While many travel to the state seeking the lights and attractions of Las Vegas, there are those who look for the quieter towns in the state. Luckily, Nevada has many to boast! Whether you’re looking for your next relaxing vacation or even a place to call home, these four wonderful small towns will delight you at every turn. They might not have the glamor and fame of Nevada’s largest city, but what they lack in showmanship, they definitely make up for in charm.
Visitors to Lovelock just can’t help but fall in love with the quaint and friendly town. For a population of about 2,000 people, it has plenty of fun things to do and see. Included is good food, community events throughout the year, and rich, local history. Take the Central Pacific Railroad Depot, for example. This 1880 building was once an integral part of the Union Pacific Railroad. Today, visitors to the railroad depot can enjoy a gift shop and more at this restored landmark.
Central to the town of Lovelock is its iconic roundhouse Pershing County Courthouse built in 1919. There, visitors will find the Lovers Lock Plaza where they can join in the tradition of placing a locked key along the others. The town is so fond of this loving custom that many businesses sell locks just for the occasion.
Gardnerville is a Nevada town that is oozes charm and a simple life. Feel yourself ease into the mountain scenery and hospitality of Gardnerville. The population is about 6,000 and the town sits near the state line with California. Not far from the town is another quaint town called Minden, where a seven-minute drive will lead you to the Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park, a public park of one of Nevada’s oldest ranches.
If relaxing while shopping and eating sounds like a fine way to spend an afternoon to you (and who would disagree?!), then you’ll enjoy downtown Gardnerville. Not only will you find a fine selection of local restaurants, but you won’t want to miss out on the boutique shopping as well. Visit Cheshire Antiques for two stories of wall-to-wall antiques. In Gardnerville, you never know what treasures you will find!
Lamoille, Nevada is known for its picturesque outdoor beauty. Nestled near the stunning Ruby Mountain range, people travel from far and wide to explore this rural town’s natural scenery. You’ll find Lamoille in the northern half of the state, heading west. The beautiful Lamoille Valley was first settled in 1865. Today, the striking Lamoille Presbyterian Church welcomes those visiting the tiny community. Stop in to gaze in wonder at the historic 1905 church and take in the wonders of Lamoille as well.
A visit to Lamoille just wouldn’t be complete without a hike through the Lamoille Canyon. It is the largest canyon you’ll find within the Ruby Mountains and offers stunning mountain vistas any time during the year. You may enjoy the canyon by car by driving the 12-mile scenic byway.
No list of small, charming towns in Nevada would be complete without Genoa. Growing in popularity due to its quaint and peaceful lifestyle, the town still holds a small population of less than a thousand residents. Visit for the tranquil Carson River Valley and the historic landmarks, which are plenty. Genoa was founded in 1851, and a sense of yesteryear can be felt even in modern times.
If there’s one place you visit while in town, make it the Mormon Station State Historic Park. Located on the town’s Main Street, the relaxing, open green space was the first settlement in the entire state! See the museum and rest in the shade of the park to truly appreciate the uniqueness of Genoa, Nevada.
Those lucky enough to have visited these four wonderfully charming small towns in Nevada know that they are just part of what makes the silver state so special.
