During the late 19th Century, the land that is now Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park was an important site for western settlers. Many of these settlers were gold and silver miners or heading toward nearby railroad towns. The honeycomb-shaped ovens, the site is named after were for making coal, and they were functional between 1876-1879. After they stopped being used for coal, they served various purposes, including being a hideout for stagecoach robbers. Today the park has many trails, picnic and camping facilities, among others.
Cave Lake State Park is centered around a reservoir at a height of 7,198 feet (2,194 meters) above sea level. This park is situated on the rugged terrain of the Schell Creek Range and boasts pristine views, a foggy climate, and rare mountain plants. It is the place of choice for winter sports such as cross-country skiing, ice fishing, snowmobiling, and ice skating. During winter, it also hosts the White Pine Fire and Ice Show, replete with magnificent firework displays and snow sculptures. The Rainbow Trout and German Brown Trout are popular fish species found here and attract fishing enthusiasts from all over Nevada. The park also provides opportunities for camping, swimming, boating, and picnics. There are even dedicated trails for hikers.
Embark on a treasure hunt at Garnet Hill, a tourist attraction where exotic garnets are found hidden within layered Rhyolite rock, formed due to volcanoes. Visitors head to this hidden gem to test their luck in spotting the gemstones concealed amid the rugged terrain. The garnet crystals are black and scarlet in color and glimmer with blinding radiance in bright sunlight. Those with a sharp vision can try to spot the gems, else come prepared with chisels, hammers and screw drivers to fracture the rocks and extract the precious stones. You won't always be lucky but the entire adventure is enthralling for both children and adults. If you are serious about the garnet hunt, stay at one of the nearby RV parks and explore for days on end.
The Nevada Northern Railway Museum is a museum like no other. Here, you can not just view the historic train collection of the Nevada Northern Railway but also embark on enthralling train journeys, participate in races and photo shoots. It is a designated National Historic Landmark and has bagged numerous awards for being one of the best museums and hosting some of the best events in the Nevada countryside. Unlike a traditional museum with exhibits, here, visitors embark on a series of adventures on vintage trains and dare to stay in an old caboose or bunkhouse. Try the Haunted Ghost Train Journey in which the train takes you through regions fabled for sightings of goblins, ghosts and other supernatural creatures, or participate in Be The Engineer to handle a vintage locomotive all by yourself. The museum prices and timings vary as per the train ride or event chosen; check the website for more details.
Established in 1959, White Pine Public Museum has various exhibits that are interesting. These include an eclectic mineral collection, doll collection, archives, the Cherry Creek Depot, a well drilling rig, the historic one-room school from Baker and a jail cell from the former Ely City Jail. Though it is a relatively small museum, it is nevertheless fascinating.
Ely Renaissance Village is a complex of fascinating museums housed in six antique buildings within the renovated Geraghty property. The six houses lay overlooked and weathered until the Ely Renaissance Society bought the property and restored it to maintain Ely's rich heritage. Now, the Ely Renaissance Village introduces visitors to the town's history and how it brought different ethnicities and cultures together at the turn of the century. The unique museums shed light on the life of the diverse people who settled here to work in mines and ranches. Additionally, the village hosts various events in its courtyard, including the Farmer's Market every summer.
Step back in time to explore the most glorious era of Ely's history at the East Ely Railroad Depot Museum. A treat for history buffs, this museum is considered one of the most impeccably restored and well-preserved structures in the county. East Ely Railroad Depot Museum comprises the old railroad depot and its freight barn, which formed the pillars of Ely's copper mining trade in the early 20th Century. Here, you can walk around the depot, which is largely intact in its original glory. The collection includes old office equipment, a mimeograph and a telegraph, and original tickets. The museum is also home to well-kept documents, including handwritten payrolls and original blueprints.