There are many wonderful Nevada small towns, most of which are loaded with local history. From abandoned gold-rush-era ghost towns to bustling little cities, there is so much to explore and discover. Among these is Winnemucca, Nevada, a historic small town in Nevada with some fun and interesting claims to fame.

Though incorporated as a city, Winnemucca is still very much a small town, with just over 8,500 residents.
Finetooth, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Founded in Northern Nevada in the 1800s, this town takes its name from Chief Winnemucca of the Northern Paiute tribe that originally inhabited this area.
There is much to enjoy in Winnemucca but perhaps the most enchanting thing about this town is its people, which has led to it being called the “Friendliest Town in Nevada.”
Mark Miller Photos/Photodisc via Getty Images
In town, you can see wonderfully preserved historic buildings full of character. The beautiful Winnemucca State Bank and Trust Company building has storybook charm and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
NoeHill, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
There is a legend that on September 19, 1900, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, the gang also known as the "Wild Bunch," robbed another bank building - the First National Bank of Winnemucca - of over $32,000 in gold coins. Butch Cassidy’s involvement in the bank robbery was never proven but lends a bit of fun history to this place.
Stop by the Convention venue and Visitor Center building, recognizable by the large colorful mural on the outside wall. The Winnemucca Visitor Center is home to the local Chamber of Commerce, wildlife and mineral exhibits, and the unique Buckaroo Hall of Fame.
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Northern Nevada has strong roots in Basque culture, and every year, Winnemucca hosts a Basque Festival to honor the heritage of Basque immigrants who worked as sheepherders in the region during the middle of the 19th century.
Ken Lund, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
The festival is a celebration full of traditional music, storytelling, dancing, and food, not to mention Nevada’s famous Picon Punch.
Winnemucca serves as the county seat of Humboldt County and is home to this historic courthouse.
Ken Lund/Flickr
This lovely brick building was the Winnemucca Main Post Office, built in 1921, and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Ken Lund/Flickr
A visit to the Humboldt Museum is a must during your day in Winnemucca. The museum tells stories of the amazing history of this place, from Ice Age fossils to cultural artifacts from the American Indian, Chinese, and Basque populations to the “Art Nouveau” period, and much more that will heighten your appreciation for this historic town.
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In addition to the modern brick museum building, property includes an old church (which became the original museum), an 1880s store known as the Greinstein Building and an 1899 home, the Richardson-Saunders House.
Winnemucca’s gorgeous mountain backdrop is even more stunning in winter.
Ken Lund/Flickr

A day trip to the little city of Winnemucca, Nevada, is one you will not regret. Have you spent any time here? What is the most interesting thing about this town to you? We would love to hear from you. You may also enjoy reading about these other Nevada small towns with great downtown areas.

The Heart And Soul Of Nevada Is The Small Towns And These 6 Have The Best Downtown Areas

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More to Explore

Nevada Small Towns

Chris Muras | February 05, 2024

What are some of the best small towns in Nevada?
From thriving small towns to abandoned ghost towns, Nevada has some very interesting little-known towns to visit and explore. Here are a few of the best small towns in Nevada that we think you'll love:

  • Pioche, NV: Because Pioche is 180 miles from Las Vegas it has retained its small-town charm without being overrun with tourists. When you visit Pioche, it is like stepping back in time to the Wild West - minus the gunslinging. Many of the buildings were built in the 1800s and early 1900s but have remained in good condition. Some of the iconic businesses that have stood the test of time include the Thompson Opera House, the Million Dollar Courthouse, and Silver Cafe.
  • Fallon, NV: This Old West town was first settled in the 1800s, but wasn't incorporated until 1908. It still has a population of around 9,000 residents. You'll find Fallon about an hour east of Reno, where Highways 95 and 50 meet. If you find yourself in Fallon, make a quick day trip to the Hidden Cave about 15 minutes out of town. It was a burial and storage site in prehistoric times. You should also stop at the Frey Ranch Farmers + Distillery, a fifth-generation establishment that produces some mighty fine whiskey.
  • Hazen, NV: Sometimes the best small towns in Nevada don't have many, or any, (living) residents. This true Wild West town was established in 1903. In 1908 Hazen nearly burned to the ground. In its day, Haven was a rough place to live with armed robberies, wild brothels, and more than a few murders. Even though it had a rough history the town never truly died - there are still a handful of ranchers that call Haven home to this day. If you love old abandoned towns, a trip to Haven would be like stepping into a ghost town with nothing but a few old buildings and tumbleweed silently rolling along.

One thing Nevada has a lot of is these old abandoned towns. Many of them are believed to be haunted. If you are ready for an interesting adventure, hop in an RV and head out on this Nevada ghost town road trip.

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Winnemucca, NV 89445, USA