A Four-Season Mountain Town
Sitting at Nevada’s eastern edge of the “Loneliest Road in America,” Ely is a remote mountain town where history, art and outdoor adventure thrive. Ely was founded in the 1870s as a stagecoach stop and trading post called Murray Station, but it would become one of the country’s major copper mining regions.
The Nevada Northern Railway arrived in 1906 . Now, this well preserved short-line railway draws visitors from all over the world to ride on its queens of steam and historic diesel engines.Murals, art galleries and a sculpture garden decorate the historic downtown. Rugged mountains rise up in all directions with amazing year-round recreation opportunities in places like Great Basin National Park, Cave Lake State Park, Ward Charcoal Ovens State Park and Ward Mountain Recreation Area.
Featured Event
Fire & Ice Winter Arts and Athletics Festival
Jan. 17-19, 2025
The Fire and Ice Winter Festival is a celebration of all the White Pine County has to offer during the winter months. The community-wide festival features multiple events throughout the area for people of all ages. Locations include Nevada Northern Railway, Downtown businesses, Ward Mtn Recreation Area. Bring the entire family down for activities around sports, arts, food and drink, tournaments, live music and more!
Suggested Itineraries
Outdoors
The open spaces surrounding Ely are not lacking in ways to connect with nature. Our mountains offer too many adventures to fit into one trip. Here are some suggestions to make the most of your next visit.
History
Immerse yourself into Ely’s rich history. Each experience gives you a deeper connection to the town, its people and its significance to the state of Nevada and our country. Take a step back in time.
Arts & Culture
There is art everywhere in Ely. It’s hard not to be inspired by this much natural beauty. Here are some must-see art stops and events that celebrate our artistic and cultural heritage.