Nevada

9 Ideal Nevada Destinations for a 3-Day Weekend in 2024

Published

1 year ago

July 15, 2024

9 Ideal Nevada Destinations for a 3-Day Weekend in 2024

Amidst the vast desert landscapes and iconic sagebrush, Nevada’s small towns are waiting to be discovered, offering a blend of charm and quirkiness, with a dash of frontier spirit. Imagine stepping back in time where Main Street is lined with historic saloons, antique shops, and locals who greet visitors like old friends. From the ghostly whispers of Virginia City to the relaxing resorts of Mesquite, each town tells its own tale, promising a three-day weekend in 2024 filled with unexpected delights and the kind of adventures that the family will reminisce about for years to come. So, pack light, fuel up, and get out there to uncover the authentic heart of Nevada’s small-town magic.

Boulder City

Cafe and restaurant center in Boulder City, Nevada. Image credit Laurens Hoddenbagh via Shutterstock

When looking for a weekend destination, Boulder City is a perfect starting point. The Hoover Dam offers guided tours and a visitor center for a deep dive into the dam’s complex engineering. Lake Mead provides endless opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming. The Nevada State Railroad Museum takes guests on historic train rides, making them feel like they have traveled back in time, while Hemenway Park is where travelers can spot bighorn sheep while enjoying a picnic. Staying at the Boulder Dam Hotel adds a touch of old-world elegance to any visitor’s trip, while the Boulder City Art Guild entertains by showcasing local artistic talent.

Ely

Route 50 and Main St. in Ely, Nevada. Image credit Sandra Foyt via Shutterstock

In Ely, the Nevada Northern Railway Museum offers a journey through time with its historic train rides and exhibits. Garnet Hill is a hotspot for rockhounding enthusiasts eager to find their own garnets. Ely Renaissance Village presents preserved historic buildings, maintaining the town’s original spirit through the passing decades. Visitors can stay at the Hotel Nevada & Gambling Hall, featuring one of the many casinos to be found in town.

Great Basin National Park is also close to town, with hiking trails, Lehman Caves tours, and exceptional stargazing. Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park lets you explore 19th-century charcoal ovens, and the Ely Art Bank is a hub for local art displays and community events, rounding out a culturally rich visit.

Winnemucca

Winnemucca provides a blend of history and outdoor adventure, and a diverse selection of entertainment for visitors from all over. The Humboldt Museum features exhibits on local history and culture and the Buckaroo Hall of Fame gallops into rodeo history with fascinating exhibits. For outdoor activity the Water Canyon Recreation Area is ideal for hiking, picnicking, and spotting wildlife, while Vesco City Park is perfect for family outings, with sports facilities and open spaces. Hosting a thrilling experience in an unexpected location, the Winnemucca Sand Dunes are great for off-roading and sandboarding. To cap off the days Model T Casino offers gaming, accommodation, and dining options, making it a fun spot to unwind after a day of exploring.

Pahrump

For a delightful myriad of activities, Pahrump is the pick that does not disappoint. Start with the Pahrump Valley Winery for wine tastings and vineyard tours. Sanders Family Winery is another stop for enjoying local wines and special events. For a different kind of excitement, Front Sight Firearms Training Institute provides comprehensive firearms courses. Racing enthusiasts can head to Spring Mountain Motor Resort for thrilling racing courses and events.

The Pahrump Nugget Hotel and Casino combines gaming, dining, and entertainment for a lively evening, as well as a comfortable place to stay while you take in the joys of the town. Lastly, Lake Spring Mountain offers water sports and a relaxing environment, perfect for winding down your weekend.

Virginia City

The Virginia & Truckee Railroad provides a journey back in time with its historic train rides and tours, and is just one of the many things that make Virginia City well worth the visit. Explore some of the town’s mining history and artifacts at The Way It Was Museum. Piper’s Opera House continues to host historic performances and events, maintaining the town’s connection to it’s past as well as the arts.

Experience the Old West at the Bucket of Blood Saloon, featuring live music and a unique atmosphere. The Fourth Ward School Museum offers a glimpse into the educational past with its well-preserved exhibits. Don’t miss the Storey County Courthouse, where historic architecture and informative tours await. For accommodation guests can book rooms at the Silverland Inn, which boasts a casino, indoor pool area, and a bar.

Elko

Within Elko, the Western Folklife Center showcases cowboy poetry and cultural exhibits, celebrating the area’s expansion era traditions. Visit the Northeastern Nevada Museum for an inside look into local history and wildlife. Sherman Station features restored historic buildings and serves as a visitor center, providing a historical backdrop to any trip. Ruby View Golf Course is a public golf course offering stunning mountain views and for nature lovers, Lamoille Canyon presents scenic drives and hiking trails that highlight Nevada’s natural beauty. The Elko County Fairgrounds host annual fairs, rodeos, and various events, ensuring a lively experience that leaves guests collapsing into bed at Maverick Hotel and Casino by Red Lion Hotels.

