15 Best Things to do In Elko (NV)

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Elko is the largest city in Nevada, United States.; it is known to be the principal city of the Elko Micropolitan Statistical Area. Elko functions as the economic hub of the Rub valley and straddles the Humboldt river. The city’s motto is “The Heart of Northeast Nevada.“

Elko town is situated in Elko County and houses thousands of citizens. There are lots of good coffee shops and bars here, so you can be sure to get great coffee to start your day! You should visit Elko city if you’ve never seen a tree street and houses lined with trees.

Ready to know more about this place and the lovely things you can do here? There are many beautiful places to visit that could give you memorable experiences. So, we’ve highlighted the 15 best things to do in Elko to add to your bucket list.

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Here are the 15 Best Things to do in Elko, Nevada

1. Hike the Trails of Ruby Mountains

The Ruby Mountains were named so because of the gems found during the gold rush times. This mountain range is located within Elko county and extends to White Pine County. Also, other beautiful mountains and Alpine lakes are in its surrounding.

There are lots of exciting things to do here. The craggy peaks of the Ruby Mountains are marveling because it has an elevation of 11,387 feet and a height of 3,471m.

You can go hiking on trails here, including the Angel Lake Picnic site, Angel Lake campground, Overland Lake trailhead, Smith Lake trailhead, and many others.

Address: 140 Pacific Avenue, Wells, NV 89835, USA

2. Take a Tour of the Northeastern Nevada Museum

Northeastern Nevada Museum is a museum in Elko with many fascinating artifacts, well-curated exhibits, art collections, and historical attributes of the city. This Local-history museum has many fascinating displays, such as wildlife dioramas, vintage firearms, regional art & a gift shop.

Northeast Nevada Museum is a must-visit whenever you make a trip here. So, you can also make this trip with your family and friends to have a memorable experience. So, if you want to experience the culture of the people in Elko, you certainly need to add this to your list of things to do in Elko city.

Address: 1515 Idaho St, Elko, NV 89801, United States

3. Enjoy Poetry at Western Folklife Center

Western Folklife Center is a cultural center in Elko that hosts so many activities for the residents and visitors of Elko.

This non-profit center hosts theater music, poetry events, exhibits, and festivals. Western Folklife center is always a fun hub of this city. So, visiting this place is one of the best things to do in Elko.

This center aims am at celebrate the history and landscape of the American West by organizing concerts, films, workshops, and tours. You could stay here on a field trip, excursion, or just for a vacation and getaway with friends and loved ones. An excellent place to visit to have a feel of the Nevada culture.

Address: 501 Railroad St, Elko, NV 89801, United States

4. Go Skiing at Snobowl Ski & Bike Park

Have you ever dreamed of skiing somewhere else away from home? It would be best if you visited the Snobowl Ski & Bike Park. They provide detailed lessons and professional instructors if you need to learn about snowboarding. You can have as much skiing as you want and also snowboarding.

Aside from being an excellent place for hiking and biking, this park has many exciting features perfect for outdoor activities, especially during summer. There are chair lifts, rope tows, rental equipment, snowboards, and everything you need to enjoy a thrilling skiing experience.

Snobowl Ski & Bike Park is a lovely place for kids, so you’ll be doing your kids a great favor to bring them here. So don’t forget to scramble it on your list of things to do in Elko.

Address: 1992 Snowbowl Rd, Elko, NV 89801, United States

5. Take Golf Courses at the Ruby View Golf Course

If you enjoy trying out golf courses whenever you travel, stop at the Ruby View Golf before leaving Elko! This golf center has a scenic and strategically positioned course that overlooks the Ruby Mountains. It has such a picturesque environment, green grasses, and creeks.

Here’s something cool about this place; it has a restaurant and a grill where you could easily step in whenever hunger pangs hit. So, you don’t just enjoy golfing but also delicious meals after your game. Now, tell me why you still won’t consider adding this to your bucket list of things to do in Elko.

Address: 2100 Ruby View Dr, Elko, NV 89801, United States

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6. Get Immersed in History at California Trail Interpretive Center

California Trail Interpretive Center was built with the purpose of housing the historical and cultural sites of Elko, Nevada. It offers insightful educational and cultural enlightenment programs just for visitors.

In this pioneer history museum, you will get historical immersion and first-hand experience of what it’s like to be among the American pioneers. You don’t need to pay a dime to visit here because it’s free! Dioramas, beautiful exhibits, and historical memorabilia showcase California’s trail history. What’s more?

Address: 1 Interpretive Center Way, Elko, NV 89801, United States.

7. Play Games at Telescope Lanes

Telescope Lanes is a local bowling alley situated in downtown Elko. It has an elegant and tidy environment with a friendly atmosphere. Telescope Lanes is affiliated with Blind Onion Pizzeria, which deals with pizzas and Coldstone ice cream.

One of the fascinating things about this Telescope Lanes is that it’s an award-winning center and won the BPAA Proprietors of the Year.

You’ll surely love visiting here with your friends, colleagues, crush, or family because the activities here make it a memorable experience. You could play up-to-date bowling lanes, pool tables, and other fun games here. Also, there’s a historical bar where you could have rounds of drinks to satisfy your thirst.

Address: 346 Silver St, Elko, NV 89801, United States

8. Have Outdoor Recreation at the Angel Park

Outdoor recreation has been made better with Angel Park; this park has beautiful scenery of green carpet grasses and ample space. Imagine having picnics with your friends and family and a picturesque place perfect for pictures. So, visiting here is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Elko.

