Fort McDermitt NevadaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Fort McDermitt, Nevada.
1. Fort McDermitt
HISTORIC MILITARY OUTPOST
Fort McDermitt was established in 1865 and served as a military post for 24 years, making it the longest-serving active army fort in Nevada. The fort was built to protect the stagecoach route that stretched from Virginia City to Boise City, Idaho. Many of the fort's century-old buildings are still standing, including the original main building and jail structure, offering visitors a fascinating insight into the area's history.
2. Fort McDermitt Indian Reservation
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE
The Fort McDermitt Indian Reservation is home to the Paiute-Shoshone tribes and was established after the military fort was converted into an Indian reservation school in 1889. Visitors can learn about the rich cultural heritage of the local Native American communities and their historical connection to the land. The reservation hosts the annual Indian Rodeo in June, which showcases traditional skills and contemporary Native American culture.
3. Twin States Stampede
ANNUAL RANCH HAND RODEO
The Twin States Stampede is McDermitt's popular annual Ranch Hand Rodeo event that attracts participants and spectators from both Nevada and Oregon. This rodeo celebrates the area's strong cowboy culture and ranching heritage with traditional rodeo competitions and festivities. Visitors can experience authentic Western culture and witness the remarkable skills of working ranch hands competing in various challenging events.
4. McDermitt State Line
TWO STATES AT ONCE
McDermitt uniquely straddles the Nevada-Oregon border, allowing visitors to stand in two states simultaneously. This geographical curiosity makes for an interesting photo opportunity and travel experience for those passing through the area. The state line location exemplifies McDermitt's distinction as one of the few communities in America that exists in two states at once.
5. McDermitt Rock-Hounding Sites
DESERT GEM HUNTING
McDermitt offers excellent rock-hounding opportunities for amateur geologists and collectors searching for agates, jasper, petrified wood, and fossils. The surrounding Nevada desert contains numerous sites where visitors can explore and discover their own geological treasures. Guided rock-hounding adventures are available for those wanting expert assistance in finding the area's hidden geological wonders.
6. Royal Peacock Opal Mine
PRECIOUS GEM HUNTING
The Royal Peacock Opal Mine offers visitors a chance to dig for their own precious opals in Nevada's Virgin Valley. Located within driving distance from McDermitt, this attraction provides both guided tours and self-directed mining experiences. Visitors frequently discover valuable black opals, crystal opals, and other varieties at this working mine that's open to the public seasonally.
7. Sheldon Wildlife Refuge
PRISTINE WILDERNESS AREA
Sheldon Wildlife Refuge encompasses over 575,000 acres of pristine high desert habitat that supports diverse wildlife including pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, and numerous bird species. The refuge features excellent fishing opportunities at Dufurrena Ponds, along with hiking, camping, and wildlife photography options. Visitors can explore this vast protected wilderness that showcases the natural beauty of Nevada's northern landscape.
8. Virgin Valley Campground
DESERT CAMPING EXPERIENCE
Virgin Valley Campground provides a rustic camping experience within the Sheldon Wildlife Refuge, offering basic facilities for outdoor enthusiasts. The campground serves as an excellent base for exploring the surrounding wilderness, fishing spots, and nearby opal mines. Visitors can enjoy stargazing under some of Nevada's darkest skies while experiencing the peaceful solitude of this remote desert location.
9. Paradise Valley
HISTORIC MINING COMMUNITY
Paradise Valley is a charming historic community nestled in the picturesque Little Humboldt River Valley near McDermitt. Founded during Nevada's mining boom, the town retains much of its 19th-century character with well-preserved historic buildings and a relaxed rural atmosphere. Visitors can explore this quintessential Nevada small town that exemplifies the state's rich mining and ranching heritage.
10. Sawtooth Mountains
MAJESTIC MOUNTAIN VIEWS
The Sawtooth Mountains provide a breathtaking backdrop to the landscape near McDermitt and Orovada. These majestic peaks offer excellent opportunities for hiking, photography, and wildlife viewing throughout the year. The mountains are particularly known for their dramatic silhouettes against Nevada's expansive sky, especially during sunrise and sunset.
11. Orovada Hunting Areas
PREMIER WILDLIFE HUNTING
Orovada is renowned for its excellent hunting areas that attract sportsmen from across the country seeking big game and upland birds. The diverse terrain surrounding this small community provides habitat for mule deer, antelope, chukar, and other game species. Local hunting guides and outfitters offer services to help visitors navigate the best hunting locations in this remote region of northern Nevada.
12. Rocky View Inn
SMALL-TOWN HOSPITALITY
Rocky View Inn offers comfortable accommodations and authentic small-town hospitality in Orovada, just south of McDermitt. The establishment features a bar with slot machines for evening entertainment after a day of outdoor adventures. Their restaurant is particularly known for serving delicious pizza and other hearty fare popular with both locals and travelers.
13. Denio Junction Restaurant
FAMOUS DESERT BURGERS
Denio Junction Restaurant is a remote desert oasis known for serving exceptionally good burgers to travelers exploring northern Nevada. This unpretentious establishment provides hearty meals, cold drinks, and local information in an area with few dining options. The restaurant serves as a welcome rest stop and gathering place for visitors heading to nearby attractions like the opal mines and wildlife refuge.
14. Winnemucca
GATEWAY TO ADVENTURE
Winnemucca serves as the largest nearby town to McDermitt, offering numerous attractions, dining options, and accommodations for visitors exploring northern Nevada. The town features a rich Basque heritage, visible in its cultural events and distinctive restaurants serving traditional Basque cuisine. Winnemucca provides all essential services for travelers while maintaining its authentic western character as part of Nevada's Cowboy Country.
15. Humboldt Museum
REGIONAL HISTORY COLLECTION
The Humboldt Museum in Winnemucca preserves and showcases the rich history of northeastern Nevada through extensive exhibits and artifacts. Collections include Native American artifacts, mining equipment, pioneer household items, and natural history specimens relevant to the region around McDermitt and beyond. The museum provides visitors with comprehensive insights into the geological, cultural, and economic development of this fascinating part of Nevada.