Tonopah

If looking for a weekend with history and celestial wonders then Tonopah should be at the top of the list. Start with the Tonopah Historic Mining Park, where mining history and old equipment makes the past tangible and easy to imagine. The Central Nevada Museum presents even deeper insights into local history and its artifacts. As night falls, Tonopah Stargazing Park provides some of the darkest skies for stargazing in Nevada.

The Mizpah Hotel, famous for its ghost stories, offers tours that mix history with a bit of the supernatural, and an excellent place to stay for those not afraid of the things that go bump in the night. Renewable energy enthusiasts can visit the Crescent Dunes Solar Energy Project for a supercharged tour that is an experience found nowhere else. For a taste of the local flavor, the historic Tonopah Liquor Company bar has as many rich stories as it has drinks.

Mesquite

Mesquite offers a perfect blend of history, arts, and outdoor activities. Visitors can dive into the local history at the Virgin Valley Heritage Museum, where exhibits tell the story of the area. Golfers will appreciate the challenge and beauty of Wolf Creek Golf Club, a championship course, while Mesquite Fine Arts Gallery showcases local art, making it a must-visit for art lovers. For a bit of excitement, the Eureka Casino Resort combines gaming, dining, and entertainment. The Virgin River is great for boating, fishing, and various water sports. Motocross fans can head to Mesquite Motocross Park, which hosts thrilling racing events and competitions. There is always something to do in Mesquite.

Fallon

Fallon is a small town with a variety of attractions perfect for a three-day weekend. The Naval Air Station (NAS) Fallon provides an opportunity to learn about US naval aviation with its exhibits. At Grimes Point, visitors can explore ancient petroglyphs and archaeological sites, and the Churchill County Museum delves into local history with extensive exhibits. For comfort and familiarity, the Holiday Inn Express is a great place to spend the nights. The Oats Park Arts Center offers a vibrant arts scene with its exhibitions and performances. For outdoor enthusiasts, Lahontan State Recreation Area is ideal for boating, fishing, and camping, while bird watchers and nature lovers will find the nearby Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge a hotspot for wildlife viewing.

In Nevada’s small towns, every street corner hides a story, every diner gives a sample of local flavor, and every sunset paints the sky in hues that even Instagram filters can not fully capture. These towns offer a getaway that is as refreshing as a dip in Lake Tahoe and as captivating as a midnight stroll under the stars. So, when you plan your three-day weekend escape for 2024, remember that in Nevada’s small towns, the adventure is not just in the destination it is woven into the very experience itself.

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Nevada

Travel Nevada Presents The Neon in Nature Series, Featuring Artwork by DARIUSTWIN, at the Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas, January 15 – April 6, 2026

Published

5 hours ago

January 8, 2026

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Travel Nevada Presents The Neon in Nature Series, Featuring Artwork by DARIUSTWIN, at the Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas, January 15 – April 6, 2026

Nevada Division of Tourism

Unique exhibition marks DARIUSTWIN’s first museum show in the U.S.

LAS VEGAS, NV / ACCESS Newswire / January 8, 2026 / Travel Nevada is proud to present The Neon in Nature Series, which features artwork by light painting photographer and animator Darren Pearson (better known as DARIUSTWIN)at the Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas, beginning January 15, 2026. The exhibition is DARIUSTWIN’s first U.S. museum show. To celebrate the exhibition opening, Travel Nevada will pay admission fees for the first 200 guests to arrive directly at the Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas on Thursday, January 15, 2026.

Created exclusively in Nevada, The Neon in Nature Series captures just some of the stunning landscapes and striking night skies that you’ll find in Nevada when you get a little out there – all juxtaposed with DARIUSTWIN’s signature light paintings infused with and inspired by Nevada character (and characters). The exhibition will inspire museum guests to visit the Nevada ghost towns, state parks, historical landmarks, and more that take center stage in this unique, vibrant, and whimsical exhibition.

“Nevada’s diverse surroundings and dark night skies provided an ideal backdrop to compose this series,” said DARIUSTWIN. “I’m grateful to the Travel Nevada team for commissioning the work and to the Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas, for housing my very first museum exhibition in the country. I’m hopeful that it will encourage museum guests to travel throughout Nevada, which I found was so rich in history and ripe with adventure opportunities.”

“When the Travel Nevada team first saw DARIUSTWIN’s work, we immediately knew that a partnership with him would inspire people to get a little out there in the state. The Neon in Nature Series is a creative take on what makes Nevada special,” said Rafael Villanueva, chief executive officer of Travel Nevada. “Additionally, we’re thrilled that this exhibition will be housed in the Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas. We share a mission with the museum to enhance the quality of life for Nevada’s visitors and residents, and what better place to host The Neon in Nature series than a city whose history is intertwined with neon?”

The Neon in Nature Series, Presented by Travel Nevada will be on view at the Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas through April 6, 2026.

“The Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas is delighted to host this art- and Nevada-focused installation by DARIUSTWIN,” said Hollis J. Gillespie, director of the Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas. “The Neon in Nature Series exemplifies our mission of educating the public about the history and natural history of the state, and it does so in an electrifying way. We look forward to sharing it with our visitors.”

