Nevada is full of hidden treasures including little-known public art exhibits, remote natural marvels and animal attractions. Expand your horizons in the Silver State with these 15 hidden Nevada treasures.
1. Main Street Art Park – Fernley
Burning Man takes place annually, but you can soak up some of its culture 365 days a year at Main Street Art Park, 610 East Main Street, in Fernley. This three-dimensional canvas features three large-scale pieces of public art: Bottle Cap Gazebo by Max Poynton and Andrew Grinberg (built during Burning Man); Rockspinner 6 by Zachary Coffin; and Desert Tortoise by Pan Pantoja and the Fernley community.
2. Clark County Wetlands Park – Las Vegas
Somewhat secret even among locals, this 2,900-acre park with its nature trails, ponds and plants is open to visitors from dawn to dusk. Bird watching is popular here as is hiking, biking and even horseback riding.
3. Jarbidge Wilderness – Northern Elko County
Stop and smell the wildflowers (60 varieties) while exploring hundreds of miles of hiking trails, hunting or fishing at Jarbidge Wilderness. This is among the most remote of our hidden Nevada treasures, located in the Jarbidge Mountains of northern Elko County.
4. Lamoille Canyon – Elko
The glacier-carved Lamoille Canyon goes by many nicknames including "Nevada's Yosemite" and the "Nevada Alps." Appreciate the beauty of the largest valley in the Ruby Mountains on a 12-mile scenic drive or pull over, park and take a hike past lakes, waterfalls, wildlife and lush foliage.
9. Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park
Yes, this park has a name that's a bit of a mouthful, but that won't stop us from making a visit here! Dedicated to the remains of a large marine reptile, you won't believe the size of this fossil once you see it for yourself up close. Have you ever visited Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park?
6. Valley of Fire State Park - Overton
Named for its raging red sandstone rock formations, the 36,000-acre Valley of Fire is home to a variety of distinctively shaped sandstone, limestone, shale and conglomerate rocks as well as petroglyphs, panoramic desert views and recreational marvels. It’s gorgeous, awe-inspiring and an experience that must not be missed.
7. Lehmans Caves – Ely
Hidden beneath the ground in Great Basin National Park, Lehman Caves and its unique geology of limestone stalactites, stalagmites, helictites, popcorn and other delicate formations are only viewable on a guided tour.
8. Pahrump Valley Winery and Vineyards - Pahrump
Vineyards in the desert? Yes indeed! Thanks to Pahrump Valley Winery, 3810 Winery Road, and a handful of other Nevada wineries, the Silver State is transforming into its own little wine country.
9. International Car Forest of the Last Church – Goldfield
More than 40 peculiarly painted cars, trucks and vans grow from the sand while others are carefully balanced atop one another at this roadside attraction created by artists Chad Sorg and Mark Rippie. It’s a strangely beautiful forest of junkers and it’s located just past Goldfield.
10. Spring Mountain Ranch – Blue Diamond
This park sits beneath colorful cliffs in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Once a working ranch and luxurious getaway visitors enjoy hiking, stargazing and historic guided tours.
11. Love Locks – Lovelock
Lock up your love at Lovers Lock Plaza in the picturesque town of Lovelock. You may not stay in Lovelock forever, but your love for a friend, family member or soulmate will thanks to this ancient custom.
12. Lion Habitat Ranch – Henderson
Home to the descendants of the original MGM lion, Lion Habitat Ranch is an accredited facility where these kings of the neon jungle (about 40 of them) have taken sanctuary along with an adorable giraffe named Ozzy. Some of the African lions used to live at MGM Grand on the Las Vegas Strip. Now they’re safe and sound in retirement (and behind a reinforced barrier).
13. Cathedral Gorge – Panaca
Explore eroded rivulets of soft siltstone and clay shale at one of the state’s original four national parks. Located along U.S. Route 93, the formations are fun for hiking and climbing.
14. Pyramid Lake – Southeastern Washoe County
Pyramid Lake is a remnant of the ancient Lake Lahontan, which once covered most of Nevada. Fed by the Truckee River from its southern end, the tribal tales about this Paiute-owned lake add to its mystique and beauty.
15. Wood Charcoal Ovens – Ely
Located 20 miles south of Ely, Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic State Park contains six large beehive-shaped ovens used from 1876 through 1879, and listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1971.
If you enjoyed reading about these hidden Nevada treasures, you may also enjoy: These 8 Hidden Waterfalls In Nevada Will Take Your Breath Away.
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