The Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge encompasses more than 80,000 acres of diverse landscapes. Freshwater and brackish marshes, river corridors, alkaline beaches, desert scrubland, sand dunes and an island in a desert lake form an unusual mosaic. Aquatic habitats and dry landscapes sit side by side here—a striking introduction to the region’s natural attractions.
Vast Landscapes and Different Ways to Explore
At the Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge, you can follow designated trails with interpretive signs or take the auto tour loop. It begins at Stillwater Point Reservoir and goes around Lower Foxtail Lake. You can explore the landscape on foot along the marked trails or by taking the designated driving loop.
The Sand Mountain Recreation Area offers a different scale. It is located on U.S. 50 in Churchill County, 25 miles southeast of Fallon. Sand Mountain is about 3.5 miles long, 1 mile wide and 600 feet high; the dune is also considered the largest single dune in the Great Basin. Its dimensions give the sand a distinctive presence in the landscape. The designated trail system also offers 23 miles of riding routes.
At Lahontan State Recreation Area, boating, fishing, water skiing, horseback riding and camping are available year-round. The area is also a nesting ground for bald eagles. Here, water-based activities and an important natural area go hand in hand—two different reasons to include the area in your travel plans.
Petroglyphs, a Cave and Local History
At Grimes Point, striking rock formations meet traces of human history: the field consists of basalt boulders with a glossy black desert-varnish patina and petroglyphs. Grimes Point was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. The rocks, dark patina and petroglyphs create a distinctive connection between landscape and history.
Hidden Cave tells a story of a different use of the landscape. About 3,800 years ago, the ancestors of the Toi-Ticutta used the cave as a storage site, not as a dwelling. This distinction makes clear that an archaeological site was not necessarily a former place of habitation. Hidden Cave is accessible only as part of a scheduled tour. Public tours take place on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month, except on holiday weekends. Check the schedule before your visit.
The Churchill County Museum & Archives displays more than 16,000 objects in 14,000 square feet of exhibition space. The Churchill County Museum has different visiting hours in summer and winter: From March through November, it is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; from December through February, it is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. No donation is required for admission. Check the opening hours before your trip. The Oats Park Art Center also preserves the local heritage.
Ranch Life, Motorsport and Seasonal Experiences
At Frey Ranch, you can enjoy a complimentary whiskey tasting or take a 30-minute behind-the-scenes tour of the distillery. You’ll see how award-winning whiskey is made from grain grown on the ranch. Since tastings and tours depend on current availability, check what’s on offer before you arrive.
Top Gun Dragstrip hosts a full season of organized drag racing for participants, families and fans. It is located on Highway 95, about 15 miles south of Fallon. If you’d like to catch a race, check the event schedule in advance. Lattin Farms’ Fall Festival offers a different kind of seasonal outing, with a corn maze and pumpkin patch. Festival dates and activities vary by season, so plan around the dates listed for that year.
Discover more destinations: Fallon, Carson City, White Pine County, Douglas County, Lander County, Washoe, Lincoln County, Lyon County.
For the broader travel overview: Nevada.
