As far as Nevada towns go, Tonopah is relatively new on the scene since its inception in 1900.  Thanks to the silver rush boom, the mining and railroad historical venues dominate many of the 42 nationally recognized landmarks.

For mining enthusiasts, visit the Tonopah Historic Mining Park and the Mizpah Mining Shaft.  And for railroad buffs, you’ll discover all kinds of information at

the Central Tonopah Museum.  The Museum also features a replica of the old west town, plus you will learn about The Tonopah Airbase and the Western Shoshone People’s heritage.

Other sites include the Tonopah Public Library, Nevada’s oldest operating library that was established in 1902.  Then, there’s the Clown Motel, named America’s scariest Motel, which is close to the old Tonopah cemetery if you’re up to it.

There are many places to stay including the famous Mizpah Hotel which was constructed in 1907 and remains open to guests today.  The town also offers a variety of restaurants, saloons and gambling.  There’re quaint shops where you can find a piece of turquoise if you don’t have time to go rockhounding at the Otteson Brothers Turquoise Mine or the Royston Turquoise Mine.

The USA cited Tonopah’s pitch-black skies as “the darkest skies in the nation” – a boost for those stargazers.  The Tonopah Star Gazing Park is easy to find and a fantastic place to stargaze!  It’s safe, well laid out with a designated fenced area.  Plus, they have stargazing parties every couple of weeks – be sure to check the local calendar.

To take everything in, you’ll want to stay over at least one night!  A second night would allow you to make side trips such as the Berlin State Park to visit its ghost town and the famous Berlin Ichthyosaur.  Or, take a day trip to historic Gold Town where you can make a stop to rockhound at Gem Field.  Another option is to go 77 miles east on Hwy 6 to visit the Lunar Crater which is 403 feet deep – quite a sight to see in person!

No matter what you choose to do, Tonopah offers so many adventures, it makes the perfect stop for a repeat trip!

If you’re coming from Reno, take Interstate 80 east to the junction of Hwy I-80 and Hwy 50.  Then go east, then south on US 95 and you will arrive in Tonopah after approximately 230 miles.  Hawthorne is a great stopping spot for a break.  If you have time, plan to visit the Munitions Museum (currently, they’re closed Tuesdays and Thursdays).

From Las Vegas, take US 95 North; after approximately 211 miles, you will arrive.  Beatty is a great stopping spot for a short break and a treat at the Death Valley Nut & Candy Store.

Be sure to bring the appropriate camera equipment, especially if you’re going stargazing – get prepared ahead of time with extra charged batteries, your tri-pod and know your equipment well before heading out in the dark

Bring the appropriate footwear for sightseeing and hiking

The weather in Tonopah is very seasonal – winters can be very cold and the summers extremely warm; always bring layered clothing

Be careful of the altitude; at over 6,000 feet above sea level, you may get light-headed while hiking, rockhounding or just sightseeing

The boomtown of Tonopah was born in 1900 when Jim Butler accidentally discovered rich silver ore while chasing a burro.  His discovery eventually produced more than $150 million in ore and spawned Nevada’s last great mining rush.

The Tonopah new bonanza lured many railroad investors who took advantage of the profitable freighting business and the town began carrying freight in the summer of 1904.  Two groups merged as the Tonopah & Goldfield Railroad Company.  In 1905, more groups started other railroad lines until the auto industry took hold and started to dominate transportation.

Tonopah made a successful transition from a mining economy to one based on tourism and the growing atomic energy and defense industry.  During World War II, the U.S. Army established and operated a large air base.  It shared some of the benefits of the high-tech industries relating to rocket testing in the 1970s.

In the 1980s, mineral industry investors, including Anaconda Company, returned to the Tonopah area in search of molybdenum and copper.

Since its inception, Tonopah has been a way-station community and its importance grew in the era of heavy trucking between Los Angeles, Sacramento and Salt Lake City; Hwy 95 and Route 6 are a popular stopping point for truckers.

Although Tonopah serves as a service center for many enterprises, it still maintains its early 20th century boomtown atmosphere.