Discover Nevada: Trails, Recreation and History

Explore Nevada from different perspectives during your stay: outdoor recreation, activities at the Nevada Field House, and local history. Each place and topic offers a distinct focus, helping you tailor your visit to specific interests.

Recreation in the park, on the trail, and at the Field House

Harrington Park offers two different recreational options: a nine-hole disc golf course and a skatepark. If you enjoy spending time outdoors, each of these park amenities offers a different reason to visit. The course is a specific option for disc golf, while the skatepark adds another recreational area.

The Indian Creek Greenbelt Trail begins at Lincoln Highway and runs south and east through the community along Indian Creek. Its direction and route beside the water provide clear geographic reference points for planning. The trail is a distinct attraction alongside the amenities at Harrington Park.

The Nevada Field House offers indoor recreational activities for all ages. The upper level has a three-lane track for walking and running, and the facility also has a unique indoor play area. The difference from the outdoor options is clear: Harrington Park centers on disc golf and the skatepark, while the Field House offers indoor activities, including the walking and running track and play area.

Buildings and stories from Nevada

Briggs Terrace/Evergreen Lane is considered a standout landmark in the Nevada community. The Dyer-Dowell Victorian House offers a different historical perspective: it was originally the Story County jail, built in 1869. Together, these names represent two distinct aspects of local history—a notable landmark and a building that once served a public function.

The George Child Log House is Nevada’s oldest surviving building. For Halley School, its construction date and restoration are the key historical details: it was built in 1874 and restored. These sites can be distinguished by different features—the Log House by its status as the oldest surviving building, and the school by its construction date and restoration.

The Historic Camelot Theater is another destination to visit in Nevada. Both the Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway and the Jefferson Highway Heritage Byway pass by the historic Camelot Theatre. The theater is a named point of reference for travelers interested in the two Heritage Byways as well as the historic buildings.

Plan your visit and schedule

The Nevada Community Historical Society offers tours on Sundays from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., from Memorial Day through Labor Day. If you’d like to include a tour in your stay, confirm the date with the society in advance. This lets you account for the seasonal schedule without mistaking it for year-round visiting hours.

Historic downtown Nevada is home to shops, restaurants, entertainment, and a farmers market. These options add more reasons to visit downtown alongside the historic buildings and recreational destinations. You can explore Nevada according to your interests in its history, the trail and park amenities, or city life.

Discover more destinations: Story City, Ames.

View the broader travel guide: Story.