Battle Mountain
Surrounded by boundless scenery and soaring mountain ranges, Battle Mountain is perched along a perfect stretch of Interstate 80 – between Winnemucca and Elko – for diving into the Silver State’s beckoning backcountry. Pair outdoor adventure with tasty eats, retro neon, and must-attend special events in this community that’s all but guaranteed to inspire lifelong memories and future visits.
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Gateway to Nevada’s Outback
Small Town Charm and Backcountry Bliss
Thousands of acres of public land. Endless outdoor recreation opportunities. Some of the darkest skies in the nation. We’re barely scratching the surface of what’s waiting for you in Battle Mountain. Often regarded as the gateway to Nevada’s outback, this is the place to be for getting off the grid and into hiking, biking, off-roading, fishing, and hunting trips. Say buh-bye to the big city for a weekend (or more) and treat yourself to a slice of the simpler life, complete with rich history, hearty chow, and events that push the limits of human-powered speed.
Region
Northern
So, Where is Battle Mountain?
Battle Mountain Nevada is smack dab in the middle of the Cowboy Corridor, the Silver State’s stretch of Interstate 80 that goes from Reno to West Wendover. More specifically, Battle Mountain is between Winnemucca and Elko, in Lander County. You may be tempted to set your I-80 speedometer for cruising right through Nevada, but trust us – when you see a Cowboy Corridor town, slow down. Few routes brim with western culture and heritage like this one does, and you’ll discover lively festivals, museums, ghost towns, and more just down those offramps.
Travel Nevada Pro Tip
Battle Mountain History
Northern Paiute and Shoshone peoples were the earliest to call the Battle Mountain area home, along with 1820s fur trappers and those following the Emigrant Trail from 1845 onward. Copper was discovered in 1866, which led to the creation of the Battle Mountain Mining District and a Central Pacific Railroad station, and massive gold mining operations still take place here today.
The Battle Mountain Cookhouse Museum does a much better job telling the region’s stories than we ever could, so make sure this local history gem makes its way onto your itinerary. Housed in an authentic 1920s ranch cookhouse, you’ll find American Indian artifacts, ranching relics (like saddles, formal clothing, and an impressive Stetson hat collection), antique cameras, old copper stills, and more. The Cookhouse Museum also hosts traveling cultural exhibits, educational programs, and local artists’ displays. Our advice? Give yourself at least an hour to fully take in this arts and culture hub.
Things to Do in Battle Mountain
Get ready to blast off, because Battle Mountain is your launch pad for all kinds of incredible outdoor adventures in the region. Those thousands of acres of public land are home to the Reese and Humboldt Rivers, making the sights extra scenic. Hunters enjoy the chase for mule deer, pronghorn antelope, and chukar in the Battle Mountain area, while fishers can reel in yellow perch and both brook and rainbow trout at the Willow Creek Pond.
Mill Creek Recreation Area is popular for birdwatching, hiking, and camping, while Lewis Canyon is regarded as a desert oasis – visitors will find themselves under a canopy of trees and adjacent to a lovely stream while picnicking, hiking, or wildlife spotting. For a wheely good time, the Copper Basin Mountain Bike Trail delivers a trio of trails with varieties of steep climbs and fast, technical descents through rocky ridges, sagebrush-covered canyons, and historic mining areas. Pack the dirt bikes and ATVs for the Shoshone OHV Trail, 60 miles of fun with peaks nearing 8,000 feet.
Battle Mountain Restaurants
When you’re ready to refuel, the restaurants in Battle Mountain will make sure you leave full and happy. Owl Club Casino & Restaurant serves up all your classic American diner favorites (like their Bad A** Brisket Melt, Broaster chicken, and buckaroo skillets) for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and the old-school neon adorning the building is absolutely must-see.
The HideAway Restaurant & Bar can cater to any appetite, too, whipping up meatless and vegetarian options in addition to prime rib tacos, soup-filled bread bowls, and lobster surf and turf. If it’s fajitas, tostadas, enchiladas, and sopapillas you’re craving, El Aguila Real can’t be beat. Mama’s Pizza & Deli makes homemade pan-style pizzas and legendary cheese sticks, plus hot and cold sandwiches. And for a sweet or caffeinated treat, beeline it to Bakker’s Brew for espresso, frappes, smoothies, ice cream, and quick bites.
Places to Stay in Battle Mountain
Comfortable, convenient, and budget friendly, Battle Mountain’s lodging options are the optimal place to rest your head a day or night on the town. Amenities like free parking, complimentary breakfast, and included high-speed wifi are part of the package at the Owl Motel, Big Chief Motel, and Rodeway Inn & Suites. Pets are allowed at the Big Chief and Rodeway Inn, too, along with the Super 8 by Wyndham Battle Mountain, which also boasts a pool, tennis court, and fitness center.
Events in Battle Mountain
Wanna take your Battle Mountain getaway to the next level? Visit during one of their signature special events. Held annually every September, the World Human Powered Speed Challenge is unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. Teams from around the globe race the fastest bicycles in existence attempting to break the human-powered land speed record (currently 89.59 mph). Attendees can see the bikes up close and meet the riders, or even drag race themselves against the world’s fastest.
Chukar chasers won’t want to miss the Chukar Tournament & Feed that happens every first weekend in November. Hunters travel from as far away as Alaska, South Carolina, and Canada for it, and the organizers don’t skimp on the prizes (or the delicious food). Keep your calendar handy for January’s Basque Festival and April’s Lincoln Highway Car Show, too.
#TravelNevada
Let’s see those Battle Mountain beauties. Snap shots of all the adventures you get into in Nevada’s outback and tag ‘em with #TravelNevada so we can come along for the ride.
