Ely
Ely
At the eastern end of U.S. Highway 50 in, Nevada is the bustling town of Ely. What started as just a post office and stagecoach station grew rapidly with the discovery of copper in 1906. As the railroad steamed into town, Ely continued to grow, and today the community’s history is documented by a series of giant murals gracing the sides of buildings throughout town. For a closer look at Ely’s history, visitors can also tour the Renaissance Village to see homes and stores adorned as they would have been in the 1900s. Each home is furnished and decorated to represent the ethnicities that made up Ely’s early days, a mix of cultures that included Spanish, Italian, English, French, Slavic, Asian and Greek.
Another way for visitors to see Ely’s heritage is with a visit to the historic Hotel, Nevada and Gambling Hall. Once a popular resting place for the Hollywood crown en route to ski vacations in Sun Valley, Idaho, Hotel, Nevada famously opened its doors to the likes of Wayne Newtown, Gary Copper, Jimmy Stewart and Ann Rutherford. Today, many of these hotel rooms are decorated in honor of these famous guests. And impressive as Hotel, Nevada may be, arguably the most prized attraction in Ely is the Ghost Train, an authentic steam-engine train on the, Nevada Northern Railway. Visitors can trawl the rail yard and even hop aboard for a train ride. Special excursions are hosted regularly, including an exceptional transformation into a Polar Express with a very special red-suited guest. For a deeper look into the town’s rail history, stop by the East Ely Railroad Depot Museum, open weekdays.
The community also hosts interesting and anticipated annual events, including January’s Fire & Ice Show, an amazing mix of fireworks and an ice sculpture competition held at Cave Lake State Park, and the Arts in the Park Festival in August. Ely is also home to one of Nevada's zaniest events: The Annual Great Bathtub Boat Races. Competitors from near and far flock to Cave Lake State Park each June to test the waters with their homemade bathtub boats. Truly one to get on your calendar, that's for sure!
Suggested Itineraries
Suggested Accommodation
Best Western Park VueSuperior Tourist ClassFrom £72 per room per night
Conveniently located, the hotel is close to the town’s shopping, dining and recreation.
The rooms have TV, coffee/tea maker, hairdryer, iron and ironing board. The rates includes complimentary continental breakfast and Wi-Fi. The hotel itself as an indoor pool, fitness room and fireplace.
La Quinta Inn & SuitesModerateFrom £125 per room per night
This hotel is in its own special corner of Nevada, known as the heart of the Golden West.
Hotel Amenities include, free wireless high-speed internet access, free bright side breakfast, free parking, indoor swimming pool, spa and a fitness centre.
Room Amenities include, 32-inch flat screen TV w/premium cable channels, free high-speed internet access (Wireless & Hard-Wired), microwave & mini refrigerator, coffee maker and a hairdryer.
Photo Credits: Sydney Martinez/TravelNevada