Elko is just 21 miles from the magnificent Ruby Mountains and beautiful Lamoille Canyon.  Nicknamed the “Swiss Alps” of Nevada, Elko provides year-round access to hiking, hunting, skiing and plenty of fishing with over 20 alpine lakes.  There are opportunities to spot elk, antelope, mule deer, wild horses, chukars, sage hen, wild turkeys, hawks and golden eagles, and even an occasional bald eagle.

There are many historic landmarks to see.  The Sherman Station, known as Elko’s “turn of the century landmark” now houses the Elko Chamber of Commerce; it has several outdoor displays including the old School House.  Another major point of historical interest is the Northeastern Nevada Museum with its natural and cultural history exhibits including the Wanamaker Wildlife Wing, an art gallery, museum store and research archives.  After you’ve built up an appetite after seeing all of this excitement, be sure to experience one of the famous Basque restaurants.

Throughout the year, there are many types of events from the arts to horse events:  The Silver State Stampede at the Elko County Fairgrounds features an art contest, western dancing and a trade show;  The Elko County Fair holds stock horse events, arts, 4-H events, carnival and horse racing; and The Western Folklife Center has exhibits of contemporary fold-art, a gift shop and Cowboy Poetry Gathering with performances and workshops.

Elko’s healthy economy relies on gold mining, ranching, tourism and the casino industry to provide jobs.  The Barrick Goldstrike Mine is one of the largest goldmines in North America producing over 2 million ounces of gold annually.  The community continues to grow and is one of the most awe-inspiring places to visit!

From Las Vegas, take Hwy 93 to Interstate 80 and go West approximately 422 miles

From Reno, take Interstate 80 and go East approximately 289 miles

Be prepared for the weather – at 5,069 feet above sea level it can get cold during winter season; and, check the weather ahead of time for road conditions

Bring the appropriate equipment for all types of outdoor activities

Be prepared to take lots of photos – be sure your camera batteries are fully charged, bring your telephoto lens, a tripod and binoculars to spot wildlife

In the 1860’s and 1870’s, towns kept springing up in Nevada and in 1868, the Central Pacific railroad gave birth to the town of Elko as it pushed its tracks eastward.  It’s said that Charles Crocker of the Central Pacific Railroad liked to name railhead towns after animals.  So, he added an “o” to “Elk” and named this new town, Elko.  It is suggested that this is another example of poetic license and political wrangling as to exactly how Elko was named.

On New Year’s Day in 1869, there were just a few scattered tents along the sagebrush, but just two weeks later, plots were selling for $300 to $500 each.  The town grew rapidly as a freight terminus to supply the mines in the region.

By late 1869, Elko’s population had climbed to 2,000.  When the state legislature passed a law to create a university, they left the location open to competition between the cities and counties.  Elko went the extra mile by donating land to the state along with $20,000.  The University of Nevada opened on October 12^th, 1874 and was open for 11 years before moving to Reno.  However, Elko continued its commitment to education by opening the first high school in the state in 1885.

On March 5^th, 1869, the State Legislature created Elko County from part of Lander County and made Elko the county seat and was incorporated as a city in 1917.

On April 6^th, 1926, the first commercial airmail flight in the United States was on the 487-mile Airmail Route #5 from Pasco, Washington to what would become the Elko Regional Airport.

Elko has transformed from a “cow town” to a prosperous city with large mining operations that produce millions of ounces of gold a year.  As you visit the many attractions, you will see Elko has not lost its old west charm.