Elko Travel Guide

Elko, a Northeastern Nevada city in Elko County, is a small desert city that experiences four mild seasons per year and sees thousands of tourists within the summer months alone. Home to the Ruby Mountains and rugged streamlined canyons, Elko boasts a serene, barren beauty and plenty of outdoor recreation.

Things to Do in Elko

Elko is a hub for education, offering guests the opportunity to stroll the halls of the California Trail Historic Interpretive Center, the Northeastern Nevada Museum, and the Cowboy Arts and Gear Museum which features an extensive collection of authentic cowboy items, artifacts, and history. Then, they can make their way 30 miles outside of Elko to the Humboldt National Forest where they can go hiking, horseback riding, backpacking, or camping amongst some of the city’s most beautiful landscapes.

Travelers should also visit the Wild Horse Reservoir State Recreation Area for an afternoon of fishing, the Ruby View Golf Course for a few rounds of golf, or the Ruby Crest National Recreation Trail for a unique hiking experience that leads them through glacial valleys and around various lakes and slow moving streams. For a dose of indoor fun, guests can go bowling at Telescope Lanes or check out the world’s largest taxidermied polar bear and try their luck at the Commercial Hotel and Casino.

Best Places to Stay in Elko

Finding the perfect rental can be a challenge, but in Elko it’s made easy thanks to the city’s number of available rentals and scenic rental locations. Whether your chosen rental is within city limits or on the edges of town, it is guaranteed to offer wireless internet, cable TV, and comfortable furnishings.

Best Time to Visit Elko

The best time to visit Elko is June through mid July.

Food in Elko

Elko is home to a wide variety of restaurants that are great for an impromptu lunch or casual dinner. A few of the best include but definitely aren’t limited to Rolbertos, serving Mexican fare, Luciano’s, specializing in Italian, and Pizza Barn which, as its name suggests, offers an array of pizzas.

Best Events in Elko

Elko’s most beloved events include the Snowflake Festival & Parade of Lights, the Elko Christmas Bazaar, the Halloween Costume Contest, the National Basque Festival, and the Ruby Mountain Balloon Festival. The Balloon Festival features a barbecue, live bands, tethered balloon rides, and of course- hundreds of brightly colored hot air balloons floating through the sky!

Things to Do for Families in Elko

Families finding themselves with spare time can spend the afternoon having a picnic and playing on the grand playground structures at Johnny Appleseed Park, catching a new release at Elko Cinema 4, or participate in an art class at Elko County Art Club Gallery.