Historic Attractions in White Pine County

No trip to Ely would be complete without an excursion ride on the “Best Preserved Short Line Railroad” in the U.S. The site is listed on the United States National Register of Historical Places and as a National Historic Landmark District. The Northern Nevada Railway Museum encompasses 56 acres and is home to 70 buildings and structures; you can either take a self-guided tour around the facility or if you prefer a guided tour. Plan on at least four hours to experience both the excursion and to explore the museum grounds.

Next stop is the White Pine Public Museum home of the “Cave Bear”! You will find artifacts and exhibits from the early inhabitants of the Great Basin, the Shoshone Indians, early settlers, prospectors, and herders.

Step back in time to a Rip Van Winkle like museum; The McGill Drug Store Museum is a time capsule. Even though it closed in 1979, as you look around, you will notice that some of the products date as far back as the 1950’s. Of even greater importance is the fact that every business record, every invoice, and every prescription filled, as far back as 1915 have been maintained.

The history of diversity in White Pine County can be seen at the Ely Renaissance Village where 9 shotgun houses, a miner’s cabin and freight barn have been restored. Seven of the houses have been themed after a different ethnic background that helped shape the community. French, English, Asian, Greek, Slovakian, Italian and Spanish décor can be found. Some are complete with family photos and newspaper clippings. No turn of the century western settlement would be complete without a miner’s cabin, a General Store, and of course a freight barn. The ninth house is an artist studio.

The Village is open is open from the third weekend in May through the third weekend in September, Friday and Saturdays 10 am to 4 pm. Other arrangements to tour the village may be accommodated please contact us.