History Buff Stuff & Western Wonders
Know someone who’d love to get their hands on Nevada’s history and heritage? Treat devotees of days gone by to guided tours (by foot, boat, and train) of famous locales. For a year of free admission to all seven Nevada State Museums, gift a membership that comes with additional perks. And for the cowboys and cowgirls in your life, gear ‘em up with western wear (and ware) and buckaroo-style getaways in the Silver State.
For the one whose perfect present is a piece of the past
Tours Through Time & Other Hands-On History
Colorado River Tours
Laughlin
Book a London Bridge Jet Boat Tour to see the landmark that formerly spanned England’s River Thames from the 1830s to the 1960s before being rebuilt here in the U.S. Or, enjoy a fully narrated cruise on the USS Riverside, which details the history of the region while taking you under the Laughlin Bridge and up to Davis Dam.
Eldorado Canyon Mine Tours
Boulder City
Techatticup Mine is the oldest, richest, and most famous gold mine in southern Nevada. It remains a hugely popular place for movie, TV, and magazine shoots, some of which left incredible props behind (including a crashed plane from “3000 Miles to Graceland”). Eldorado Canyon Mine Tours is your go-to for guided mine tours, as well as kayak/canoe rentals you can launch on the nearby Colorado River.
Thunderbird Lodge Tours
North Lake Tahoe
Eccentric millionaire George Whittell Jr. once owned 40,000 acres on Lake Tahoe, including the palatial waterfront residence known as Thunderbird Lodge. Hear intriguing tales and the legacy of his conservation efforts on a guided tour: Upgrade options that include wine and cheese tastings, rides on a 1950 “Woody” boat, and kayak excursions with Tahoe Adventure Company.
Comstock Adventure Pass
Virginia City
Give the gift of an experience with Virginia City’s Comstock Adventure Pass and enjoy discounted entry to historic (and some haunted) museums, legendary mine tours, and rides on the famous Virginia & Truckee Railroad.
Nevada National Security Site Tours
Las Vegas
Once a month, the Nevada National Security Site invites the public to tour an explosive chapter in Nevada history. You’ll see normally off-limit areas where the U.S. military tested atomic bombs, including the few still-standing “homes” that survived the first nationally televised nuclear test. These tours involve both high security and higher demand, but are well worth forfeiting your phone for a few hours if you can secure a spot up to six months in advance.
Scenic Railway Rides
Boulder City, Carson City, Ely & Virginia City
Without the railroad, Nevada wouldn’t be the Silver State we know and love. For a gift that’ll make someone’s day go on the rails, reserve a ride on one of five working historic railroads around the state. All offer tours with stunning vistas on authentic cars pulled by original locomotives, as well as seasonally themed activities. The Nevada Northern Railway also offers opportunities to “Be the Engineer,” partake in Hands On History experiences, or stay overnight in a bunkhouse or train caboose.
- Boulder City: Nevada State Railroad Museum
- Carson City: Nevada State Railroad Museum
- Carson City: V&T Railway
- Ely: Nevada Northern Railway
- Virginia City: Virginia & Truckee Railroad
Western Folklife Center Membership
Elko
Share the culture of the American West and Nevada’s still-thriving buckaroo traditions with a membership to the Western Folklife Center, headquarters of the famous National Cowboy Poetry Gathering. Membership includes gift shop discounts, access to digital content from past Gatherings, early ticket access for upcoming National Cowboy Poetry Gatherings, and the latest event poster and pin.
Nevada Magazine & Visitor Guide Ghost Town Book & Map Bundle
Purchase Online
Get a glimpse of the past with “Odyssey of a Ghost Town Explorer,” which highlights more than 70 Silver State ghost towns with historical and present-day photos. Once you’re inspired to explore in person, use the ghost town map to discover hundreds of locations (plus trip itineraries and fun facts).
Nevada State Museums Membership
Purchase Online
Swing by the desk at any Nevada State Museum to snag someone a year-long membership, which grants free admission to both flagship museums (Carson City and Las Vegas), three state railroad museums (Boulder City, Carson City, Ely), the Lost City Museum (Overton), and the fascinating galleries at the Reno Historical Society.
Minted Medallions from Historic Coin Press No. 1
Carson City
The Nevada State Museum in Carson City, which originally came to life as a U.S. Branch Mint in 1870, continues to mint medallions on the first coin press to operate in the capital city.
Atomic Museum Collectibles
Las Vegas
If you’ve got an “Oppenheimer” fan on your shopping list, gift them a piece of Trinitite—it’s the only evidence left of the world’s first atomic bomb. Other Atomic Museum mementos include Nevada National Security Site patches, challenge coins depicting the Sedan Crater, “Fat Man” and “Little Boy” souvenirs, and a variety of membership packages.
Houston Boot Company
Virginia City
Up your new boot goofin’ game with a pair of custom-made cowboy boots from Houston Boot Company. Dream up any design or style you desire and Jake Houston will bring it to life with perfect fit and built-to-last craftsmanship.
J.M. Capriola Co.
Elko
With almost a century of saddle making under their custom leather-tooled belts, this historic, family-run business crafts handmade western goods that often become family heirlooms. If ranch ropes, snaffle bits, and spur straps aren’t for you, shop J.M. Capriola Co. for apparel, outdoor items, and book store.
D Bar M Western Store
Reno
Ranching, roping, and riding—D Bar M can cover it all (and then some). Let ‘em outfit you with the perfect pair of cowboy boots and a stylish wild rag before moving on to saddle pads, leather tack sets, and rodeo training and protective gear.
Virginia City Hatmaker
Virginia City
Indulge your one-of-a-kind noggin with a one-of-a-kind hat from Virginia City Hatmaker. Made even more special in the still-Wild-West setting of Virginia City, stroll wooden boardwalks and Comstock history as you wait for your custom chapeau to complete your look.
A Bar L Western Store
Tonopah
From western and work wear to wilderness and hunting supplies, A Bar L is a Tonopah mainstay that’s been serving central Nevada for decades. Pick up your favorites from Wrangler, Stetson, Levi, and Carhartt.
Storied Silver State Stays
Cottonwood Ranch
Wells
It’s all about Western hospitality at Cottonwood Ranch, a working horse and cattle ranch operated by the same family since the mid-1800s. Guests can fish, birdwatch, mountain bike, or simply relax around the palatial lodge and its stunning prairie-meets-mountains setting situated about 70 miles north of Wells.
Gold Hill Hotel & Saloon
Gold Hill, nearest Virginia City
Located just south of famed Virginia City, the oldest hotel in Nevada—established five years before Nevada became a state in 1864—definitely delivers Comstock Lode vibes. Gold Hill Hotel & Saloon boasts charming rooms, an authentic watering hole, and the added bonus of fantastic fare at the on-site Crown Point Restaurant.
Mizpah Hotel
Tonopah
History meets luxury at the “finest stone hotel in the desert.” Schedule a stay at the 1905-built Mizpah Hotel and enjoy plush rooms that combine old world charm with modern amenities, along with award-winning Pittman Cafe dining, special events, and a famed ghost.
Boulder Dam Hotel
Boulder City
Howard Hughes, Shirley Temple, and Bette Davis all got a dam good night of sleep at Boulder Dam Hotel, built in 1933 and now found on the National Register of Historic Places. Plus, the on-site museum dazzles with artifacts, photographs, and films about the people who risked life and limb to build Hoover Dam and Boulder City.
