genoa nv

Genoa

The town of Genoa—the oldest permanent settlement in Nevada—is a quaint community rich in historical charm. The Genoa Historic District (listed on the National Register of Historic Places) is home to beautiful Victorian buildings that house businesses offering unique gifts, tasty take-away meals perfect for picnics at Mormon Station State Historic Park, and—perhaps most famously—the oldest saloon in the Silver State.

Postcard Perfection at the Edge of the Sierra Nevada

Nevada’s First Settlement

Where is Genoa NV, you wonder? This picturesque town is tucked against the spectacular Carson Range of the Sierra Nevada mountains, just 25 minutes over Kingsbury Grade from South Lake Tahoe and about an hour south of Reno, making it a popular après destination for skiers and beach bums. Genoa, Nevada oozes historic charm with its 1850s ambience, cute little shops, fascinating historical institutions, swanky accommodations, and top-notch food and drink offerings.

Northwestern region Nevada

Region

Northwestern

Average Temperatures

Summer

82°F

28°C

55°F

13°C

Fall

66°F

19°C

44°F

C

Winter

46°F

C

31°F

-1°C

Spring

59°F

15°C

38°F

C

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History of Genoa, Nevada

Genoa was established in 1851 by Mormon traders. The settlement started attracting newcomers after John Reese and his party built a permanent trading post on what had become the Carson Route of the California Trail, providing critical supplies to exhausted travelers before they crossed the Sierra Nevada mountains. Most of Reese’s men were Mormon, leading to the original name “Mormon Station.” 

When Orson Hyde, an elder in the Mormon Church, was sent to Mormon Station (then located in Utah Territory) to set up a government and define the state line between California and Utah Territory, he renamed Mormon Station. He chose the name “Genoa” in 1855 after the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, Genoa, Italy, because he felt that the area had a similar vibe. 

Historic Downtown Genoa
Historic Downtown Genoa
Nevada State Parks
Historic Mormon Station
Historic Mormon Station
Nevada State Parks

Be sure to pay homage to local legend Snowshoe Thompson, who carried mail—back and forth, year-round—over the Sierra Nevada between Placerville and Genoa. A statue of Snowshoe Thompson stands in Mormon Station State Historic Park. Famed American writer Mark Twain also spent time in Genoa in his early years, especially at the nearby hot springs, now David Walley’s Resort.

Although a devastating fire in 1910 wiped out some of the town’s original structures, you can still drink in the town’s rich history at the Genoa Courthouse Museum—home to fascinating displays that tell the story of the town, region, and state—or (more literally) at the 1853-established Genoa Bar & Saloon.

Things to Do in Genoa, NV

It’s easy to fill a day here. Golfers can play a round at Genoa Lakes Golf Club. Hikers can explore an 800-acre wetland ecosystem at River Fork Ranch Preserve (managed by the Nevada Nature Conservancy, or hit up the Genoa Trail System, where 16 miles of trails delight hikers and mountain bikers—including along the popular Sierra Canyon Trail, which connects to the famed Tahoe Rim Trail. All of these activities are good ways to earn a toast to the day’s adventures with cold drinks—and, occasionally, hot tunes—at Genoa Bar & Saloon.

Genoa Lakes Golf Club
River Fork Ranch
mormon station state historic park in genoa nevada
Mormon Station State Historic Park

History buffs enjoy hoofing it around Genoa’s historic buildings—like Genoa Town Hall, Genoa Community Church, and the Genoa Courthouse Museum—and strolling the grounds of Mormon Station State Historic Park. The park features a painstaking reconstruction of the 1851 trading post, the original stockade and wagon shed, a museum with pioneer-era artifacts, a beautiful grassy era with picnic tables and grills, and a reservable group pavilion. 

At the end of the day, follow in the wet footprints of centuries worth of passers-through and treat yourself to a soak in one of David Walley’s Resort’s five mineral-rich, hot spring-fed pools — in the same place that Mark Twain once remarked, post-soak, “I now leave without crutch or cane, entirely well, not only relieved from pain but gained in spirit.”

Travel Nevada Pro Tip

While Genoa was named for the Italian city where Christopher Columbus was born, here in Nevada, we pronounce it “Juh-NO-ah.” Don’t ask us how it got that way; we’re just trying to help you avoid sounding like “that guy!”

Nevada spa experience, David Walleys Resort, Hot Springs, Resort Hot Springs, Shopping and Leisure, Nevada leisure activities
David Walley’s Resort

Genoa, Nevada Food & Drink

Let’s start with the star of this show. Established in 1853, the famous Genoa Bar & Saloon has welcomed its fair share of celebrities, actors, musicians, and even presidents throughout its long history. The authentically old-school saloon is adorned, floor-to-ceiling, with original paintings, photos, and fascinating 19th-century ephemera. You can get just about anything you want from the full bar, but their famous Bloody Marys are always a hit—especially if you show up on a day when a live band is rocking out on the open-air patio.

the pink house restaurant in genoa nevada
The Pink House
genoa bar and saloon
Genoa Bar & Saloon

The Pink House is another Genoa favorite. Choose from hand-forged pizzas, specialty soups and salads, and entrees you won’t find on any other menu. Pair your meal with an extensive cocktail list or a mouthwatering dessert made in house. For steakhouse fare, including prime rib and filet mignon, dine in style at the 1862 Restaurant & Saloon at David Walley’s Resort. The restaurant is also open for breakfast and lunch.

Places to Stay in Genoa

If you’re looking to make a night of it, Genoa NV’s lodging options don’t disappoint. The Genoa Country Inn, situated in the heart of town, has 11 rooms and is a popular weekend getaway destination even for locals. About a block away, the White House Inn Genoa is a relaxing country home with four unique rooms and a resident herd of deer who seem to love posing for pics. 

