Elko is a thriving city on Interstate 80 in the northeastern side of Nevada. It is surrounded by the towering, craggy and snow-capped Ruby Mountains, often called the Alps of Nevada, and the lush glacier-carved Lamoille Canyon. There’s an abundance of outdoor activities ranging from the dirty and gritty, ATVing, to the unique and sublime, heli-skiing. There is rock climbing, mountain biking, fishing, hunting, and backpacking – all within minutes of downtown Elko.

Established in 1869 as a railroad town site, Elko quickly became home to the workers and their families. Nevada’s first high school opened in Elko in 1885, and the University of Nevada opened its doors there in 1874 and remained 11 years before moving to Reno.

Today you can explore Nevada’s history of mining, ranching and native culture by visiting the Northeastern Nevada Museum, the Western Folklife Center or the Sherman Station Visitor’s Center. Visitors can also stop in at Capriola’s, one of the most famous saddle makers in the world, and browse the array of leather goods and even see the saddle makers at work.

Elko is where real cowboys live and play, and the Wild West spirit lives on. Cowboys flock to Elko every January for the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, a celebration of the rural West. And in July is the National Basque Festival, which celebrates the rich Basque history and culture in Nevada and the United States. The festival is always a fun family event with traditional food and wine, dancing, and a running of the bulls. Basque dining is an experience like none other, and Elko’s authentic Basque restaurants are always a treat. A few local favorites are The Star Hotel, Biltoki and Anacabe’s.

And downtown Elko has plenty of retail adventure too. The gift shop at the Western Folklife Center is sure to have something for every cowboy or cowgirl, while Cucina Fresca is a culinary wonderland, and Cedar Creek Clothing Co. has all the gear and apparel you’ll need for whatever adventure you’re about to experience.