Jackpot combines casino entertainment and a gambling history dating back to 1954 with opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Offerings include sports and park facilities, as well as stargazing; nearby areas offer additional outdoor activities of their own. The options range from events and park visits to excursions in the surrounding area.

Golf, Casino Entertainment, and Events

Jackpot Golf Club is an 18-hole championship golf course built in the early 1970s. Cactus Petes Resort Casino in Jackpot, Nevada, offers entertainment and events, including concerts and an in-house Cabaret Lounge. Its amphitheater has 4,000 seats and hosts music in the warmer months. If you’re planning your visit around a specific concert date, check the date in advance.

The History of Gambling and the Name Jackpot

The history of gambling in Jackpot dates back to 1954. After Idaho banned all forms of casino gambling, Pete Piersanti and Don French moved their slot machine business south of the border and opened Cactus Petes and the Horseshu Club there. The subsequent sequence of names is also precise: In May 1958, Elko County recognized the unincorporated settlement of “Horse Shu,” with a population of 65. A month later, it was renamed “Unincorporated Town No. 1”; eventually, the clubs agreed on the name Jackpot.

Parks, Hiking, and Stargazing

Charlie’s Park has a sports complex with baseball and soccer fields. It also has horseshoe pits, a playground, covered picnic tables, and an outdoor basketball court. This gives visitors options that include both team sports fields and places to play and picnic.

The dog park in Jackpot is fully fenced and allows off-leash use; it has a grassy area and covered seating. The Jackpot “National” Forest is a tree-filled spot within the city. You can stop there with pets, picnic, or stretch your legs on your way to another Nevada adventure. Hiking is one of the ways to enjoy the outdoors in Jackpot. Low light pollution also makes stargazing possible.

Excursions Nearby

The Jarbidge Wilderness Area is near Jackpot and is associated with fishing, hiking, hunting, and backcountry exploration. The Salmon Falls Creek Special Recreation Management Area is also nearby, but has a different focus: Access to Salmon Falls Creek is restricted, while basic, undeveloped camping is available. On the Rubies Route road trip, Jackpot is a service stop along the highway route to Jarbidge, including for fuel and supplies.

Discover More Destinations: Wells, Mountain City, Elko, Carlin.

For the broader travel overview: Elko County.