Discover the charming countryside of Nevada by traveling down U.S. 93, or the Great Basin Highway! Seeped in history and picturesque Nevada scenery, this rural road trip will take you to mountain backdrops and stunning landscapes. So, pack your camera and love of travel for this road trip to some of the best rural hidden gems in Nevada.

This road trip will take you on a relaxing and intriguing adventure to some of the most wonderful hidden gems in rural Nevada!
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Feel free to click here to customize your country road trip route!

1. Your country road trip begins with none other than a famous cowboy sighting! Gaze upon one of the biggest cowboys around – Wendover Will Neon Cowboy! This 63-foot-tall neon cowboy was first built for the Stateline Casino in 1952. Today, this friendly fella is a town legend.

Wendover Will Neon Cowboy, West Wendover, NV 89883, USA
Google/Johann Kroll
Wendover Will is hard to miss! Head over to exit 410 off of Interstate 80. You’ll find him waiting on Wendover Boulevard in West Wendover, Nevada. This is one of the best hidden gems in Nevada.

2. It’s always a good idea to start any road trip on a full stomach. While in West Wendover, stop in for freshly baked delights at Dorado Bakery! Choose from Mexican favorites, including delicious tortas!

Dorado Bakery, 860 Alpine St, West Wendover, NV 89883, USA
Google/Christina Dorado
Find Dorado Bakery on Alpine Street in West Wendover, Nevada.

3. From West Wendover, take in the Nevada countryside scenery as you travel along US-93.

tripadvisor/michelf207
You’ll head towards Cave Valley until you reach the town of Ely, Nevada. There, be prepared to stop at one of the most fascinating recreation areas in the state!
Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park, Ely, NV 89315, USA
tripadvisor/Mike O
Known as Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park, visitors can see beehive-shaped ovens used during the 1800s for mining. Tour the ovens to discover how stagecoach bandits used them as hideouts! Plan to spend some time here as there’s much more to see and do, including enjoying the surrounding wildlife.

Take a look at this video of Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park by @vegaspbs:

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4. After spending all that time outside, you’ll want to cool off. There’s no sweeter place to be than the Economy Drug & Old Fashioned Fountain. Less than a thirty-minute drive from the Charcoal Ovens, this vintage soda fountain will leave you feeling like you’ve traveled back in time!

Economy Drug & Old Fashioned Fountain, 696 E Aultman St, Ely, NV 89301, USA
Google/Jeremy Howlett
Sit at the counter for a refreshing dessert and browse one of the best toy shops in the area! Find gifts and plenty of items you’ll find useful or fun for your country road trip. This may be the most nostalgic of all Nevada hidden gems.

5. Leaving with a bellyful of happiness, hit the road as you join US-93 South once more. Enjoy country scenery in Pioche, Nevada at the Million Dollar Courthouse. At the time of building, the courthouse was estimated to cost nearly $1 million, giving the building its name.

Million Dollar Courthouse, Pioche, NV 89043, USA
flickr/Ken Lund
Restored in the 1970s, the historic landmark now serves as a museum and timestamp to simpler times. Please contact the Lincoln County Museum for visiting information.

Take a look at this informative video of the Million Dollar Courthouse by @pbsreno:

6. You won’t need to travel far to reach the next fun destination on your country road trip itinerary!

Railroad Depot, 100 Depot Ave # 7, Caliente, NV 89008, USA
google/Mike Johnson
Just thirty minutes from Pioche is a historic railway station that is the home of Caliente’s city hall, library, and art gallery! Wander through this Mission Revival-style two-story building and feel what life might have been like during the early 1900s.
google/Anjenette Lee Nelson
With a backdrop of mountains and wildflowers, visitors find relaxation and ease in this quaint and beautiful country setting. You’re sure to enjoy your time at the Railroad Depot in Caliente, Nevada. Learn more about the Caliente Railroad Depot one of the most historic hidden gems in Nevada.

Take a look at this video of the Caliente Railroad Depot by @weekendescapades:

7. The final stop on your country journey through Nevada is also located in the town of Caliente.

Elgin Schoolhouse State Historic Site, Caliente, NV 89008, USA
google/Jared Tasko
Travel not only back in time – but to school days at Elgin Schoolhouse State Historic Site! Built back in 1922 and operating until 1967, this one-room schoolhouse is the perfect place to unwind and explore country life. See many of the original items used by teachers and students! Please note that this rural location can be reached from a gravel road from US-93. There are no services available this far out, so come prepared. Visit the first Saturday of every month from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. or contact the Kershaw-Ryan State Park to learn more.

Take a relaxing road trip through Nevada’s wonderful countryside and enjoy the state in a whole new way! Discover amazing places and experiences and take the country road less traveled to see some of the best rural hidden gems in Nevada. What are some of your favorite road trip routes in Nevada? Do you have travel tips you’d like to share? Be sure to leave a comment.

Want to see even more Nevada treasures? Take your pick! Here are eight more curated road trips to choose from in Nevada.

Before you hit the road on this or any other road trip through Nevada, check out our Ultimate Road Trip Packing Essentials List for everything you need.

 

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More to Explore

Hidden Gems In Nevada

Melissa M. | December 10, 2023

What are some of the best hidden gems in Nevada?

Aside from those mentioned above, here are a few more hidden gems in Nevada that are worth visiting:

  • The Flamingo Wildlife Habitat is a wildlife park in Paradise, NV.
  • The Lost City Museum in Overton features artifacts from archaeological sites.
  •  Thunder Mountain Monument in Imlay is a fascinating work of art and architecture.
  • The Black Mailbox on Extraterrestrial Highway near Area 51 in Alamo, NV remains a bit of a mystery.

Check out more hidden gems in Nevada.

What are some of the best natural wonders in Nevada?

Among the best natural wonders in Nevada are the following:

  • Kings Canyon Waterfalls in Carson City is a magnificent 25-foot waterfall you can hike to.
  • Fly Geyser in Gerlach is a colorful geyser like nothing you’ve seen before.
  • Mt. Charleston is one of the highest mountains in the state of Nevada and is located close to Las Vegas.
  • Cathedral Gorge State Park has some of the state’s most incredible rock formations.

Check out more natural wonders in Nevada.

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