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Ely, Nevada, with its blend of history, outdoor adventures, and small-town charm, is a great stop along Highway 50—also known as the Loneliest Road in America. It’s especially appealing for those interested in Nevada’s mining heritage and its unspoiled natural landscapes. Ely is in White Pine County, Nevada, about 4 hours from Salt Lake City, UT, 4.5 hours from Las Vegas, NV, and 5 hours from Reno, Nevada. Here’s a guide to what you can see and do in and around the remote Western town of Ely, Nevada.
A Brief History of Ely, NV
Ely’s history reflects Nevada’s classic boom-and-bust cycle, with mining and railroads at its core. Originally, Ely served as a stagecoach station along the Pony Express route. In the early 1900s, the discovery of copper in the region transformed it into a mining town. For many decades, copper mining was the primary source of income for the city. When copper prices fell, the mines eventually closed. Today, Ely’s mining resurgence reflects its enduring role as a mining hub, blending economic vitality with historical tourism.
Nevada Northern Railway Museum
The Nevada Northern Railway in Ely is a fully operational historic railroad and museum. A typical visit to the Nevada Northern Railway Museum includes exploring the museum grounds, checking out the shops, and learning about the techniques used in the last century. After that, it’s time to embark on a steam-powered adventure by hopping on the train. Riders get to experience what it is like to ride a steam locomotive, which adds to the overall excitement and thrill of the trip. https://nnry.com/
Historic Hotel Ely, Nevada
Hotel Nevada is an iconic attraction located in Ely, Nevada. Built in 1929, it was the tallest building in Nevada and has kept much of its original decor. The hotel’s interior boasts unique antique displays, historical photos, and animal mounts. The hotel offers clean and comfortable rooms, though smaller than modern ones. The ground floor is occupied by a casino, the hotel Bar, and a Denny’s restaurant. Breakfast at Denny’s is included with your room charge. It’s a nice touch that Hotel Nevada welcomes pets. 501 E Aultman St, Ely, Nevada. https://www.hotelnevada.com/
Ely Renaissance Village (400 Ely St): Explore a collection of historic miners’ cabins from the early 1900s copper boom. The site consists of 12 restored landmark cabins, each representing a different cultural group that shaped Ely’s identity during the mining boom. Admission is free, with donations appreciated to support maintenance. Guided or self-guided tours are available. Open seasonally for self-guided tours and events. https://www.elyrenaissancevillage.com/
Ely Mural Walking Tour: A self-guided, 11-block tour of 20+ murals and sculptures depicting Ely’s history, mining, and culture. Download an audio guide from Travel Nevada. Visit the Ely Art Bank for local art.
Garnet Hill (4 miles west): A rockhounding site where you can find red almandine garnets, especially after rain. No special equipment needed, but hiking boots and a rock hammer help. Accessible by high-clearance vehicle.
McGill Swimming Pool: The McGill Swimming Pool, located at 5535 North McGill Highway, McGill, Nevada (15 minutes north of Ely), is a historic, natural pool, fed by McGill Warm Springs, that was developed into a public swimming facility in the 1930s, and is still a popular spot to cool off for locals and visitors in White Pine County, Nevada.
Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park: The Ward Charcoal Ovens, located 16 miles from downtown Ely, were built in 1876 to produce charcoal for two silver smelters in Ward. Constructed from stone quarried from nearby hills, the ovens stand nearly 30 feet tall. Charcoal production at this site only lasted a few years. The beehive-shaped ovens have since served various purposes, including as a hideout for stagecoach bandits, a shelter for stockmen and prospectors, and as a tourist attraction.
Cave Lake State Park (20 minutes south) is a popular destination, especially in spring and summer, but it is open year-round for visitors. During the winter, ice fishing and an annual ice and snow carving contest, held every January, are popular activities. Snowmobiling is allowed on the dirt roads within the park; however, it is recommended to use a four-wheel-drive vehicle during the winter season. While the park roads are usually cleared of snow, caution is still advised when traveling in the area.
Is it Worth Visiting Ely, NV?
It’s worth visiting Ely if you are a railroad fan. The Nevada Northern Railway Museum is a must-see if you love trains. Visitors can easily spend at least half a day wandering around the grounds and then take a ride on the train. Hotel accommodations are limited and include Hotel Nevada, La Quinta Inn, and Holiday Inn Express. Only a few dining options are available, including pizza, tacos, Chinese food, and bar food.
Visitor Tips:
Traveling with Dogs: Ward Charcoal Ovens and many hotels (e.g., Hotel Nevada) are pet-friendly.
Preparation: Bring water, sturdy shoes, and sun protection for outdoor activities. Check trail conditions and train schedules—gas up before heading to remote sites.
Connectivity: Cell service can be spotty outside downtown; download maps or guides in advance.
Best Time To Visit: Spring (April-May) or fall (September-October) for mild weather. Summer (June-August) is warm for outdoor activities, while winter offers unique events like the Fire and Ice Winter Festival.
Ghost Towns and Mining Camps Near Ely
Ruth (7 miles west of Ely, via US-50): A living ghost town with a small population. Historic buildings and mining structures remain, overshadowed by the modern open-pit mine. At its 1920s peak, it was a bustling company town with homes, schools, and businesses.
Ward (15 miles south of Ely, near Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park, via US-50): Scattered ruins remain, including miner cabins, machinery, and a cemetery.
Cherry Creek (25 miles north of Ely, via US-93 and NV-489): A living ghost town with a small population (~20 residents). Remnants include historic buildings like the schoolhouse (now a museum), stone structures, and a cemetery. Some buildings are private property.
Taylor (30 miles southwest of Ely, via US-50 and NV-767): At its peak, Taylor had 1,500 residents, with a school, church, and businesses. Minimal remains, mostly foundations and mining relics, remain.
Belmont Mill (50 miles west of Ely, via US-50): Not to be confused with Belmont Ghost Town in Nye County. Well-preserved ruins include a four-story mill, miner cabins, machinery, and old cars, set among pinions and junipers. Accessible by high-clearance vehicle.