EDITORS:  Select high-resolution images from The Neon in Nature Series, Presented by Travel Nevada are available here. Photo credit for all images: “Photo courtesy of Travel Nevada/DARIUSTWIN. ©️ 2024 DARIUSTWIN.”

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About Travel Nevada

The heart of Nevada shines through Travel Nevada, an organization focused on sharing the experiences, landmarks and living legends that make the Silver State a one-of-a-kind destination. Through community collaborations and strategic partnerships, we aim to connect with both locals and visitors alike, showcasing the sometimes-surprising, always-exciting treasures that keep people coming to Nevada. It’s theirs to explore-and ours to safekeep, from preserving our wild-at-heart way of life to our wide-open spaces. For more information, visit TravelNevada.com.

About the Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas

Founded in 1982, the mission of the Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas, serves to educate a diverse public about the history and natural history of Nevada. The museum collects, preserves, exhibits, and disseminates material that contributes to an understanding and appreciation of the state. For more information, visit https://www.lasvegasnvmuseum.org/

About DARIUSTWIN

Darren Pearson, known as DARIUSTWIN, is a light painting photographer and animator whose glowing creations have illuminated landscapes around the world. Using long-exposure photography and custom crafted LED lights, Darren “paints” with light in real time, creating skeletal figures, dinosaurs, aliens, and fantastical characters that exist for only a moment before disappearing into the night. His work has been featured by National Geographic, Intel, Honda, and Apple, among others.

Based in Southern California, Darren has been creating light paintings for more than a decade, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary, one exposure at a time. See more at dariustwin.com and follow @dariustwin.

Contact:
Tracie Barnthouse, Chief Communications Officer
tbarnthouse@travelnevada.com; 775-624-0618

SOURCE: Nevada Division of Tourism

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

Information contained on this page is provided by an independent third-party content provider. XPRMedia and this Site make no warranties or representations in connection therewith. If you are affiliated with this page and would like it removed please contact pressreleases@xpr.media

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Nevada

Nevada gets thrilling overtime win against Wyoming at home 70-60

Published

17 hours ago

January 8, 2026

Press Room

Nevada gets thrilling overtime win against Wyoming at home 70-60

RENO, Nev. (Nevada Athletics) – Nevada Women’s Basketball won its second straight game Wednesday night, getting a thrilling 70-60 overtime win against Wyoming at Lawlor Events Center.

Reigning Old Trapper Mountain West Freshman of the Week Skylar Durley led the Pack (6-9, 2-3 MW) in scoring with 18 points and led both teams in rebounds with a career high 14, recording her first double-double of her career.

Ahrray Young went 5-for-10 from the field for 11 points to go with eight boards.

Nevada’s resilience in the latter part of the fourth, which was punctuated by a key block from Young, forced the game into overtime.

The Pack’s shutdown defense held Wyoming (4-10, 1-4 MW) at bay in the final five, only allowing one point off of a free throw.

On the other end, the offense of Nevada went on a 6-0 run and shot 83.3 percent from the field.

Nevada outscored Wyoming 11-1 and held the Cowgirls without a field goal in OT.

The Pack opened regulation in perfect fashion, shooting a 7-for-7 from the field, 2-for-2 from three and 2-for-2 from the line in the first five minutes of action.

Nevada had a 10-0 run that was capitalized by holding Wyoming to a two-and-a-half minute scoring drought.

Through the first quarter, Nevada shot 64.3 percent and remained perfect from both deep and free throws.

Nevada’s hot start simmered in the second, only getting six points and closing the quarter on a field goal drought of just under four minutes.

Meanwhile, Wyoming’s shooting improved from the first, closing the gap to two.

Despite the slower quarter, Nevada carried its lead into the second half, 45-41.

The third quarter was nearly even, Nevada only shooting slightly better and outscoring Wyoming, 15-14.

The game stayed close through the fourth with three ties and four lead changes, leading to extra time.

As a team, the Pack outrebounded the Cowgirls, 40-28, and had 24 bench points to their six.

Nevada will hit the road and look to even its conference record as it faces New Mexico Saturday at 12 p.m.

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Nevada

Centennial vs. Liberty: Watch Nevada girls high school basketball showdown live

Published

1 day ago

January 7, 2026

Press Room

Centennial vs. Liberty: Watch Nevada girls high school basketball showdown live

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The defending 5A state champion Centennial Bulldogs (7-3) open conference play with a challenging road test Wednesday night when they travel to Henderson to face the Liberty Patriots (10-7) in a Nevada 5A Southern basketball clash.

Coach Karen Weitz’s Bulldogs, seeking their second consecutive state title, will rely on their formidable frontcourt duo of forwards Nation Williams and Inieye Oruh, complemented by standout guard Sanai Branch. They will face a Patriots squad that has shown marked improvement under head coach Lorenzo Jarvis, powered by senior leaders Samantha Chesnut and Kiana Harworth alongside junior standout Neviah Nick.

With Liberty’s home court advantage potentially neutralizing Centennial’s championship pedigree, this early conference matchup could set the tone for both teams’ title aspirations in the competitive 5A Southern division.

Opening tipoff is set for 6:30 p.m. PT on Wednesday, January 7 with a live TV broadcast on NFHS Network.

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