Welcome To Ely, Nevada
Want to elevate your vacation? Make it an Ely-vated weekend.
Sitting on the eastern edge of “Nevada’s Loneliest Highway,” Ely is a remote mountain town of 4,000 where history, art, and outdoor adventure run deep. Ely, Nevada has always been a destination since road tripping became part of American culture. Ely sits perfectly at the confluence of 3 highways connecting them to most major cities in the west within 4 to 6 hrs. It is Highway 50 though, the Lincoln Highway, also known as the “Loneliest Road In America” that should be on every road tripper’s bucket list. Preserved in time but certainly not sleepy, Ely is known as a four-season mountain town with a deep connection to American history, an appreciation for arts and culture, major events, and the best outdoor recreation in the state. Ely’s importance as a rail town during the 1900s is showcased on the Nevada Northern Railway, which offers a twisty ride in an open-air car through the mountains of the Egan Range. This National Historic landmark stands as one of the last operating steam locomotives of its kind, originally built to transport copper from nearby mines.
It’s this firm grounding in successful mining that played a major role in 20th century immigrants setting their sights on Ely and the American dream. Ely, Nevada came to be known as “Where the World Met and Became One.” People of all nationalities descended upon White Pine County at a time when the United States as a whole was becoming electrified. It was Ely copper that stretched across the country, connecting people like never before. The heritage of being a cultural crossroads is celebrated throughout the community in public art, museums, art galleries, and events. We honor our past by continuing to write history. Ely was the first community in Nevada to use murals as an economic development tool and today you can experience over 35 pieces of public art that tell the story of a person or culture’s contribution to our community. More exhibits are on display showcasing mining, ranching, and railroad history at 5 museums: The White Pine Public Museum, The McGill Drugstore, The Ely Renaissance Village, The East Ely Depot, and the Nevada Northern Railway National Historic Landmark. To experience the culture of the Great Basin’s native people, all are welcome to the most cultural event of the year, the Ely Shoshone Tribe’s Annual Pow Wow in July. There are many other cultural events on the calendar, including two that happen in August: the oldest horse races in Nevada – the White Pine Fair and Horse Races – and two days of local makers and artisans at Arts in the Park.
Don’t forget the stunning vistas and valleys that span every view. Ely, Nevada has more outdoor adventure than one trip can handle. Surrounded by some of the most gorgeous mountains and open spaces in the west, adventure is in our veins. Pioneers, Pony Express Riders, Prospectors, and Pilgrims have been coming to White Pine County seeking the thrill of adventure and the chance of riches since our discovery.
In the nearby Great Basin National Park, travelers have the chance to descend into the depths of the Lehman Cave system to explore a series of limestone and marble caverns full of huge stalagmites and other wild rock formations. The park is also home to the snow-capped Wheeler Peak which, at 13,000 feet, is the second-tallest mountain in Nevada. Here you can hike dozens of trails or take a scenic drive up to 10,000 feet for sweeping views of the Great Basin. Explore ghost towns and ruins like Hamilton, Belmont Mill, and the Ward Charcoal Ovens. Hunt for unique gems at Garnet Hill. All sites accessible from your ATV/OHV, bicycle, or trekked on foot, but only if you’re willing to get a little out there.
If your idea of nature therapy is getting up into the mountains and exploring new diverse terrain, then White Pine County is the place for you. Snowcapped mountains make way for spring wildflowers, migrating birds, and native wildlife. A nature lover’s paradise, White Pine County has some of the most unspoiled landscapes in the west and we work hard to keep it that way.
Outdoor adventures don’t end once the sun sets. Immerse yourself in nature day or night. Stargazers have gathered for centuries under our most stellar of Nevada skies. With some of the darkest night views in the country, White Pine County is your front row seat to the universe. To watch the night explode with stars and to soak in the depth of the Milky Way, simply step outside and look up.
Ely, Nevada is not short in things to do. Much like the metallic ore buried in our mountains, we are rich in events, culture, history, and one-of-a-kind outdoors. Waiting for you to discover and enjoy, visit White Pine County and make new memories mile after mile.