and rotating installations. Check out the museum store for unique Nevada gifts made by local artists. They also have extensive research and photo archives available to the public.

SHERMAN STATION

1405 Idaho Street, Elko
775.738.7135

The Sherman Station Ranch House and five outbuildings are located at the corner of 14th and Idaho Streets. Bavarian emigrant Valentine Walther, built the log structures between 1880 and 1903.

Built in 1908, the 100-year-old ranch house and former stagecoach stop is the newest of the buildings. The two-story structure is made of two-foot thick limber pine logs and at the time was the largest log cabin in Nevada.

In 1998, Sherman Station and the other four wooden structures were relocated to Elko from a Huntington Valley ranch about 60 miles south of Elko. It is now the headquarters of the Elko Chamber of Commerce and is the Visitors and Information Center for the Elko area.

The living/dining room of the house is a gift shop with souvenirs and is staffed with a full-time information specialist. Free tourism brochures and relocation information are available throughout.

The parlor holds a small museum of antiques and Walther family artifacts. The Chamber utilized the remaining house, even though the public is invited to tour the facility. Guided group tours and self-guided historical pictorial tours are offered to visitors.

The stable, the oldest structure, dates back to 1880. Future plans call for an exhibit to include a former Nevada governor's carriage and barbed wire collection.

The blacksmith's shop houses a permanent static exhibit and includes a forge and blacksmith tools.

The fifth building, a one-room schoolhouse, was converted into a display with artifacts from the turn of the century.

WESTERN FOLKLIFE CENTER

501 Railroad St., Elko
775.738.7508

Located in the historic Pioneer Hotel, the Western Folklife Center is dedicated to the preservation and presentation of the traditional cultures of the American West. Folklife Center activities include concerts and performances, exhibits, workshops, adult and youth educational programs, and the world renowned National Cowboy Poetry Gathering. Exhibits at the Center include a newly produced state-of-the-art video presentation on cowboy music and raching culture.

PARKS & POOLS

For a town of its size, Elko has several parks for many activities including horseshoes, basketball, tennis, soccer, football and baseball. Most have large grassy areas for kids to run and play.