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the Historic West
For those traveling east or west on
Interstate 80, Elko is the biggest
city between Salt Lake City and
Reno. Yet, travelers will not appre-
ciate all the area has to offer if they
don’t take time to get off the high-
way.
When you discover the California
Trails Interpretive Center, our
western heritage becomes evident
in the wagon ruts that can still be
seen on isolated roads once used
by pioneers on their way to Califor-
nia. Learn the stories of the pio-
neers who endured the 2,000-mile
trek to California; some seeking
land, some gold, and some for rea-
sons we may never know. Experi-
ence life-size dioramas, original
murals, and exhibits on the native
peoples and the settler's journey.
Hike accessible trails, or walk
through a wagon encampment and
see a Shoshone village. Hear the
words of the pioneers and learn of
the successes of the Bidwell-Bartle-
son party and the events that lead
to the Donner Party disaster.
Visit the Northeastern Nevada Mu-
seum where the flagship collection
is legendary western artist, Will
James. The museum owns the sec-
ond largest collection of James’ art
and books in the world. The mu-
seum’s history gallery and collec-
tion includes cultural, economic
and early settler artifacts, and the
extensive historical archives in-
clude
photos,
newspapers,
records, maps and manuscripts
dating back to 1872.
152 | Fall 2017 | Adventure Outdoors
ELKO, NV
Located in the historic Pioneer Hotel,
the Western Folklife Center is dedi-
cated to the preservation and presen-
tation of the traditional cultures of the
American West. Activities include con-
certs, exhibits, workshops, educational
programs, and a gift shop, and the
center is also home to the National
Cowboy Poetry Gathering.
The Sherman Station Ranch House
and five outbuildings are located in the
heart of Elko, next to the museum. This
historic, timber-pine ranch, along with
the outbuildings, were relocated to
Elko from Huntington Valley in 1997.
They are now used as the headquar-
ters of the Elko Area Chamber of
Commerce. Guided group tours and
self-guided walking tours allow visitors
to view the stable, blacksmith’s shop,
creamery and a one room school-
house, all reminding visitors what the
ranch looked like over 100 years ago.