Montello NevadaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Montello, Nevada.
1. Victory Highway Monument
HISTORIC ROADSIDE LANDMARK
The Victory Highway Monument stands as a significant historic site in Montello commemorating the transcontinental Victory Highway. Visitors can explore this well-preserved landmark that serves as a reminder of early American automobile travel and transportation history. The monument offers excellent photo opportunities and insights into the development of America's highway system.
2. Toana Vista Golf Course
DESERT GOLFING EXPERIENCE
Toana Vista Golf Course offers a unique golfing experience set against the dramatic backdrop of Nevada's desert landscape. Players enjoy well-maintained fairways and challenging holes designed to accommodate golfers of various skill levels. The course provides stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, making it both a sporting venue and a scenic attraction.
3. Historic Village of Montello
RAILROAD TOWN HERITAGE
The Historic Village of Montello preserves the charm and character of this former railroad division point established in 1904. Visitors can explore the remaining original buildings that survived the 1925 fire which destroyed much of the business district. The village offers a glimpse into early 20th century life when Montello was a bustling railroad town with a population of nearly 800.
4. Montello Elementary School
HISTORIC EDUCATION LANDMARK
Montello Elementary School serves as both a functioning educational institution and a historic landmark in this small desert community. The current school building represents the educational heritage of the area, replacing the smaller school constructed in 1906. Visitors interested in local history can appreciate the architecture and continued importance of this institution to the small community.
5. Fox River Recreation Area
SCENIC WATER ACTIVITIES
The Fox River Recreation Area offers visitors a refreshing natural escape in the otherwise arid landscape surrounding Montello. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy fishing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing along this picturesque waterway. The river provides a vital habitat for local flora and fauna, making it an excellent destination for nature photography and peaceful contemplation.
6. Puckaway Lake
TRANQUIL WATER RETREAT
Puckaway Lake presents visitors with a serene body of water perfect for fishing, boating, and lakeside relaxation near Montello. The lake's calm waters reflect the surrounding landscape and offer a peaceful retreat from the desert heat. Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the variety of bird species and other animals that make the lake and its shoreline their home.
7. Montello Post Office
HISTORIC MAIL STATION
The Montello Post Office stands as one of the town's enduring institutions, having served the community since June 4, 1904. This historic building represents the continuity of small-town life through Montello's various transformations from Bauvard to its current identity. Visitors can appreciate the architecture and historical significance of this mail station that has connected the isolated community to the wider world for over a century.
8. Herbert Hoover Speech Site
PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN LANDMARK
The Herbert Hoover Speech Site commemorates the location where future president Herbert Hoover delivered a campaign speech in 1928. This historical marker represents Montello's brief but significant moment in the national spotlight during the presidential campaign. History enthusiasts can visit this site to connect with an important piece of both local and national political heritage.
9. Montello Trading Post
ESSENTIAL LOCAL STORE
The Montello Trading Post serves as a vital community hub providing necessary goods and services to residents and travelers passing through this remote desert community. The store offers a selection of groceries, supplies, and local products that reflect the needs and character of the surrounding area. Visitors can experience authentic small-town commerce and often engage with locals who gather at this important social center.
10. Chinatown Historical Site
CULTURAL HERITAGE AREA
The Chinatown Historical Site marks the location where a small but significant Chinese community once thrived in early Montello. This area once contained forty residences, a store, and a joss house (Chinese house of worship) that served the Chinese railroad workers and their families. Though little remains today, the site offers an important reminder of the diverse cultural heritage that contributed to Montello's development.
11. Utah Construction Company Headquarters Site
INDUSTRIAL HISTORY LANDMARK
The Utah Construction Company Headquarters Site marks where this significant railroad construction firm established its base of operations in 1907. The company chose Montello for its headquarters due to the town's strategic proximity to the Southern Pacific railroad line. Though the original structures are no longer standing, this historical location represents an important chapter in the industrial development of the American West.
12. Angel Lake
ALPINE MOUNTAIN RETREAT
Angel Lake is a stunning alpine lake nestled in the East Humboldt Range near Wells, approximately 60 miles from Montello. The crystal-clear mountain lake sits at an elevation of 8,400 feet, offering spectacular views and a cool retreat during hot summer months. Visitors can enjoy fishing, hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing in this pristine natural setting within the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest.
13. California Trail Interpretive Center
PIONEER HISTORY MUSEUM
The California Trail Interpretive Center provides an immersive educational experience about the historic westward migration route that passed near the Montello region. Exhibits feature life-sized dioramas, artifacts, and interactive displays that tell the story of the 250,000 emigrants who traveled to California during the Gold Rush era. Visitors can explore indoor galleries and outdoor trails that connect them to this significant period in American history.
14. Ruby Mountains
MAJESTIC MOUNTAIN RANGE
The Ruby Mountains offer dramatic alpine scenery with glacial lakes, towering peaks, and abundant wildlife within a day trip from Montello. Often called the Alps of Nevada, this mountain range features excellent opportunities for hiking, photography, fishing, and backcountry exploration. The Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway provides access to many of the range's natural attractions, including Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge.
15. Northeastern Nevada Museum
REGIONAL HISTORY COLLECTION
The Northeastern Nevada Museum houses extensive collections that document the history, culture, and natural environment of the region surrounding Montello. Exhibits feature mining artifacts, pioneer memorabilia, Native American collections, and wildlife displays that tell the story of northeastern Nevada's development. The museum also includes an impressive collection of Will James artwork and a gallery dedicated to the area's ranching heritage.