Imlay NevadaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Imlay, Nevada.
1. Thunder Mountain Monument
UNIQUE FOLK ART INSTALLATION
Thunder Mountain Monument is an enormous, handmade open-air gallery crafted over many decades by Frank Van Zant, also known as Chief Rolling Mountain Thunder. The impressive folk art installation features oddly shaped structures that captivate travelers along I-80 between Winnemucca and Lovelock. This artistic landmark continues to wow visitors road tripping along the Cowboy Corridor to this day.
2. Safe Haven Wildlife Sanctuary
ANIMAL RESCUE AND CONSERVATION
Safe Haven Wildlife Sanctuary offers visitors a chance to observe rescued wildlife in a natural setting. The sanctuary focuses on rehabilitation and providing permanent homes for animals that cannot be released back into the wild. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about conservation efforts and the individual stories of the rescued animals.
3. Rye Patch State Recreation Area
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Rye Patch State Recreation Area offers camping, fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities at the Rye Patch Reservoir. The recreation area features beautiful desert landscapes and is popular for both day trips and overnight camping experiences. Visitors can enjoy water sports in summer months and wildlife viewing year-round.
4. Bella Grazia
LOCAL CULINARY GEM
Bella Grazia is a highly-rated dining establishment offering quality cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant specializes in Italian-American dishes prepared with fresh ingredients and traditional recipes. Visitors appreciate the attentive service and home-style cooking that makes it a favorite among locals and travelers alike.
5. Humboldt Museum
REGIONAL HISTORY COLLECTION
The Humboldt Museum showcases the rich history of Nevada's Humboldt County through artifacts, photographs, and exhibits. Visitors can explore collections that highlight mining history, pioneer life, Native American culture, and natural history of the region. The museum provides an educational experience about the development of northeastern Nevada from prehistoric times to the present.
6. Winnemucca Sand Dunes
DESERT ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND
The Winnemucca Sand Dunes offer a vast playground for outdoor enthusiasts with dunes reaching heights of up to 100 feet. Popular activities include off-roading with ATVs, dune buggies, and dirt bikes, as well as sandboarding and hiking. The striking landscape provides excellent photography opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset when the dunes create dramatic shadows.
7. Unionville Ghost Town
HISTORIC MINING SETTLEMENT
Unionville Ghost Town is a well-preserved remnant of Nevada's silver mining era located in Buena Vista Canyon near Imlay. Founded in 1861 during the silver boom, the town once housed over 1,500 residents including a young Mark Twain who tried his hand at mining here. Today, visitors can explore remaining structures including stone buildings, a schoolhouse, and mining artifacts while experiencing the authentic atmosphere of the Old West.
8. Martin Hotel
BASQUE CULINARY TRADITION
The Martin Hotel is a historic Basque restaurant established in 1898 that serves traditional family-style Basque cuisine. Famous for its hearty portions and authentic recipes brought by Basque immigrants who worked as shepherds in the region, the restaurant maintains its cultural heritage through food and atmosphere. Visitors enjoy specialties like lamb stew, beans, and chorizo in a communal dining experience that reflects Nevada's diverse cultural history.
9. Lovelock Cave
ANCIENT ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE
Lovelock Cave is a significant archaeological site where some of North America's oldest human artifacts have been discovered. The cave was used by Native Americans for thousands of years and excavations have revealed 2,000-year-old duck decoys, baskets, and other artifacts now displayed in museums across the country. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the cave and learn about its importance through informational panels along a short interpretive trail.
10. Pershing County Courthouse
UNIQUE CIRCULAR ARCHITECTURE
The Pershing County Courthouse is a distinctive round building constructed in 1921 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The courthouse's unique circular design makes it one of only two round courthouses in the United States, featuring a central rotunda topped by a dome. Visitors can admire the neoclassical architecture and take photos of this unusual government building that serves as the centerpiece of Lovelock.
11. Winners Casino & Hotel
GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
Winners Casino & Hotel offers gaming entertainment, dining options, and comfortable accommodations in Winnemucca. The casino features slot machines, table games, and a sports book where visitors can try their luck in classic Nevada style. After gaming, guests can enjoy meals at the on-site restaurant or relax in the hotel's well-appointed rooms.
12. Bottle Creek Reservoir
SECLUDED FISHING DESTINATION
Bottle Creek Reservoir is a peaceful fishing spot located in the high desert landscape north of Imlay. Anglers can catch rainbow trout, bass, and other species in this relatively undiscovered body of water surrounded by sagebrush hills. The remote setting provides a quiet escape for outdoor enthusiasts looking to avoid crowds found at larger recreation areas.
13. Lovelock Lovers Lock Plaza
ROMANTIC TRADITION SPOT
Lovelock Lovers Lock Plaza is a unique attraction where couples attach padlocks to a chain as a symbol of their enduring love. Based on an ancient Chinese tradition, visitors write their names on a lock, attach it to the plaza's chains, and throw away the key to ensure their love remains unbroken. The plaza has accumulated thousands of locks from visitors worldwide, creating a colorful display of romantic commitments in this small Nevada town.
14. Sonoma Ranch Market
LOCAL PRODUCE AND GOODS
Sonoma Ranch Market offers locally sourced produce, specialty foods, and handcrafted goods in a charming country store setting. Shoppers can find fresh fruits and vegetables grown in nearby farms, artisanal cheeses, baked goods, and unique Nevada-made products. The market provides a taste of local flavor and serves as a community gathering spot where visitors can experience authentic rural Nevada culture.
15. Imlay Trading Post
HISTORIC HIGHWAY STOP
The Imlay Trading Post is a historic roadside stop that has served travelers along the old Victory Highway and modern Interstate 80 for generations. The establishment offers convenience items, local souvenirs, and refreshments for weary desert travelers passing through this small railroad town. Visitors can learn about the area's history through photographs and memorabilia displayed around the trading post while taking a break from their journey.