Nevada Day Passport

Expiration: Feb 26th 2027


Included Venues

See locations on an interactive map.

Basque Sheepherder Mural
Ely is home to dozens of vibrant murals located throughout town. Father-and-son duo Don and Jared Gray painted this piece that depicts the role Basque sheepherders played in developing the region.
Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park
Talk about a double whammy! This state park contains the almost-perfectly-preserved remains of a mining town founded in 1897 (including an impressive 30-stamp mill). But as if that weren’t enough, the ghost town sits just a bone’s throw from one of the highest concentrations of Ichthyosaur fossils – massive, ancient marine reptiles – ever discovered.
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Boot Hill Cemetery
In the late 1800s, Pioche was one of the roughest, most violent towns in the West. At the town's famous Boot Hill Cemetery, an astonishing 72 unfortunate souls were laid to rest before a single person died of natural causes. While you're there, keep your eyes peeled for an entire section of graves nicknamed "Murderer's Row.”
Boulder Dam Hotel

Built in 1932, this famous hotel in downtown Boulder City is widely considered to be one of the most haunted locations in southern Nevada. Reports of paranormal activity have ranged from cigar smells to strange laughter to slamming doors.

California Trail Interpretive Center

What’s the California Trail? Today, much of it is I-80, but in the 1800s, it was an important migration route that carried more than 250,000 settlers into the West. This Bureau of Land Management facility—built pretty much on the trail—follows the lives, tragedies, and triumphs along this 2,000-mile route. This immersive center takes travelers along the entire route, from stocking up provisions in Missouri to surviving the haunting 40 Mile Desert (look for the box that shows you what it smelled like).

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Extraterrestrial Highway Sign — Rachel

No trip along the Extraterrestrial Highway is complete without a photo of this iconic roadside sign. There are three in total, so be sure to catch 'em all!

Genoa Bar and Saloon
It makes sense that Nevada’s oldest thirst parlor is in its oldest settlement. Once inside this 1853 establishment, grab a cold one and check out the whimsical artifacts that cover the bar’s interior, including risqué oil paintings, a poster for Lincoln’s assassins, and Raquel Welch’s bra. Don’t miss the massive diamond-dust-coated mirror at the back of the bar—imported from Scotland in 1840 and thought to be one of the last of its kind.
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Historic West Side District

Nevada’s state capital has plenty of museums, restaurants, and outdoor experiences to make any trip worth it. However, equally impressive is town’s tree-lined historic district, which is packed with mansions and grant estates built by the silver rush. Of course, where there are stately Victorian-era homes, there are ghosts—and more than a dozen homes are supposedly haunted. While you can do a self-guided stroll (look up the Kit Carson Trail), your best option is to experience the Carson City Ghost Walk, held June-October.

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Hoover Dam

A must-see for any southern Nevada vacationer, Hoover Dam is an enduring symbol of ingenuity and modernity. Once the nation’s largest—and most expensive—infrastructure projects, the dam is still an impressive sight to behold. Head inside for tours, or get scenic shots from Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge.

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Louis' Basque Corner
Named a “USA Today” 2024 Restaurant of the Year, Louis’ Basque Corner has been serving up family-style favorites since 1967. Enjoy the full Basque experience—including soup of the day, bread, beans, salad, fries, entrée, and a glass of house wine—for “bazkari” (lunch) or “afari” (dinner), or opt for entrées like sweetbreads, roast leg of lamb, and steak. Try their signature Picon Punch!
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Mackay Mansion
There’s no better place to get into Virginia City’s “spirit” than at one of the most haunted historic mansions in town. A magnet for paranormal enthusiasts, take a tour of this 164-year-old Comstock millionaire’s mansion for an authentic look into Nevada’s past.
Middlegate Station Campground
Road tripping along Nevada’s Loneliest Road? Complement your adventure with a stop at the one-and-only Middlegate Station. Home of the legendary Middlegate Monster Burger, this popular roadhouse pit stop merges serious American West history, great food, and an authentic old-timey saloon experience. In addition, Middlegate Station offers a small motel, RV spaces, and a free tent campground.
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Mizpah Hotel
The iconic Mizpah is one of Nevada’s most famous hotels. Built in 1907, the building was completely restored to its bonanza-era glory in 2011. Today, its glorious lobby boasts authentic chandeliers, velour Victorian couches, and—of course—one of the classiest saloons around. After your round, enjoy grass-fed beef burgers and tasty pub fare in the Pittman Café or head upstairs for a comfortable stay.
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National Atomic Testing Museum

Offering a robust look at the history of nuclear testing in southern Nevada and nationwide, there’s no better way to get to know nuclear history than at the National Atomic Testing Museum in Las Vegas.

