We’re not opposed to a Nevada road trip, even if it's one that takes close to four hours on a dark, desert highway. So pack your bags and check your tires. The timing is perfect for a road trip to Ely and one of the most serene national parks in the country.
🛌 Getting Settled
You’ll need a home base, so book a room at the historic Hotel Nevada (once the tallest building in the state and a retreat for Hollywood’s elite), the delightfully quirky Prospector (with a pet-friendly casino), or something more contemporary like the Holiday Inn Express. Outside of town, the Stargazer Inn is a charming boutique experience closer to the great outdoors. No matter where you stay, you’ll enjoy the timeless Old West feel of the surrounding mountain community.
🎰 Downtown Ely
Make sure to visit Renaissance Village, a hillside collection of cabins that housed immigrant miners that’s now an open-air museum. You’ll discover more history at the Central Theater, which dates back to 1940 and still shows movies. Then again, there’s always Stardust Ranch for a drink (and perhaps something more) in the town’s cheeky Red Light District.
😋 Finding Food
While roaming the streets of Ely, have a ribeye behind bars at The Cell Block steakhouse inside the Jailhouse Casino, an Italian meal with the locals at Mr. Gino’s, or comfort food (with the occasional Basque touch) at Racks Bar & Grill.
⛰️ Great Basin National Park
Give yourself (at least) a full day to enjoy Great Basin National Park southeast of Ely. It’s one of the least visited national parks in the country, adding up to a calm, relaxing experience without overwhelming crowds. Book an underground tour in the Lehman Caves and enjoy the high elevation of hiking trails with views of alpine lakes and Wheeler Peak, the second-tallest mountain in Nevada. You’ll also see ancient bristlecone pines, among the oldest trees in the world.
- The bristlecone pine is one of two official state trees of Nevada. [Hey Las Vegas ✍️]
✨ Spectacular Stargazing
The areas in and around Ely are prime locations for stargazing. Don't feel bad if you missed the recent Perseid meteor shower. The Great Basin Astronomy Festival is coming up September 5-7 at Great Basin National Park. There will be presentations, exhibits, observatory tours, and next-level stargazing at the park’s Astronomy Amphitheater. (And don’t fret — the Perseids will return next year.)
🌵Ward Charcoal Ovens
While smaller than Great Basin National Park, Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park is a fascinating outdoor destination for fishing, hiking, and exploring six towering charcoal ovens. Each one has a distinctive beehive shape. They were built during the mining boom, but abandoned and according to legend, used as hideouts for Wild West bandits.
🚂 Trains at the Nevada Railroad Museum
Back in the heart of Ely, the Nevada Railroad Museum is a historic, actively operating train depot. Travel back in time while exploring the rail yard and hop onboard a vintage coal-fired train for a 14-mile excursion that explores the mining areas and rolling hills surrounding Ely. Daily rides last about 90 minutes with a choice of open-air seating or coach. However, a variety of themed, special-event, and holiday rides take place throughout the season.
- City Cast Las Vegas explores the differences between Las Vegas and Ely and how both are distinctly different, uniquely Las Vegas towns. [City Cast Las Vegas 🎧]
