Empire NevadaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Empire, Nevada.
1. Empire Gypsum Mine
HISTORIC MINING LANDMARK
The Empire Gypsum Mine is a significant historical site that played a central role in the town's development throughout the 20th century. Visitors can view remnants of the once-booming operation that made Empire famous for its high-quality gypsum deposits. This site offers a glimpse into Nevada's industrial past and its impact on local communities.
2. Black Rock Desert
EXPANSIVE NATURAL PLAYA
The Black Rock Desert is a vast, starkly beautiful landscape located just north of Empire, renowned for its stunning views and unique ecosystem. It is best known as the site of the annual Burning Man festival, which brings thousands of visitors to the area every year. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, stargazing, and photography in this iconic part of Nevada.
3. Burning Man Festival Site
FAMED ARTS GATHERING
The Burning Man Festival Site near Empire transforms into a vibrant temporary city each summer, attracting artists, musicians, and adventurers from around the world. The event is celebrated for its innovative art installations, communal spirit, and extraordinary pyrotechnic displays. Visitors can explore the area year-round, though the festival itself is a highlight in late August and early September.
4. Empire Store
LOCAL GENERAL STORE
The Empire Store is a central hub for the local community, offering groceries, basic supplies, and essentials to residents and travelers alike. Known for its friendly service, this store has been a lifeline for the town, especially due to the area's remote location. It is a great place to experience small-town hospitality and pick up snacks or supplies for outdoor adventures.
5. Empire Cemetery
HISTORIC HILLTOP CEMETERY
Empire Cemetery, located on a hill overlooking the town, offers a poignant connection to the region's early settlers and mining families. Visitors will find a peaceful setting with historic graves dating back to the early days of Empire's history. The cemetery provides insight into the community's legacy and enduring ties to Nevada's mining era.
6. Gerlach Community Library
SMALL TOWN LIBRARY
The Gerlach Community Library, a short drive from Empire, serves as an educational and cultural resource for residents of this rural region. The library offers books, community programs, and a welcoming space for learning and gathering. It stands as a testament to the importance of public resources in rural Nevada.
7. Bruno's Country Club
NOTABLE LOCAL DINING
Bruno's Country Club is a legendary dining establishment near Empire, famous for its signature homemade ravioli and warm, rustic atmosphere. It serves as a social gathering spot for locals and offers hearty meals to travelers en route to the Black Rock Desert. Guests appreciate both the classic Nevada dishes and the club's welcoming vibe.
8. Planet X Pottery
UNIQUE ART GALLERY
Planet X Pottery is a hidden gem for art lovers, featuring handmade ceramics and beautiful gallery displays in the wilderness outside Gerlach. The gallery is housed in an off-grid property and welcomes visitors seeking unique souvenirs and local craftsmanship. Its peaceful desert setting enhances the creative experience.
9. Soldier Meadows Hot Springs
NATURAL SOAKING POOLS
Soldier Meadows Hot Springs offers visitors the chance to unwind in several natural, geothermally heated pools amid rugged high desert scenery. This spot is a favorite for campers and adventurers seeking relaxation after exploring the surrounding wilderness. The hot springs are remote and pristine, providing a serene escape from civilization.
10. Fly Geyser
SPECTACULAR GEOTHERMAL FEATURE
Fly Geyser, located on private land near Gerlach, is a surreal geothermal formation known for its brilliant coloring and ever-changing structure. This striking landmark was accidentally created during well drilling in the 1960s and has grown into a multi-spiked geyser. Tours are available through Friends of Black Rock-High Rock, allowing visitors to witness this unique natural wonder up close.
11. Gerlach Water Tower
LOCAL HISTORIC STRUCTURE
The Gerlach Water Tower stands as a symbol of the region's railroad past, once critical for supplying steam engines traversing the area. Today, it serves as a local landmark and a popular photo stop for visitors passing through town. The structure evokes the hardiness and ingenuity of early Nevada communities.
12. Burning Man Sculpture Park
OUTDOOR ART DISPLAYS
The Burning Man Sculpture Park showcases large-scale art installations that have been left behind or installed after the iconic festival. The park allows visitors to experience the creativity and imagination that Burning Man inspires, without needing to attend the event itself. It is a must-see for art enthusiasts seeking inspiration in a desert landscape.
13. Coyote Grill
COZY RURAL DINING
Coyote Grill in Gerlach offers a welcoming spot for breakfast and lunch, popular among travelers and locals alike. Known for its comfort food and friendly service, the restaurant provides an ideal place to refuel before or after exploring the Black Rock Desert. Menu highlights include hearty burgers and classic American fare.
14. Eagle Picher Mine
MINING HERITAGE SITE
The Eagle Picher Mine is a testament to the region's mining history, once a significant producer of various minerals including diatomite. Though no longer operational, the site remains an important reminder of the economic activity that shaped nearby communities. Visitors can view the exterior and appreciate its role in local heritage.
15. Gerlach Market
SMALL-TOWN GROCERY SHOP
Gerlach Market provides essential goods, groceries, and sundries to both residents and visitors passing through this remote region. The store is a community staple and often serves as a gathering point for news and local conversation. Shoppers appreciate the market's range of products, especially given the distance to larger towns.