Along the desolate asphalt lanes of Nevada’s Highway 50 lies the small blue collar town of Ely, Nevada, that has a long history in mining, but is witnessing a revitalization due to its embrace of art.
In an issue of Life magazine in July 1986, the publisher dubbed Highway 50 the “Loneliest Road in America.” The article stated that there were zero points of interest and that readers shouldn’t risk their lives traveling along the road with little to offer travelers other than ghost towns.
Over the last few decades, that sentiment has changed as towns like Ely have pivoted from the past (while still paying homage to it) by establishing themselves as cultural hubs for travelers looking to see more of an endangered scene: small town America.
Ely has been a base for outdoor enthusiasts looking to visit nearby Great Basin National Park for decades, and it is surrounded by mountains, forests, and pristine lakes which make it a sun worshipper’s dream.
Recently though, Ely has embraced art, film, and music as another avenue to bring in visitors from across the surrounding states. This is where Ely has truly started to make its mark.
What To Do In Ely, Nevada
Visit the Great Basin National Park
Ely is a year-round basecamp for outdoor adventurers who want to play in the nearby Great Basin National Park. The park itself is home to popular natural attractions such as Lehman Caves and the Lexington Arch and allows visitors opportunities for backcountry camping as well as some of the best views of the Milky Way at night.
Here are just a few of the outdoor activities Great Basin National Park offers throughout the year:
- Spring (March-May): The weather in Great Basin National Park is mild during the spring, making it a great time to hike and camp. The park is also home to a variety of wildflowers during this time of year.
- Summer (June-August): Summer tends to be the most popular time to visit Great Basin National Park. The weather is warm and sunny, and there are many activities to enjoy, such as hiking, camping, fishing, and boating.
- Fall (September-November): The fall may be the most beautiful time to visit Great Basin National Park. The leaves on the trees change color, and the weather is mild. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, and fishing in the park.
- Winter (December-February): Winter can be a great time to go snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing. The park is also home to a variety of winter wildlife, such as elk and bighorn sheep.
No matter what time of year you visit Great Basin National Park, you’re sure to have a great time. The park is a beautiful and unique place to enjoy the outdoors.
Take A Train Ride With The Nevada Northern Railway
Riding a train at the Nevada Northern Railway in Ely, Nevada, is an unforgettable experience. The train travels through the beautiful scenery of the nearby Nevada desert, and you can learn about the history of the railway and the area by visiting the East Ely Railroad Depot Museum.
The train cars are comfortable, and the staff, a lot of them volunteers, are friendly and knowledgeable. You can also take a ride in a caboose or with an engineer, which is a great way to see the sights from a different perspective.
Throughout the year, the train is transformed into different seasonal themes, including the ‘Fire & Ice’ where fireworks are set off from the train during a ride in January, a Fourth of July ride, a ‘Taste of Italy’ dinner train excursion, and the ever popular ‘Santa’s Reindeer Flyer’ during the Christmas holiday.
Where: 1100 Ave A, Ely, NV 89301
Buy Local Art At The Ely Art Bank
Originally a working bank in the heart of downtown before being repurposed (thus the name), artists from all across White Pine County are now proudly featured at the wonderfully eclectic Ely Art Bank. In this beautiful community space, guests can find not only paintings but also souvenirs, one-of-a-kind furniture, hand-made jewelry, and photography.
The Ely Art Bank offers a variety of programs and events, including art classes, workshops, and exhibitions. The gallery also has a permanent collection of contemporary art inspired by the town, which is available for purchase. The Ely Art Bank is a great place to learn about art, meet local artists, and support the arts in Ely, Nevada. Admission is free.
The Ely Art Bank is a great place to visit for anyone interested in art, history, or the community of Ely, Nevada. The gallery is a welcoming and supportive space for artists and art lovers alike.
Where: 399 E Aultman St, Ely, NV 89301
Attend The Ely Film, Art, & Music Festival
Although Ely has been a proud blue collar town for most of its existence, that doesn’t mean the city is without culture. In fact, Ely has started to cultivate an identity on the international art scene thanks to a city-wide pivot just before the COVID-19 pandemic: The Ely Film, Art, & Music Festival.
“In 2019, a local nonprofit here, the White Pine Main Street Association, was generating ideas on how to support small businesses locally, during a period of the year where there was, traditionally, the lowest tourism and out of the area visitation,” stated Shadrach Robertson, Chairman of the 2023 Ely FAM Festival. “And through that process they generated the idea of the Ely Film Festival.”
“And that debuted March 2020.”
While, in hindsight, the timing probably could not have been worse, works of art across all three mediums have been submitted from across the state, country, and even from international artists.
Now, each March, Ely becomes a hotbed for these crafts and they intend to grow it every year, thanks, in part, to the support from local citizens and businesses which has been overwhelmingly positive.
“We’re making connections on a daily basis both with business partnerships, educational partnerships, and festival partnerships as well. It’s a lot of fun.”
Where To Eat In Ely, Nevada
Taproot
Breakfast at Taproot, at least once, should be mandatory for every visitor to Ely. Their coffees, especially the Almond Joy Latte, are made to perfection. The atmosphere is fun, and the staff is courteous and helpful.
Having Taproot nearby downtown takes any anxiety out of mornings so travelers can start the day on the right foot and with a great breakfast to boot.
Where: 301 E Aultman St, Ely, NV 89301
Economy Drug & Old Fashioned Fountain
Economy Drug and Old Fashioned Fountain is, in fact, a pharmacy. It’s a pharmacy with an old fashioned fountain shop built inside of it with some of the best drinks and over-the-counter sandwiches you’ll find in the area.
It’s a throwback to older times when these cohabitations were normal. And it’s a delightful one at that.
Grab a seat at the counter or get your order to go, but no matter what, make sure to stop in and grab a tasty meal before heading out to explore more of Ely.
Where: 696 E Aultman St, Ely, NV 89301
The Cellblock Steakhouse
The Cellblock Steakhouse inside the famed Jailhouse Casino and Motel is a pleasant surprise in this small town. Not only do patrons get a unique atmosphere, they also get an excellent steakhouse that serves quality cuts of meat. That makes for a remarkably pleasant evening.
Foodies that visit The Cellblock Steakhouse will be served while sitting in converted jail cells (with full, lockable iron cell doors) so you can get a feeling of what Wild West justice was like. Minus the incredible dinners, though.
Where: 211 5th St, Ely, NV 89301
Where To Sleep In Ely, Nevada
Hotel Nevada & Gambling Hall
Once the tallest building in Nevada, the six-story Hotel Nevada and Gambling Hall was opened in 1929 and has embarked on a wild ride ever since. Rumors abound that the hotel was a hang-out and speakeasy during the Prohibition Era, setting up a gambling hall in its lobby once it became legal in 1931.
From that time forward it has played host to celebrities, outlaws, and dignitaries.
Its rooms have been recently remodeled and updated, giving travelers plenty of reason to extend their stays in Ely. Also, there’s a Denny’s on the ground floor that is open all night. And who doesn’t love pancakes at 3am?
Where: 501 E Aultman St, Ely, NV 89301
Prospector Hotel & Gambling Hall
Prospector Hotel and Gambling Hall leans into the mining spirit of Ely with its theme but lays out a clean place to lay your head at night and fun throughout the day (or night) if gambling is your thing.
Guests are treated to a full bar, 24 hour gaming, a delicious Mexican-style steakhouse called ‘Margarita’s’ that serves up a killer menu when you’re ready to slow down for a spell.
Where: 1501 E Aultman St, Ely, NV 89301
