Ely Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the picturesque Nevada region, the charming city of Ely offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and small-town hospitality. As you explore this hidden gem, you will be captivated by its breathtaking landscapes, fascinating museums, and warm community spirit.

Ely is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with its proximity to the majestic Great Basin National Park. Embark on a scenic hike through the rugged wilderness, where you will be rewarded with panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows, and crystal-clear lakes. The Lehman Caves, a system of stunning limestone caverns, is a must-see attraction for spelunkers and nature lovers alike.

For a taste of Ely's vibrant history, make your way to the Nevada Northern Railway Museum. Step back in time as you board the meticulously restored steam locomotives and vintage railcars, and take a nostalgic journey through the city's mining past. The museum also offers exciting train rides, allowing you to experience the thrill of riding the rails in true Old West fashion.

Immerse yourself in Ely's rich cultural heritage by visiting the White Pine Public Museum. Here, you can delve into the city's past through a fascinating collection of artifacts, photographs, and exhibits. Learn about the region's mining history, the Native American tribes that once called this land home, and the resilient pioneers who shaped the city's destiny.

Ely is also renowned for its lively events and festivals that celebrate its unique character. The Nevada Northern Railway's annual "Steam Spectacular" brings history to life, with steam locomotives chugging through the picturesque landscape, while the Ely Renaissance Village transports visitors to the enchanting world of knights and fair maidens.

After a day of exploration, indulge in the local culinary delights at one of Ely's charming restaurants. From hearty comfort food to sophisticated contemporary cuisine, there is something to satisfy every palate. Don't miss the opportunity to savor the flavors of the Wild West at one of the city's authentic Western-style steakhouses.

Alternative names: Population: 4.1 thous. (2019)Area: 7.63 mi²Elevation: 6421 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 39°14'56"N, 114°53'17"W

Location

NevadaUnited States

Contact

Website

Social media

Add

Ely Top Attractions

Ely Attractions - What to See and Explore

Ely offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Nevada Northern Railway Museum, Central Theater, White Pine County Courthouse, Capital Theater. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Scenic railroads • Tours • Museum
Nevada Northern Railway Museum
The Nevada Northern Railway Museum is a railroad museum and heritage railroad located in Ely, Nevada and operated by a historic foundation dedicated to the preservation of the Nevada Northern Railway.
Concerts and shows • Theater
Central Theater
The Central Theater was built in Ely, Nevada from 1939 to 1941. The Art Deco style cinema was built by Percy and Warren Hull after they were denied permission to expand Ely's Capital Theater, which opened in 1916.
Library
White Pine County Courthouse
The White Pine County Courthouse was built in 1908 in Ely, Nevada, located in White Pine County. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. By 2017, the county had begun plans to construct a new courthouse because of security concerns with the current one.

Concerts and shows • Theater • Spanish colonial revival architecture
Capital Theater
The Capital Theater in Ely, Nevada was built in 1916 by C.O. Fleming and W.P. Hull. The building began as a vaudeville hall that hosted a diverse range of live entertainment, including acrobats, comedians, lecturers, and magicians.
Gambling • Hotel casino • Nightlife
Hotel Nevada and Gambling Hall
Hotel Nevada and Gambling Hall, also known as the Historic Hotel Nevada and Gambling Hall, is a hotel and casino located at 501 Aultman Street in Ely, Nevada. The Hotel Nevada was built at a cost of $400,000, and was opened on July 7, 1929, with 100 hotel rooms. At six stories high, it was the tallest building in the state until 1931.
Church
Ely L.D.S. Stake Tabernacle
The Ely LDS Stake Tabernacle was built by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1927-1928 as a church and community center in Ely, Nevada.
39°14'50"N • 114°53'35"W
United States Post Office
The U.S. Post Office in Ely, Nevada was built to a standardized plan developed by the Office of the Supervising Architect, led by Louis A. Simon. The building uses an attenuated Classical style that was popular with Federal buildings in the 1930s. The post office opened on January 29, 1938, following delays in the start of construction.

Day trips

Ely – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Ely, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Teresa Lake (Great Basin National Park), Great Basin Desert (Great Basin National Park), Wheeler Peak (Great Basin National Park).

35 milesSE
Natural attraction, Body of water, Park
Teresa Lake, Great Basin National Park
Teresa Lake is a glacial tarn in the Snake Range of White Pine County, Nevada, United States. It is located within Great Basin National Park, just north of Wheeler Peak. It is a prominent feature along the park's Alpine Lakes Loop Trail.
40 milesSE
Area
Great Basin Desert, Great Basin National Park
The Great Basin Desert is part of the Great Basin between the Sierra Nevada and the Wasatch Range. The desert is a geographical region that largely overlaps the Great Basin shrub steppe defined by the World Wildlife Fund, and the Central Basin and Range ecoregion defined by the U.S.
36 milesSE
Natural attraction, Park, Mountain
Wheeler Peak, Great Basin National Park
Wheeler Peak is the tallest mountain in the Snake Range and in White Pine County, in Nevada, United States. The summit elevation of 13,065 feet makes it the second-highest peak in Nevada, just behind Boundary Peak.
35 milesSE
Nature, Natural attraction, Lake
Stella Lake, Great Basin National Park
Stella Lake is a glacial tarn in the Snake Range of White Pine County, Nevada, United States. It is located within Great Basin National Park, just north of Wheeler Peak. It is a prominent feature along the park's Alpine Lakes Loop Trail. Stella, Teresa, Brown, Baker, Johnson, and Dead lakes are tarns.
19 milesNE
Natural attraction, Mountain
North Schell Peak, High Schells Wilderness
North Schell Peak is the highest mountain in the Schell Creek Range of White Pine County, Nevada, United States. It is the ninth-highest mountain in the state, and also ranks as the fifth-most topographically prominent peak in the state.