Searchlight NevadaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Searchlight, Nevada.
1. Nelson's Landing
HISTORIC POINT OF INTEREST
Nelson's Landing is a popular points of interest and landmark in Searchlight that can be visited via driving, riding, or kayaking. Visitors describe it as a nice place to explore with scenic views and historical significance. The landing offers a unique glimpse into Nevada's past while providing beautiful natural surroundings.
2. Searchlight Historical Museum
LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTION
The Searchlight Historical Museum is a specialty museum offering visitors a glimpse into the area's rich history. Though small in size, the museum is free to visit and provides valuable historical context about the town and surrounding region. Travelers report being happy they made the stop to learn about Searchlight's past.
3. Wee Thump Joshua Tree Wilderness
DESERT NATURE RESERVE
Wee Thump Joshua Tree Wilderness is a protected nature and wildlife area near Searchlight featuring distinctive Joshua Trees. Visitors can experience the unique desert ecosystem while enjoying the peaceful surroundings. One reviewer recommends listening to U2's Joshua Tree album during the drive for the perfect soundtrack to the experience.
4. Terrible's Casino
GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT
Terrible's Casino is a busy gaming establishment in Searchlight that offers visitors a chance to try their luck. The casino is conveniently located near a convenience store and McDonald's, making it an easy stop for travelers. Despite its modest size, the venue attracts both locals and tourists passing through the area.
5. Searchlight Library
BOOKS AND LOCAL HISTORY
The Searchlight Library serves as both a traditional library and a resource for local history information. Visitors can walk through the attached museum while at the library to learn more about Searchlight's past. Reviewers describe it as a great place to discover the history and culture of the area.
6. Gus's Really Good Fresh Jerky
SPECIALTY FOOD SHOP
Gus's Really Good Fresh Jerky is a specialty shop offering high-quality jerky products to visitors and travelers passing through Searchlight. The proprietor, Gus, is known for being welcoming and having a good sense of humor, enhancing the shopping experience. Customers appreciate both the quality of the products and the friendly service at this roadside stop.
7. Hoover Dam
ENGINEERING MARVEL
Hoover Dam is a magnificent engineering achievement located near Searchlight that offers various tour options for visitors to explore its history and operations. The massive concrete arch-gravity dam was constructed between 1931 and 1936 during the Great Depression and spans the Colorado River. Visitors can take tours of the power plant, enjoy cruises on Lake Mead, or simply admire the architectural wonder from various viewpoints.
8. Emerald Cave
KAYAKING ADVENTURE DESTINATION
Emerald Cave is a natural attraction near Searchlight that's accessible via popular kayaking adventures on the Colorado River. The cave gets its name from the emerald-green glow created when sunlight reflects off the water inside. Visitors can join guided tours that typically last around 4 hours and provide a unique perspective of this hidden gem.
9. Willow Beach
RIVERSIDE RECREATION AREA
Willow Beach is a scenic recreation area on the Colorado River not far from Searchlight offering kayaking, fishing, and boating opportunities. The area serves as a starting point for half-day kayak tours exploring the river and surrounding attractions. Visitors appreciate the beautiful surroundings and access to both water activities and wildlife viewing.
10. Nelson Ghost Town
HISTORIC MINING COMMUNITY
Nelson Ghost Town is a preserved historic mining community near Searchlight that offers a glimpse into Nevada's mining past. The town features photogenic rusty vintage cars, weathered buildings, and mining equipment that make it popular with photographers and history enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the area independently or join guided tours to learn about the Eldorado Canyon's gold mining history.
11. Eldorado Canyon Mine Tours
GOLD MINING HISTORY
Eldorado Canyon Mine Tours offers guided explorations of the historic Techatticup Mine near Searchlight, once Nevada's richest and most notorious gold mine. Visitors can learn about the mine's fascinating history of gold, silver, copper, and lead extraction dating back to the 1800s. The guided tours provide insight into mining techniques, colorful stories of the area's past, and opportunities to see original mining equipment and tunnels.
12. Colorado River Heritage Greenway Park and Trails
SCENIC RIVERSIDE RECREATION
Colorado River Heritage Greenway Park and Trails is a beautiful outdoor recreation area near Searchlight featuring walking paths, fishing areas, and picnic facilities along the Colorado River. The park offers stunning views of the river with well-maintained trails suitable for all fitness levels. Visitors can enjoy wildlife viewing, photography opportunities, and a peaceful retreat from nearby casino areas.
13. Don Laughlin's Classic Car Collection
VINTAGE AUTOMOBILE MUSEUM
Don Laughlin's Classic Car Collection is a museum located in the Riverside Resort not far from Searchlight, displaying dozens of vintage and classic automobiles. The exhibit features rare, antique, and celebrity-owned vehicles spanning multiple decades of automotive history. Visitors can view the collection for free while enjoying the nostalgia and craftsmanship of these meticulously maintained vehicles.
14. Christmas Tree Pass
SCENIC DESERT DRIVE
Christmas Tree Pass is a scenic desert drive through the Newberry Mountains near Searchlight offering beautiful views and access to hiking trails. The unpaved but generally well-maintained road winds through desert terrain dotted with Joshua trees, rock formations, and seasonal wildflowers. Visitors can explore Native American petroglyphs along the route and enjoy the solitude of this less-traveled area.
15. Walking Box Ranch
HISTORIC CELEBRITY RANCH
Walking Box Ranch is a historic property near Searchlight once owned by Hollywood stars Clara Bow and Rex Bell in the 1930s. The 160-acre ranch features Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and was designed to be both a working cattle ranch and a desert retreat for the celebrity couple. Though public access is limited, the property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and represents an important piece of Nevada's cultural history.