Nelson NevadaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Nelson, Nevada.
1. Nelson Ghost Town
HISTORIC MINING COMMUNITY
Nelson Ghost Town offers visitors a glimpse into Nevada's rich mining history with its well-preserved structures and vintage vehicles. Visitors can explore the rustic mining remnants amidst stunning desert landscapes through self-guided tours. The ghost town has become a popular filming location for numerous movies and commercials, featuring a collection of vintage cars and antique shops.
2. Nelson's Landing Cliff Jumping
THRILLING RIVERSIDE ADVENTURE
Nelson's Landing Cliff Jumping is a popular recreational spot where adventurers can leap from rocky cliffs into the Colorado River below. Visitors can also grill on the beach, float around in dinghies, or enjoy jet skiing in this multi-activity destination. The scenic location provides both adrenaline-pumping excitement and relaxing riverside leisure options for travelers seeking outdoor adventures.
3. Eldorado Canyon Mine Tours
UNDERGROUND MINING EXPERIENCE
Eldorado Canyon Mine Tours take visitors through the historic Techatticup Mine, showcasing authentic Nevada mining history. Owners Tony and Bobbie Werly have been restoring the area since 1994, opening up the mine for educational tours about the region's gold-rich past. The tour provides insights into the once lawless area that was plagued by greed and murder during its Wild West heyday.
4. Zion National Park
MAJESTIC CANYON WILDERNESS
Zion National Park features towering sandstone cliffs, narrow slot canyons, and the winding Virgin River carving through dramatic landscapes. Visitors can explore popular trails like Angels Landing and The Narrows, offering breathtaking views and unique hiking experiences. The park's rich ecosystem supports diverse wildlife and plant life, making it a paradise for nature photographers and outdoor enthusiasts.
5. Grand Canyon National Park
NATURAL WONDER WONDER
Grand Canyon National Park showcases one of the world's most spectacular natural wonders, with its massive canyon carved by the Colorado River over millions of years. Visitors can experience breathtaking vistas from various viewpoints along the North and South Rims, with colors that shift dramatically with changing light. The park offers activities ranging from scenic drives and ranger programs to challenging hikes and white-water rafting expeditions.
6. Hoover Dam
ENGINEERING MARVEL
Hoover Dam stands as one of America's greatest engineering achievements, controlling the Colorado River and providing water and power to multiple states. Visitors can take guided tours through the massive structure, learning about its construction history and inner workings. The dam offers spectacular views of Lake Mead and the Black Canyon, with an art deco design that reflects its 1930s origins.
7. Lake Mead National Recreation Area
DESERT OASIS PLAYGROUND
Lake Mead National Recreation Area encompasses America's largest reservoir, offering 1.5 million acres of mountains, canyons, valleys, and lakes. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, and water sports on the expansive blue waters surrounded by stunning red rock landscapes. The recreation area features numerous campgrounds, marinas, and hiking trails that showcase the unique desert ecosystem.
8. Valley of Fire State Park
RED ROCK WONDERLAND
Valley of Fire State Park features vibrant red Aztec sandstone formations that appear to be on fire when reflecting the sun's rays. Visitors can discover ancient petroglyphs, petrified trees, and unique geological features while hiking through the otherworldly landscape. The park's dramatic scenery has served as a backdrop for numerous films and offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities including desert bighorn sheep.
9. Boulder City Historic District
DAM CONSTRUCTION HERITAGE
Boulder City Historic District preserves the planned community built to house workers during Hoover Dam's construction in the 1930s. Visitors can stroll through the charming downtown area with its well-preserved art deco buildings, unique shops, and local restaurants. The district offers museums and walking tours that highlight the city's unique status as a federally-planned community where gambling was prohibited.
10. Pioneer Saloon
HISTORIC OLD WEST BAR
Pioneer Saloon stands as one of Nevada's oldest continuously operating saloons, established in 1913 with authentic stamped tin walls and original fixtures. Visitors can enjoy hearty meals and drinks while surrounded by memorabilia including bullet holes in the walls from long-ago disputes. The historic establishment is known for its connections to Clark Gable, who waited here for news about Carole Lombard's plane crash in 1942.
11. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
STRIKING DESERT LANDSCAPE
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area features spectacular sandstone cliffs, colorful rock formations, and desert landscapes just minutes from Las Vegas. Visitors can explore the area via a 13-mile scenic drive, numerous hiking trails, and rock climbing routes suitable for various skill levels. The conservation area's visitor center provides educational exhibits about the region's geology, ecology, and cultural history.
12. Chloride Ghost Town
ARTISTIC MINING COMMUNITY
Chloride Ghost Town represents Arizona's oldest continuously inhabited mining town, founded in the 1870s and still home to approximately 400 residents. Visitors can explore historic buildings, quirky outdoor art installations including the famous Chloride Murals, and a small museum showcasing mining artifacts. The town hosts regular events celebrating its Wild West heritage while maintaining an authentic, off-the-beaten-path charm.
13. Railroad Pass Hotel & Casino
OLDEST OPERATING CASINO
Railroad Pass Hotel & Casino holds the distinction of being Nevada's oldest continuously operating casino, established in 1931 when gambling was first legalized in the state. Visitors can try their luck at classic table games and slot machines while enjoying the establishment's rich history displayed throughout the property. The hotel offers comfortable accommodations and dining options for travelers exploring the area between Las Vegas and Boulder City.
14. Nevada Southern Railway Museum
HISTORIC TRAIN EXPERIENCE
Nevada Southern Railway Museum preserves the railroad heritage that was crucial to the construction of Hoover Dam and the development of Southern Nevada. Visitors can ride historic trains along a portion of the original Boulder Branch Line that once connected the region to the Union Pacific Railroad. The museum features a collection of vintage locomotives, passenger cars, and railroad artifacts with educational displays about transportation history.
15. Eldorado Canyon ATV Tours
RUGGED DESERT EXPLORATION
Eldorado Canyon ATV Tours offer guided off-road adventures through the historic mining region's rugged desert terrain and scenic canyons. Visitors can discover remote areas inaccessible by regular vehicles while learning about the natural environment and gold mining history. The tours provide all necessary equipment and training for riders of various experience levels to safely navigate the challenging landscape.