Meanwhile, just a few minutes south, David Walley’s Resort is an upscale retreat with studio suites to multi-room cabins, two-bedroom villas, and three-bedroom cottages—all on the same property where you’ll find the hearty 1862 Restaurant & Saloon and, of course, the on-site hot springs and pool facilities. 

Genoa Country Inn
White House Inn Genoa

Genoa, Nevada Events

Swing through in late September for the town of Genoa, Nevada’s biggest bash, the Genoa Candy Dance Arts and Crafts Faire. The event started in 1919 when volunteers got together to raise money for streetlights by selling candy at a dance; the practice continued to pay the electric bills for generations. In 1970 a crafts fair was added, and now the Candy Dance Arts and Crafts Faire draws thousands, closing down the streets for an entire weekend.

Genoa Western Heritage Days
Genoa Western Heritage Days
Genoa Candy Dance Arts and Crafts Faire
Genoa Candy Dance Arts & Crafts Faire

Meanwhile, in January, Eagles & Agriculture celebrates Carson Valley’s rich farming and ranching history, while offering tours to spot bald eagles and other birds of prey who descend on the valley during the winter calving season.

And each April, hundreds of revelers flock to the historic district for three days of cowboy poetry, real-deal western music, and family entertainment during Genoa Western Heritage Days.

#TravelNevada

Whether you’re clinking cold ones at Nevada’s oldest “thirst parlor,” soaking in historic hot springs, or otherwise living it up in Genoa, tag your snaps with #TravelNevada so we can follow and share your adventure!

I’m getting into the spirit of the weekend at Genoa Bar & Saloon, Nevada’s Oldest Thirst Parlor. One step inside this classic Genoa landmark takes you right back to the Old West!

#nevadalife #discovernevada #genoanv #spiritofthewest #carsonvalley #historictown
Adventures aren’t always measured by apps and gadgets. Sometimes they arrive in a glass served by a salty barkeep and raised in the company of folks who know better than to order a malbec. Welcome to the oldest, quirkiest, most memorable saloon you’ll ever set foot in, the ideal venue for embellishing a day of exploits in the great outdoors. Carson Valley, life served with a generous twist of raw. 

📍 genoabar 
#WhyCV #CarsonValley #Genoa #GenoaNV #CarsonVallleyNV #thatnevadalife #nevadahistory #happyhour
Located just south of Reno in the Carson Valley, and tucked up against the Eastern Sierra Nevada on US 395 in Nevada, historic Genoa is worth even a brief stopover.

Read more 👉 https://t.co/GcqIgDhJaE

 @travelnevada @carsonvalleynv

 #HistoricGenoa #CarsonValley #US395 https://t.co/Hvjw1NbVqm
Looking for morning views like this? 

David Walley’s Hot Springs Resort in Genoa, Nevada is the answer. 

My favorite hotel in the Carson Valley has one and two bedroom villas, with kitchens, fireplaces and laundry (perfect for a long stay, or a family trip). 

Onsite restaurant, market, bikes, games, pools, hot tubs, and hot springs (at an additional charge). 

Just 15 minutes from Heavenly’s Stagecoach lift, David Walley’s is the perfect winter getaway. 

#davidwalleysresort #davidwalleys #genoa #genoanv #genoanevada #carsonvalley #whycv #nevada #travelnevada #nevadaadventures
Fall Splendor on Genoa Lane, Genoa, NV
I remember the first time I drove into Genoa on Halloween night 2019. The park was decorated for trick or treat, cobwebs hanging off the tree branches, and spooky music was playing. Young Kids in costumes with their parents were walking in from all directions. The Town Hall was open for potluck. 15 deer were crossing the road by the Pink House Restaurant, stopping traffic. 5 more deer grazing at the White House Inn. I stopped at the only 4 way stop in this historic town which is all of two blocks. 2 blocks which includes 2 parks, a precious non-denominational church from the 1800's, the oldest bar in Nevada, the Mormon historical monument, being the first settlement in Nevada. There is a large bronze statue of Snowshoe Thompson and another statue of Candy Dance. This town oozes with charm. My heart melted. A women rode up on horse back, hitched her horse at the bar, and walked in. That was it. I was sold. I moved here less than one month later and have loved every day of it. Thankful. Very Thankful.
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carsonvalleynevada
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explore_nevada
naturalnevada
travelnevada
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#carsonvalleynevada #carsonvalley #genoanv #genoanevada #travelnevada #explore_nevada #renotahoe 
#easternsierras #whycv #sierranevadas #fallcolors #thanksgiving #nevadaphotographer
You can see the statue if John A.
En Genoa cada uno de sus destinos esta bordeado de historias que contar, y The Pink House no se queda atrás, ven y descúbrela acompañado de un delicioso vino, quesos y embutidos o cafés especiales que te encantarán.

#TravelNevada #NVOutdoor #HomeMeansNevada 
Pc: kelleyabroad
Lots to see here 👀 ​​​​​​​​
What catches your eye?!​​​​​​​​
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#homeingenoa #shopvintage #genoa #carsonvalley #homedecor #shoplocal #mycarsonvalley #homemeansnevada #allthingshome #smallbusiness #antiques #thrifty #createdtocreate #entrepreneur #femalefounded #madeformore #shoplocal #smallbusinessgrowth #smallbisonesslove #supportlocal #supportwomen #marketingmonday #newitems #instagood
Charming Genoa. Founded in 1851. The oldest settlement in Nevada.
Hiked Genoa Canyon Waterfall trail. Perfect spring hike. #hikenevada
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