Ely: Railroad History, Art, and Museums

Ely is a destination for travelers looking to combine railroad history, public art, and regional culture. The Nevada Northern Railway provides a prominent historical focus, complemented by murals, museums, and a historic village. The history of the roads through Ely is also part of the town’s character. Those who want to combine cultural attractions with outdoor activities will find Cave Lake State Park southeast of the city.

Railroad Heritage: Operations and Historic Buildings

The Nevada Northern Railway is an operating historic railroad; its historic steam locomotives run year-round. The East Ely Yard National Historic Landmark was designated by the U.S. Department of the Interior in 2006. The designation recognized the railroad’s contribution to preserving steam railroad operations around the turn of the 20th century. In Ely, ongoing steam operations and the railroad’s place in history come together.

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 yards, workshops, and railroad facilities. Tour schedules vary seasonally or may change, so check dates in advance. When planning, you can consider a visit to the historic depot and a possible tour as distinct aspects of the railroad heritage.

Art and Local History

The Mural Walk winds through Ely as an outdoor gallery, bringing art and history together. The Ely Mural Walking Tour includes more than 20 murals throughout the city. This means the murals are not limited to a single building, but can be found in various parts of town. The Ely Art Bank adds another dimension to the city’s public art: in 2013, a former bank was converted into an art gallery and cultural center.

The Ely Art Bank’s permanent exhibition features paintings, sculptures, and photographs from Ely, White Pine County, and beyond. Works by numerous Nevada artists, as well as handmade jewelry, photographs, paintings, and furniture, are also offered for sale. The items for sale may change. Visitors interested in art can experience the history of a repurposed bank building, a permanent exhibition, and a changing selection of items for purchase here.

Another place to explore on a self-guided walk is Renaissance Village. This village-like complex consists of small historic cabins and depicts domestic and cultural life in the early 20th century. The backgrounds represented include English, Italian, Chinese, Greek, Slavic, and other ethnic groups. The walk thus focuses on different ways of life, rather than centering solely on individual buildings or works of art.

Museums and Regional Themes

The White Pine Public Museum focuses on the heritage of Indigenous peoples of America and the history of the Pony Express, ranching, and Buckaroo culture. Its mineral collection includes more than 300 regional specimens, including gold, silver, and copper ores. A model of a cave bear is also on permanent display. The museum offers talks and themed tours; as the program may change, check the schedule before your visit.

Another historic site in town is the White Pine County Courthouse. The building was constructed in 1908 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. Together with the depot, the museum, and Renaissance Village, it offers different ways to explore local history: through architecture, collections, and depictions of everyday life.

Road History and Outdoor Excursions

The highway known as the “Loneliest Highway in America” runs directly through Ely. The road through Ely became part of the transcontinental Lincoln Highway in 1913; in 1926, the Lincoln Highway was designated U.S. Route 50. Block One, a free information and interpretation site, is located along U.S. Route 50 at the western entrance to town. Local access information may change, so check visiting conditions in advance.

For a change of pace from culture and railroad history to outdoor activities, Cave Lake State Park lies about 14 miles southeast of Ely in the Schell Creek Range. Near Ely, Cave Lake State Park offers opportunities for fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, camping, and mountain biking. Activities and facilities may vary seasonally or operationally; check current conditions before your trip. When choosing your stay in Ely, you can weigh whether local history is your main interest or whether you would also like to enjoy activities in the park.

For the broader travel overview: White Pine County.