Angel Park is located in Elko, Nevada, with many unique features to give you a fun time there. Like picnic shelters, tennis courts, kids’ playgrounds, sledding hills, and lovely tree shades. So, you see? It’s an all-in-one park that is perfect for both kids and adults.

Not to forget, you don’t have to worry about being a victim of wrong parking because there is a big parking lot for you.

Address: W Sage St, Elko, NV 89801, United States

9. Discover Arts at Cowboy Arts and Gear Museum

Cowboy Arts and Gear Museum is a historic gem in Elko, Nevada, because it is devoted to the honor and recognition of the Cowboy’s traditions, lifestyle, and heritage. So, visiting here, you will discover the true origins of the Cowboys in American Western and how they became influential.

Cowboy Arts and Gear Museum is a stone’s throw from the Western Folklife Center, and you know what that means? It means you can decide to kill two birds with a rock.

This Museum also has excellent features and facilities, such as a good parking area, educational displays, and cowboy artifacts and arts. These fantastic features are why many tourists always include stopping here as one of their favorite things to do in Elko.

Address: 542 Commercial St, Elko, NV 89801, United States.

10. Win a Lottery at Gold Dust West Casino

If you’re looking for world-class entertainment, you can’t leave Elko, Nevada, without stopping at the Gold Dust West Elko Casino. Gold Dust West Elko is a gaming space with 350 gaming machines and four live gaming tables. It’s a perfect pit stop for endless excitement and loads of fun.

Asides from the premium enjoyment you get here, you also get to eat delicious meals and have healthy beverages. There are star-rated restaurants here and top-notch cuisine.

Gold Dust West Elko is a gaming space with 350 gaming machines and four live gaming tables. Try as many games as possible with your lovers or buddies at this casino. Kids are not allowed here.

Address: 1660 Mountain City Hwy, Elko, NV 89801, United States

11. Watching Thrilling Car Race Show at Summit Raceway

Talk about enjoyment and fun at a fair price. The Summit Raceway is a place perfect for you! This raceway is situated around Errecart Boulevard in Elko, Nevada. This raceway is located along Errecart Boulevard in Elko and is a great place to watch exciting car race shows.

So, if you’ve never watched a car race show, you should try it out and include it in your Elko’s list. But it’s more fun when you are with people. So tag a friend or two along and place bets. Alongside watching your favorite show, you can also have great meals and drinks here.

Address: Errecart Blvd, Elko, NV 89801, United States

12. Go Horseriding at Wild Horse Reservoir State Recreation Area

Wild Horse Reservoir State Recreation Area has so many exploration opportunities for you. This natural area has many mountains and water bodies, making it scenic. Horseriding is quite a fun and energetic activity, so if you’re looking to explore exciting places in Elko, you should visit here.

Glistening waters surround this area, and lush greeneries make it perfect and suitable for outdoor recreational activities. So, whenever you want to camp you can visit with your family and enjoy the beautiful nature.

Many visitors come here for other activities like fishing, hiking, field trips, and wildlife viewing because it’s such a lovely place.

Address: Elko, NV 89801, United States

13. Book a Reservation at the Maverick Hotel and Casino

The Maverick Hotel and Casino by Red Lion Hotels has been considered an Elko, Nevada, landmark for over 30 years. They are known for providing world-class entertainment and comfortable accommodations at affordable rates to their visitors.

This resort-style hotel is amenity-packed that has everything that makes your stay comfortable and luxurious.

There’s also a poolside to this hotel where you can go swimming and a nightlife casino and club. So, it’s all premium enjoyment here, playing games, having rounds of drinks with friends in their bar, and having excellent meals at their restaurant.

Address: 2065 Idaho St, Elko, NV 89801, USA

14. Enjoy Live Shows at The Stage Door Elko

was established to support the expanding artistic community of Elko. It was built to host artists and talents passing through the rural region and local towns. So, stop here if you want to connect easily with the residents and learn about their uniqueness.

If you’ve never seen a live performance, you can experience it here. Also, there are musical performances by artists, comedy shows, art exhibitions, and many more. So, tell me why you wouldn’t include a night here in your bucket list of things to do in Elko.

Address: 303 3rd St, Elko, NV 89801, USA

15. Spend Quality Time at the Duncan LittleCreek Gallery & the Gallery Bar

One way to complete your travel experience to Elko is to stop at Duncan LittleCreek Gallery & the Gallery Bar. Duncan LittleCreek Gallery is an art gallery at Elko’s heart. They sell many beautiful items like sculptures, jewelry, paintings, etc.

There are modern exhibits and live performances, which you can enjoy. Along with the modern art exhibits by regional and outside artists, they also host live performances of music and theater. You can have craft beer, specialized martinis, and cocktails at the Gallery Bar. It is a smoke-free environment.

Address: 516 Commercial St, Elko, NV 89801, USA

Plan Your Next Trip to Elko, Nevada

Elko is a beautiful city in the heart of Nevada and a delightful place to be. It’s also a vast city, so finding your way around without a tour guide is tricky. So, with these 15 best things to do in Elko, you can find your way around and have a lot of fun in this city!

Don’t forget to visit the Northeast Nevada Museum, The Stage Door Elko, Maverick Hotel & Casino, Cowboy’s Arts and Gear Museum, and many others.

Where is the first place you would visit in Elko? Let us know in the comment section below. Share this article with others, and let us know how we can update it.