Lyon County reveals itself through contrasts: fishing and water sports take center stage at Lahontan Reservoir, while landscapes and historic sites come together along the Carson River. Protected areas, museums and events also bring nature and culture into view side by side. When planning your trip, it is especially helpful to decide whether you want to prioritize time by the water, a historic site or local events.

Water, Wildlife and Wide-Open Landscapes

Lahontan Reservoir offers fishing, boating and waterskiing. Lahontan State Recreation Area has a different focus: it is a nesting area for bald eagles. In Mason Valley Wildlife Management Area, the Walker River floodplain shapes the habitat. It runs through the area and provides food, shelter and water for numerous wild animals.

Anglers will also find a spot of their own there: Hinkson Slough is one of the top fishing ponds in Mason Valley Wildlife Management Area and produces trophy-size trout. Specific catches and conditions may vary. If you are comparing fishing options, Lahontan Reservoir also offers boating and waterskiing; these activities are not mentioned for Hinkson Slough.

Lahontan State Recreation Area can be reached via several access roads from U.S. 50 and one access road from U.S. 95A. As road conditions can change, it is worth checking them before you travel.

Historic Sites Along the Carson River

The ruins of Fort Churchill are preserved in a state of controlled decay at Fort Churchill State Historic Park. Near the park, the Carson River is the only year-round surface water source. The 2.2-mile Nature Trail connects Buckland Station and Fort Churchill and runs in one direction along the river. The stated distance is for one direction; plan separately for the return trip.

Buckland Station offers a self-guided tour of the ground floor of the historic house. As visitor details can change, it is a good idea to check the latest information before your visit. At Dayton State Park, two short hikes lead either to the Carson River or to the Rock Mill Site. The Rock Point Mill, one of the first mills to process ore from the Comstock Lode, was built there in 1861. The park’s vegetation, typical of the Great Basin, includes cottonwoods, sagebrush, rabbitbrush and willows.

Museums and Local History

The Lyon County Museum displays clothing, household items and clocks, as well as a barbershop, a kitchen, a bedroom and a courthouse office. Images and exhibits also explore the Anaconda Copper Co. in Weed Heights, a major local industrial operation from 1951 to 1978. Everyday life and industrial history are presented side by side at the museum.

The Jeanne Dini Center tells a different story: it began as a community schoolhouse that opened its doors for the 1912–1913 school year; 130 students attended the school that year. The historic Jeanne Dini Center is also home to the Yerington Theater for the Arts, whose program includes live music, a craft fair and plays. A small on-site museum at Mary & Moe’s Wigwam Restaurant & Casino displays artifacts of Nevada’s Northern Paiute Tribes, including arrowheads, old stone tools, beadwork and intricately woven baskets.

Events and Regional Character

The Lyon County Fair and Rodeo takes place every August at the Lyon County Fair Grounds. The program includes a rodeo, fair, carnival, demolition derby, tractor races and a parade. Dates and program details may change; check the latest event information before your trip.

Near Yerington, Night in the Country takes place every year as a three-day event featuring camping and country music. The Grange campgrounds used for the event can accommodate more than 3,000 RVs and tents. Capacity and organization may change, so it is a good idea to check the latest information for your preferred dates.

Nearby Mason Valley also helps shape the region’s character. It is known as the “Onion Capital of the West”; millions of pounds of onions are grown, packed and shipped worldwide there every year. Production varies from year to year.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Fernley, Yerington, Douglas County, Lander County, Nye, Lincoln County, Elko County and Humboldt County.

For the main travel overview: Nevada.