Ruth NevadaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Ruth, Nevada.
1. Nevada Northern Railway Museum
HISTORIC RAILWAY EXPERIENCE
The Nevada Northern Railway Museum maintains track in the Ruth area, preserving the mining district's transportation history. Visitors can experience authentic railway heritage through exhibits and possibly train rides that showcase the region's mining past. The museum offers a glimpse into Nevada's industrial development and the important role railways played in the state's copper mining operations.
2. Robinson Mine
OPERATIONAL COPPER MINE
Robinson Mine is a large open-pit copper mine adjacent to Ruth that has been in operation since the early 1900s. The mine, for which Ruth was built as a company town in 1903, continues to be operational as of 2022. Visitors may be able to view this impressive industrial operation that has shaped the economy and landscape of the region for over a century.
3. Garnet Hill
NATURAL GEM HUNTING
Garnet Hill is a lovely green space in Ruth where visitors can explore the great outdoors and possibly hunt for garnets. This natural area provides a peaceful retreat with opportunities for rockhounding and appreciating Nevada's mineral resources. The site combines recreational activities with the chance to find semi-precious stones in their natural setting.
4. Stardust Ranch
COUNTRY WESTERN EXPERIENCE
Stardust Ranch offers a country and western atmosphere that captures the spirit of rural Nevada. The venue features authentic Western entertainment and has received positive reviews from visitors to the area. Guests can enjoy the rustic ambiance while experiencing a slice of Nevada's cowboy culture.
5. Ely Renaissance Village
HISTORICAL CULTURAL SHOWCASE
The Ely Renaissance Village is a history museum and point of interest located in nearby Ely. This cultural attraction showcases the diverse heritage of the region through historical exhibits and preserved buildings. Visitors can step back in time to learn about the various ethnic groups that contributed to the development of Eastern Nevada.
6. Jailhouse Casino
THEMED GAMING VENUE
Jailhouse Casino is a themed gaming establishment that offers visitors a unique entertainment experience near Ruth. The casino combines Nevada's gaming tradition with an interesting jail theme that sets it apart from typical venues. Guests can enjoy various casino games while appreciating the distinctive atmospheric concept.
7. Great Basin National Park
NATURAL WONDER DESTINATION
Great Basin National Park is a spectacular natural attraction located within driving distance of Ruth. The park features ancient bristlecone pines, Lehman Caves, and Wheeler Peak, offering diverse outdoor activities including hiking, camping, and stargazing. Visitors can experience some of Nevada's most impressive landscapes and ecological diversity in this protected wilderness area.
8. Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park
HISTORIC MINING STRUCTURES
Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park preserves six large beehive-shaped charcoal ovens used in the late 19th century for mining operations. These distinctive structures stand as monuments to Nevada's mining history and the technology used to process silver ore. The park offers both historical interest and recreational opportunities including hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing.
9. Cave Lake State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION AREA
Cave Lake State Park is a scenic recreational area centered around a 32-acre reservoir not far from Ruth. The park offers year-round activities including fishing, boating, hiking, and winter sports such as ice fishing and cross-country skiing. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful high desert landscape while participating in various outdoor pursuits.
10. Hotel Nevada and Gambling Hall
HISTORIC GAMING LANDMARK
Hotel Nevada and Gambling Hall is a historic establishment that has been a fixture in the region since 1929. This six-story building was once the tallest in Nevada and continues to operate as a hotel and casino with a distinctive vintage atmosphere. Visitors can experience a piece of Nevada's gambling history while enjoying modern amenities and entertainment.
11. White Pine Public Museum
REGIONAL HISTORY COLLECTION
The White Pine Public Museum preserves and showcases the rich history of White Pine County, including Ruth's mining heritage. Exhibits feature artifacts from Native American cultures, mining operations, ranching, and the daily life of early settlers. The museum provides valuable insights into the development of this remote Nevada region and the industries that shaped its communities.
12. Success Summit
SCENIC MOUNTAIN PASS
Success Summit is a mountain pass near Ruth that offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. This elevated vantage point provides opportunities for photography and appreciation of Nevada's vast high desert terrain. Travelers passing through can stop to enjoy the vista and connect with the natural beauty that defines the region.
13. Cellular Research Station
STRANGER THINGS FILMING LOCATION
Ruth gained additional recognition after being featured in the fourth season of the Netflix original series Stranger Things. The town served as a filming location for scenes involving a fictional research facility in the popular show. Fans of the series may visit to see where these memorable scenes were filmed and experience the real-world setting behind the supernatural storyline.
14. Economy Drug
HISTORIC PHARMACY MUSEUM
Economy Drug is a historic pharmacy in nearby Ely that maintains much of its original early 20th century character. The establishment features vintage fixtures and displays that transport visitors back to an earlier era of medicine and commerce. This nostalgic venue offers a glimpse into small-town Nevada life and the evolution of pharmaceutical practices over the decades.
15. McGill Drugstore Museum
PRESERVED VINTAGE PHARMACY
The McGill Drugstore Museum is a perfectly preserved pharmacy from the 1940s located in the nearby town of McGill. The store appears frozen in time, with original products, prescriptions, and fixtures remaining exactly as they were when the business closed. Visitors can experience an authentic mid-century drugstore complete with soda fountain and merchandise from a bygone era.