Pioneer Saloon
The oldest bar in southern Nevada is the Pioneer Saloon in historic Goodsprings. The only thing better than the drinks and food—we’re talkin’ notorious Bloody Marys and a Food Network-famous Ghost Burger—is the unbelievable amount of history you’ll find. Be sure to ask the bartender about the bullet holes in the walls or why a Hollywood legend left cigar burns in the solid wood bar.
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Rhyolite Ghost Town
This once-booming town sprung to life after a couple of prospectors discovered high-grade gold ore in 1905. Within a few years, the mining camp blossomed into a developed metropolis with more than 3,500 residents. Today, Rhyolite's iconic ruins attract visitors from around the world, making it one of the most visited ghost towns in the West.
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Sand Harbor State Park
Sand Harbor State Park is a picturesque and popular recreational area nestled along the northeastern shore of Lake Tahoe in Incline Village, Nevada. Known for its crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and rugged rock formations, this park offers a stunning backdrop for a variety of outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkeling in the tranquil waters of Lake Tahoe, or relax on the sandy shores and soak up the sun. The park's sandy beaches are perfect for building sandcastles, playing beach volleyball, or simply taking a leisurely stroll along the water's edge. For those looking to explore the park beyond the beach, Sand Harbor offers hiking trails that wind through the surrounding forested areas, providing breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Picnic areas and BBQ pits are available for visitors to enjoy a meal with family and friends, while a visitor center provides information about the park's history, geology, and wildlife. Sand Harbor State Park is also home to the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, a popular annual event that features open-air theater performances against the backdrop of the lake and surrounding mountains. The festival showcases a variety of Shakespearean plays and other theatrical productions, making it a cultural highlight of the park. Whether you're looking to bask in the natural beauty of Lake Tahoe, enjoy water sports, or immerse yourself in the arts, Sand Harbor State Park has something for everyone. With its stunning scenery and wide range of recreational opportunities, this park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a relaxing retreat in the heart of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
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Silver Queen Hotel
Calling all ghost hunters! Located in the largest National Historic District in Nevada borders, the legendary Silver Queen Hotel in Virginia City dates back to 1876 and is said to be one of the most haunted places on the Comstock.
The Martin Hotel
Opened in 1913, The Martin Hotel got its start serving the Basque sheepherders working in the mountain ranges surrounding Winnemucca. Boarding rooms are no longer available, but the hearty menu continues to satisfy. Specialties include ribeye steaks smothered in garlic, solomo—boneless pork loin simmered with garlic and pimentos—and liver and onions. All dinners are served in family-style tradition, and don’t forget their famous Picon Punch!
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The Mob Museum
The Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with a mission to advance the public understanding of organized crime’s history and impact on American society. The Museum offers a provocative, contemporary look at these topics through hundreds of artifacts and immersive exhibits.
The Star Hotel & Bar

Built in 1910 as a Basque boarding house, today The Star is one of the West’s most famous small-town restaurants: It’s part of practically every Elko-first-timer’s itinerary, executives in the tri-state area fly in just to get a steak sandwich, and people pass down the salad dressing recipe like it’s a family heirloom. If you haven’t had the pleasure of a Basque-style meal, this is the place to start

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The Statue of the Basque Sheepherder
The Statue of the Basque Sheepherder at the University of Nevada, Reno is a powerful symbol commemorating the Basque community's heritage and contributions to the region. Built in 1998, the statue depicts a shepherd accompanied by his loyal dog and sheep, symbolizing the Basque tradition of sheepherding that played a significant role in Nevada's history. Serving as a prominent fixture on campus, the statue not only celebrates Basque culture but also serves as a gathering point for events and a representation of the university's commitment to cultural diversity and understanding.
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Valley of Fire State Park

Of all the state and national parks in Nevada, Valley of Fire remains a favorite for visitors and locals alike thanks to the fiery red sandstone formations swirling through the valley, ancient petroglyphs carved into its stones, and quick access from Las Vegas.

Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park

Located along the Great Basin Highway and Loneliest Road in America road trips, Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park speaks to everyone along for the ride. The stars of this state park are 30-foot-tall, beehive-shaped stone kilns, built in the late 1870s to produce charcoal for the region’s mining smelters.

Western Folklife Center

Best known as the headquarters for the annual National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, this center is open year-round and features a permanent art gallery, historic saloon, and gift shop. Check their calendar before your trip to see if you can attend one of their bimonthly folk-music concerts.