Walking though the quaint streets of Austin, you’ll find yourself taking a step back in time.  Listed as one of the 13 historical sites on the National Register of Historical Places, you can visit 19^th century buildings, Stokes Castle, Lander County Courthouse, cemeteries, the Austin Historical Society Museum, the restored Gridley Store and the three amazing 18^th-era churches known as Nevada’s city of churches.

Austin is also famous for its mines:  Blue Diamond turquoise mine and the McGuinness turquoise mine.  Check out the local shops for a turquoise treasure or many other souvenirs.

In addition to the fascinating town itself, there are vast wilderness areas with unlimited hunting and fishing, plus hiking and great photography opportunities.

Also, be sure to drive 20 miles east to visit the Petroglyphs at Hickison Petroglyph Recreation Area.

If you’re coming from Reno, take Intestate 80 to Hwy 50, then east on the loneliest road in America, Hwy 50, and you will run right into Austin after driving approximately 173 miles.

And, from the opposite direction, Ely, go west on Hwy 50 and you’ll arrive in Austin after an approximate 146-mile drive.

Be very careful during the winter months – the roads can by icy and challenging

As always, make sure your camera batteries are fully charged

Check the weather ahead of time to be prepared to dress appropriately – it can be extremely hot or cold

If you’re driving from the Reno direction, consider stopping at Middlegate for lunch and see if you’re up to the Middlegate Monster Burger challenge at the Middlegate station.

Austin was originally just a point near the Pony Express trail of 1860 to 1861.  Located in the Toiyabe Range, approximately in the center of the state, it became another offspring of the Comstock excitement. In the spring of 1862, men who operated the supply and relay station for horses and riders in the Reese River Valley discovered the silver ores of Austin in the spring of 1862.  Then, the rush began!  Within weeks, the Reese River Mining District was formed. Hundreds of prospectors made the arduous trek from Viriginia City and other camps.  However, some men were disappointed as it only produced about $20 million in its first 75 years.

The Nevada Central Railroad was completed in 1880 to link silver mines in the Austin area with the Central Pacific line at Battle Mountain.  It came under the control of the Union Pacific Railway in 1887.  Over the years, the railroad faced many challenges:  in the 1920s, there was the threat of the stage lines / bus-truck service and in September 1937, the track was taken up and equipment sold.