Every town in Nevada—no matter how big or small—is unique in its own way. However, there’s one town in our state that is one of the most unique in the country for the fact that it shares two states at once. McDermitt, Nevada is a super tiny town located right on the Nevada-Oregon border. Many people don’t even know this little community exists, never mind the fact that it’s located not just in one but two states. It’s well worth a visit if you happen to be in the area for the unique geographical location alone, but the town’s history is also very fascinating and worth checking out. Let’s take a look at a few things to do in McDermitt, Nevada.

Hiding way up at the top of our state in Nevada's vast and remote Cowboy Country is the little town of McDermitt. At first, it may not look like there's much to see in this humble community, but stick around for a bit and you'll quickly understand what makes it so unique.
Ken Lund/Flickr
First of all, McDermitt is one of the few towns in the entire country that shares TWO states at once.
Ken Lund/Flickr
Located right on the state line that separates Nevada and Oregon, the geographic location of this tiny hamlet definitely sets it apart from other Northern Nevada communities.
In fact, the actual state line runs right through a historical landmark in town, called the White Horse Inn. In the past, this old structure was a saloon, hotel, and (rumor has it) a brothel.
Richard Bauer/Flickr
The saloon was located on the Nevada side where gambling was legal, and the rest of the structure is technically in Oregon!

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Today, McDermitt is a quiet community of only 500 or so residents. However, the town's beginnings were less than peaceful.
Richard Bauer/Flickr
Originally called Dugout, McDermitt's early days as a calvary station were plagued with tension between the region's new settlers and the American Indian tribes that were native to the area.
Remnants of McDermitt's past can still be seen even to this day. Located just five miles outside of town is Fort McDermitt.
John Stanton/Wikipedia
The fort was initially built in order to protect the local stagecoach route that stretched from Virginia City to Boise City, Idaho. It was considered the longest active army fort in Nevada, as it remained open for 24 years.
At the end of its service, the fort was turned over to the Indian Service and used as a school for the Fort McDermitt Indian Reservation.
John Stanton/Wikipedia
Amazingly, many of the fort's century-old buildings are still standing. The original main building for the fort along with the jail structure makes for a fantastic insight into the area's history.
At first, McDermitt may seem like just another remote outpost in Nevada's rural Cowboy Country. However, there is a lot more to this place than meets the eye. Once you've visited it, you can even say you've been in two states at once!
Ken Lund/Flickr


One of the things to do in McDermitt, Nevada is rock-hounding. Go on an adventure with Currently Rockhounding to explore the Nevada desert in search of agates, jasper, petrified wood, and even fossils:

Did you know about the unique town of McDermitt, Nevada? What are some of your favorite things to do in McDermitt, Nevada? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below! Check out more one-of-a-kind communities in our state with this list of the 10 most charming towns in Nevada.

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More sights to see in McDermitt, Nevada

Chris Muras | March 22, 2023

What are some things to do in McDermitt, Nevada?

Sometimes with small Nevada towns like McDermitt people often assume there isn't much to do. And while this quiet town is certainly peaceful, there is still plenty to do. Here are a few things to do near McDermitt, Nevada:

  • Rock hunting: Being in the desert you might think all the rocks are the same old dusty brown as the sand you see for miles around. But hunting for unique agates, fossils, and petrified wood is an enjoyable pastime in the desert around McDermitt.
  • McDermitt 4th of July Rodeo: Every year this rodeo kicks off in McDermitt and is a grand celebration of good old-fashioned roping, riding, and wrangling. With events for all age groups, it is just as fun to see the young cowboys and cowgirls showing off their stuff as it is to watch the rough and tough adults. Don't miss the 4th of July Street Dance on the same weekend.
  • Somewhere Out West: This delightful coffee shop in McDermitt, Oregon is a great place to dust off and throw back a shot of espresso or even a nice cold smoothie. You'll also find breakfast items and sandwiches to fuel up before hitting some desert adventures.
  • Trout Creek Mountains: About 40 miles west of McDermitt you'll find the Trout Creek Mountains. With miles and miles of open desert landscapes and vibrant blue skies to admire, this is a great area to enjoy the silence of the Nevada and Oregon desert. If you enjoy desert adventures this is the place for some great climbing, hiking, off-roading, and exploring.

 

If you are looking for more things to do in small-town Nevada, check out this list of towns with the most epic scenery and natural wonders.

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McDermitt, NV 89421, USA