The Cultural Traveler
Ely, Nevada is where the world met and became one. People of all nationalities descended upon White Pine County to support the copper mining operations at a time when the United States was becoming electrified. It was Ely copper that stretched across the country. The heritage of being a crossroads of culture is celebrated throughout the community in its 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 tells the story of a person’s 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 native people, all are welcome to the cultural experience of the year, the Ely Shoshone Tribe’s Annual Pow Wow in July. There are many other cultural events on the calendar like the White Pine Fair and Horse Races, the oldest horse races in Nevada, or Arts in the Park, 2 days of local makers and artisans. The stunning landscape is an ever-present inspiration to artists and musicians. Local art is on display year-round at the Ely Art Bank and Garnet Mercantile located in historic downtown Ely and music fills the air at the the Summer Concert Series in Broadbent Park.
