A History of Elko, Nevada

Elko, Nevada, was founded in 1868 by the Central Pacific Railroad and supports a rich history of Western development. Though its storied past is marked by the diverse experiences of railroaders, miners, gamblers, and merchants, Elko is now popular for family vacations. Here is what you need to know about Elko, Nevada:

Early Settlement

The city’s annual National Basque Festival is held every summer to honor the Basque immigrants who traveled to Nevada to become sheepherders. Residents celebrate their roots each year with music and dancing, strength competitions, and lots of traditional food. In June, thousands of people with connections to the mining industry travel to the Elko Mining Expo, one of the oldest in the country. At the end of the railroad line, Elko was a key transportation hub for nearby mines, and today’s Mining Expo recognizes that history.  

Before northern Nevada was known as Gold Country, it was called Cowboy Country because much of the region borders the Great Basin Desert. The settlers of the rural West had unique lifestyles, and Elko’s Cowboy Poetry Festival celebrates that early life. The week-long January festival features cowboy-themed poetry but also includes music, folklore, and other Western traditions. 

Local Wildlife

Though Elko may sit on the edge of a desert, it offers a home to varied wildlife—past and present. The Northeastern Nevada Museum, showcasing local history, wildlife, and art, is a fascinating addition to vacations. The museum houses more than 300 animal mounts, including local and international species. Also on display is a rare collection of two million-year-old mastodon bones that were found in Spring Creek, Nevada.

The Ruby Mountains, locally known as the Swiss Alps of Nevada, are a popular hiking, fishing, and wildlife-watching area. Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge supports marshes, ponds, and grasslands, making it an ideal place to spot many of Nevada’s 456 bird species. The Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway offers stunning views of the canyon’s glacier-carved landscape and is home to Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and mule deer.

Local Culture

Though Elko offers a range of dining options, including Mexican, Chinese, Italian, and Mediterranean, the city also celebrates food that speaks to its history. Try Basque meals like lamb chops, juicy steaks, chorizo, and savory beans, among others. These meals are served in large portions to reflect the Basque tradition of sharing with family and friends. Many local restaurants use fresh and locally sourced ingredients to create flavorful dishes that celebrate the region’s agricultural heritage.

Art and Handicrafts

Long before American settlers arrived, the Western Shoshone people called Elko home. The Te-Moak Band welcomes visitors to their annual powwow, and the California Trail Interpretive Center has a Shoshone village for vacationers to visit. Native American communities in Elko still practice traditional beadwork, pottery, and woven textile crafts. Local shops and galleries display Native American art, including handcrafted jewelry, paintings, and sculptures.

Many local artisans create handcrafted goods that represent Western cultures, including leather goods, handcrafted furniture, and decorative objects. Explore galleries or take some art home to appreciate the town’s traditions and cultural stories. Local murals also touch on both old and new themes, showing rural life during the early days.

Vacations in Elko, Nevada

Whether you enjoy outdoor activities, local cuisine, or rich history, Elko is a suitable destination for vacations. Elko’s attractions and annual festivals also make it a good stop for tourists who want to explore the American West. Check out other Elko events and attractions to start trip planning today.