Attractions
Basque Festival:
Early July. Celebrate Northeastern Nevada’s Basque
culture with traditional activities including the
“Jota” (ho-tah) a Basque dance of joy, wood chopping
and weight lifting. During the long weekend’s
festivities, weight lifters will test their strength
and endurance by hefting a 225 pound granite ball,
300- 450 pound cylinders, and a 250 pound cubic
weight. Hand-ball finals of the North American
Basque Organization also are planned.
Cowboy Poetry Gathering:
Late January to early February. Elko is
internationally renowned for the original Cowboy
Poetry Gathering, the one that started it all. The
“gathering” draws thousands of spectators each year
to hear cowboys spin tales and sing songs of life in
the saddle and home on the range.
Gold Country Inn & Casino and J.R.’s Bar &
Grill: Experience the
excitement of 148 state-of-the art slot machines and
video poker at the Gold
Country Casino. JR’s Bar & Grill offers 24-hour
dining with real western hospitality. Choose from
sizzling steaks, passionate pasta, raging rotisserie
specialties, and pizzas cooked in an authentic brick
oven.
Golf Courses:
Elko has two unique and challenging golf courses
designed to test all skill levels. The Ruby View is
a majestic 18-hole course with the look and feel of
an exclusive country club at public course prices.
For more information call 777-7277. The Spring Creek
Golf Course has a challenging layout, narrow
fairways and undulating greens to test your skills
and patience. In just 20 minutes, you can enjoy an
18-hole championship style golf course. For more
information call 753-6331.
Lamoille Canyon:
Located 26 miles southeast of Elko on State Route
227, a national scenic byway to the Ruby Mountain
Wilderness area. Lamoille Canyon is often referred
to as the “Yosemite of Nevada.” The canyon was
heavily carved by glacial activity several thousands
of years ago. A four-stop self-guided auto tour with
geology interpretive exhibits leads visitors past
meadows full of wildflowers, abundant wildlife,
waterfalls and avalanche chutes. Several nature
trails and picnic grounds are spread through out the
canyon.
Northeastern Nevada Museum:
This national award
winning museum features exhibits on history, nature,
Native American art, microscopic gold mining, early
American weaponry and an 1860 Pony Express cabin.
The new Wanamaker wing has more than 200 full-sized,
mounted animals from around the world displayed in
exhibits representing their natural environment.
Located at 1515 Idaho Street, call 738-3418 for more
information.
Sherman Station:
Recently moved to its current site, the Sherman
Station is comprised of the main ranch house and
outbuildings of the Walther homestead. It served as
a stage stop on the Old Hill Beachey toll road
between Elko and Hamilton. Other buildings include a one-room school house, creamery, blacksmith’s shop,
and the barns that housed the stage teams and
coaches. Located at 14th & Idaho Street, call
738-7135 for more information.
South Fork State Recreation Area:
South Fork is a favorite among locals for water
sports including boating, water-skiing and fishing.
Camping is allowed at designated sites. Located 16
miles southwest of Elko, the South Fork Dam has
many different types of game fish including trout
and , channel catfish, as well as small mouth and
large mouth bass.
Western Folklife Center:
Headquarters for the world renown Cowboy Poetry
Gathering, it is also the site of year-round
entertainment and activities including concerts,
music hours, workshops and educational programs for
children. Situated in the historic Pioneer Hotel,
the center is dedicated to preserving the rich
culture and spirit of the American West. Summer
activities include weekly musical happy hours called
“Bunkhouse Fridays” and a film series featuring the
finest western artists in the world.
The gift shop is filled with cowboy music, books and
memorabilia. Located at 501 Railroad Street, call
738-7508 for more information.
Wildhorse Reservoir:
Located 67 miles northeast of Elko on State Route
225, this reservoir reaches up to 65 feet in depth
near the dam. Early spring and late fall are the
most productive for trout. Ice fishing is always a
popular event with catch rates exceeding that of
fair weather fishing.
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