Local Lore: Jackpot National Forest
“There is no Jackpot National Forest, as far as federal recognition goes.”
The people have heard this claim before. For decades, the U.S. government denied the existence of Area 51, only to admit in 2013 that the top-secret military site was real. While Jackpot National Forest isn’t quite the same pop culture phenomenon as Nevada’s most guarded secret, the lore surrounding this piece of land in the Silver State’s northeastern corner might be just as fabled.
The Legend
The town of Jackpot is tucked against the Idaho state line: So close, in fact, that it operates in the Mountain time zone while Nevada is on Pacific time. Search the community online and places like Cactus Petes Resort Casino, Jackpot Golf Club, and even Jackpot Dog Park pop up on the map—but no Jackpot National Forest. Rest assured that the destination is entirely real.
Spanning approximately 2 acres, Jackpot National Forest has almost 100 spruce and willow trees, indigenous wildlife, and picnic tables.
“It’s a small but beautiful pocket of greenery that stands out in the high-desert landscape surrounding Jackpot,” says John Giles, director of marketing for Cactus Petes Resort Casino.
Rumors swirl about the forest’s origin and status. The story goes that Cactus Petes handed the land over to the U.S. Forest Service at some point. When the resort later wanted to cut down some trees to make room for a property expansion, they couldn’t: The land was considered an “urban national forest.”
It begs the questions: How many trees does it take for a piece of land to be considered a forest? And who decides which forests are official anyway? What’s fact versus fiction when it comes to Jackpot National Forest?
The Legacy
Nobody can deny that Jackpot National Forest is a tranquil pit stop perfect for stretching road-weary legs. The woodland is on the southern side of Cactus Petes: Pull into the parking lot off U.S. 93 and park along the western edge of the forest to see the landmark’s iconic sign before enjoying the natural beauty.
Whether or not Jackpot National Forest ever earns an official designation from Congress, it will still hold a unique place in the hearts of Nevadans and travelers alike.
“Jackpot National Forest is a fun piece of our community’s history and a story that visitors genuinely enjoy hearing,” says Giles. “It’s one of the most endearing features of Jackpot and an example of local character, creativity, and the playful storytelling that makes Nevada special.”
