A road with a long history as a route runs right through Ely; about 14 miles southeast, Cave Lake State Park lies in the Schell Creek Range. There are also diverse cultural themes to explore: railroads, mural art, historic buildings and museum collections. When planning your stay, you can weigh whether to focus mainly on route and railroad history, art or outdoor activities.
Route and Orientation
The highway known as the Loneliest Highway in America runs right through Ely. The road through town became part of the transcontinental Lincoln Highway in 1913; in 1926, the Lincoln Highway was designated U.S. Route 50. These dates mark two distinct milestones for the route: first its inclusion in the Lincoln Highway, then its designation as U.S. Route 50.
At Ely’s western entrance, along U.S. Route 50, Block One is a free public information and interpretation site. It offers a practical place to start getting oriented along the route. Check current access information before your visit.
Railroads and Preservation History
The Nevada Northern Railway is operational, and its historic steam locomotives run year-round. The U.S. Department of the Interior designated the East Ely Yard a National Historic Landmark in 2006. The designation recognized the railroad’s contribution to preserving steam railroad operations around the turn of the 20th century. The historic Nevada Northern Railway Depot was completed in 1907 and restored to its original appearance.
In addition to the East Ely Depot, the Nevada Northern Railway Foundation offers tours of the rail yard, workshops and railroad facilities. As tour dates vary by season or may change, check the current tour schedule before adding a tour to your plans. The railroad’s operations, historic significance and construction history each highlight a different aspect: the steam locomotives represent continued use, the depot marks a specific date of construction, and the landmark recognizes the contribution to preservation.
Mural Art, Historic Buildings and Collections
The Mural Walk runs through Ely as an outdoor gallery where art and history meet. The Ely Mural Walking Tour includes more than 20 murals throughout town. Renaissance Village offers a self-guided tour through a village-like complex with depictions of cultural life in the early 20th century. Small historic cabins show the home life of Ely residents of English, Italian, Chinese, Greek, Slavic and other ethnic backgrounds.
Historic buildings also tell stories of different eras. The White Pine County Courthouse in Ely was built in 1908 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. In 2013, the Ely Art Bank was converted from a former bank into an art gallery and cultural center. Its permanent exhibition includes paintings, sculptures and photographs from Ely, White Pine County and beyond. Works by numerous Nevada artists, along with handcrafted jewelry, photographs, paintings and furniture, are offered for sale there; the selection may change.
The White Pine Public Museum presents the heritage of Indigenous peoples of the Americas, as well as the history of the Pony Express, ranching and Buckaroo culture. Its mineral collection includes more than 300 regional specimens, including gold, silver and copper ore. A model of a cave bear is on permanent display. The museum also offers upcoming talks and themed tours. Check the announced dates, as the program may change.
A Trip to Cave Lake State Park
Cave Lake State Park lies about 14 miles southeast of Ely in the Schell Creek Range. Near Ely, the park offers opportunities for fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, camping and mountain biking. These options are quite different from the historical and cultural attractions: here, outdoor activities take center stage. Offerings and facilities may change seasonally or due to operational conditions, so check what is available during your trip before setting out.
When planning your stay, it helps to choose a main focus: would you like to include route and railroad history, mural art and collections, or the park? Also consider tour and talk dates, as well as seasonal opportunities at the park.
For the broader travel overview: White Pine County.
