Elko, Nevada, offers family adventures like camping, hiking, and cultural events. You can take part in a variety of festivals or enjoy a scenic drive around the Ruby Mountains and surrounding mountain lakes. When you arrive, check with the Elko Convention Visitors Authority for tourist information and details about upcoming events or noteworthy areas. Here are some family-friendly activities you can do in Elko:
Explore the Outdoors
One of the main tourist attractions of this region is the vast wilderness and mountains surrounding Elko. The town is surrounded by the Ruby Mountain range, which offers several opportunities for hiking and camping with your family. Explore local tourist information to see which trails are safe and enjoyable for families and children. Some of the popular trails in the area are:
- Ruby Crest National Trail: A high-elevation trail with several bird and wildlife-watching opportunities.
- Winchell Lake: An easier trail with views of nature and opportunities to spot wildflowers.
- Solider Basin: A trail that passes several mountain lakes and offers spectacular views.
There are camping grounds near many of these trails, if you want to extend your time in the wilderness. There are also areas for you and your family to go off-roading. If you enjoy skiing and fishing, plan trips to Elko in the winter and summer.
Experience Art and Culture
The Elko area has a unique Basque and Native American culture that you can experience through local art and events. Visit the several museums in town, such as the Western Folklife Museum and the Northeastern Nevada Museum, to explore the region’s history and natural beauty. Depending on the time of year, your family can attend a festival like the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering or the National Basque Festival. These events celebrate Elko’s rich culture and heritage while bringing community members together.
Elko is home to an art walk featuring 51 murals. These murals celebrate everything from the natural surroundings to the area’s cultural background and Western heritage. There are also 36 large, hand-painted boots installed around town, which make for fun tourist photo opportunities.
Check Out In-Town Entertainment
Elko offers several family-friendly entertainment and dining options for visitors. Your family can try the unique Basque cuisine at Ogi’s Deli or Toki Ona. For a fun night out with your family, visit the bowling alley, arcade, or movie theater. If you spent the day exploring the wilderness, return to Elko’s restaurants to enjoy your evening and refuel for the next day.
Relax on a Scenic Drive
When vacationing with family, you may want to spend a day relaxing and taking in the surroundings. You can do this by taking a road trip to the Angel Lake Scenic Byway, which offers fishing, camping, and photo opportunities. Lamoille Canyon is a glacier canyon with breathtaking views and many photo opportunities. You can also drive to various historical sights that give insight into the lives of gold and silver miners who settled in the area.
Get Tourist Information About Elko Today
Elko, Nevada, offers visitors access to outdoor adventures and cultural experiences. In the winter months, you can visit to go skiing or snowboarding in the Ruby Mountains. Ask the Elko Convention Visitors Authority about upcoming events to start planning your family trip.
