Nevada Day Passport

Ready to dig into Nevada’s past (and present) in an anything-but-ordinary mining adventure? Along the way, you’ll explore century-old tunnels, wander remote ghost towns, marvel at Old West engineering, and tour some of the world’s most productive gold mines.

We don’t bill Nevada as “The Weirdest, Wildest West” for nothing. Between multiple haunted hotels, mannequin cities built just for atomic bombing, and a little ol’ government facility by the name of Area 51, the Silver State is a hoppin’ hotbed of otherworldly experiences. Go supernatural sightseeing with this list of spooky sites, and prepare to get your paranormal on.

Nevada is known for many things: Las Vegas, mining, and wide-open spaces, for example. While some people may be aware, it’s perhaps less known that the state is home to more ghost towns than currently populated ones. Many states have ghost towns, but here, there are more than 600 spread across the desert landscape. That figure outnumbers populated towns almost five-to-one, based on the approximately 175 zip-coded locales in the state. So just how did Nevada end up with so many places no one wanted to call home any longer? And what is a ghost town, exactly? Are there really “living” ghost towns? Read on for the answers to these questions and more.

From a precious gem found nowhere else on the continent, to a tree older than the Great Wall of China, to a creature who can go without water for a year and beyond, Nevada is pretty proud to own some impressive icons. Read on for 12 fixtures you can experience—and develop a newfound passion for—only in the Silver State.

Northern Nevada may be famous for its Cowboy Corridor, but it’s also home to a vibrant Basque community. Travel through Elko, Winnemucca, and Reno to experience a variety of cultural celebrations and iconic establishments.

In honor of Nevada’s birthday, we’re back with another lineup of historical figures every Nevada-lover should get to know—as well as museums, state parks, and other intriguing places you can follow in their footsteps, all around the Silver State.

Marked by stunning contrasts around every bend, the Great Basin Highway blasts out of Las Vegas and winds through wide-open country to several Nevada State Parks and a couple of small towns teeming with tales. Pack all the things—this route is replete with hiking, biking, camping, fishing, and stargazing opportunities.

Haunted hotels, modern-day castles, a clown motel, and a train caboose are just a few of the most unique hotels in Nevada. Here’s our guide to delightfully uncommon Silver State stays.