DISCOVER
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-sized dioramas, original
murals, exhibits on the native peo-
ples and the settler’s journey. Hike
accessible trails, walk through a
wagon encampment, and see a
Shoshone village. Hear the words
of the pioneers and learn of the
successes of the Bidwell-Bartleson
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.
172 | Summer 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, a gift shop and is home to
the National Cowboy Poetry Gather-
ing.
The Sherman Station Ranch House
and five outbuildings are located in the
heart of Elko, next to the museum. This
historic timber pine ranch house and
outbuildings were relocated to Elko
from Huntington Valley in 1997 and are
now used as the headquarters 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 schoolhouse all re-
minding visitors what the ranch looked
like over 100 years ago.