30 Museums to Explore in Nevada

Checkout places to visit in Nevada

Nevada

Nevada is officially known as the "Silver State" because of the importance of silver to its history and economy. It is also known as the "Battle Born State" because it achieved statehood during the Civil War.

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Museums to Explore in Nevada

Beatty Museum & Historical Society

The Beatty Museum & Historical Society is a delightful gem in the middle of the desert. This museum houses artifacts and exhibits that showcase the rich history of the area, from mining and ranching to the art of fly fishing. But what really sets this museum apart is the friendly and knowledgeable staff. They will regale you with tales of the town's past and answer any question you may have with a smile. Plus, their gift shop has some of the most unique souvenirs you'll find in the state.

California Trail Interpretive Center

The California Trail Interpretive Center is a state-of-the-art museum located in Elko County, Nevada. The center offers visitors an immersive experience into the history of the California Trail, which was a crucial route taken by pioneers during the mid-19th century.The center showcases a variety of exhibits and interactive displays that educate visitors about the challenges and triumphs faced by those who traveled the trail.

Churchill County Museum

The Churchill County Museum, is a fascinating destination that offers visitors a unique glimpse into the region's rich history and cultural heritage. The museum features several exhibits showcasing the area's Native American communities, early explorers, and pioneers.Visitors can explore a range of artifacts, photographs, and documents that highlight the region's agricultural and mining industries, military history, and contributions to the state's cultural heritage.

DISCOVERY Children's Museum

DISCOVERY Children's Museum, located in Clark County, Nevada, is a stimulating and educational attraction that offers a wide variety of interactive exhibits designed to engage and inspire children of all ages. The museum spans over 58,000 square feet of exhibit space and features a range of hands-on experiences that encourage children to explore, discover, and learn in a fun and exciting way.

East Ely Railroad Depot Museum

The East Ely Railroad Depot Museum is an impressive historic site housed in a beautifully restored train depot that was built in 1907 and served as a hub for transportation and commerce in the region.The museum offers visitors an immersive experience in the history of railroads and the impact they had on the development of the American West. Visitors can explore the depot's original waiting room, ticket office, and telegraph office, as well as the freight room and the locomotive repair shop.

Foreman-Roberts House Museum

The Foreman-Roberts House Museum is an iconic historic landmark in Carson City, Nevada, and is widely recognized as a true gem of the city's rich cultural heritage. The museum is housed in a beautifully restored Victorian-era home that was originally built in 1874. The home was owned by several prominent local families throughout its history and has since been meticulously preserved to showcase its original grandeur.

Genoa Courthouse Museum

The Genoa Courthouse Museum is a historical landmark. The building itself was constructed in 1865 and served as the seat of Douglas County's government for over 80 years. In the 1970s, the courthouse was restored and converted into a museum dedicated to preserving the rich and diverse history of the region.Inside the museum, visitors can explore exhibits that detail the settlement of Genoa and the surrounding area by Native American tribes, European explorers, and early American pioneers.

Goldwell Open Air Museum

This dazzling outdoor museum showcases a collection of unique and mind-bending art installations that are sure to captivate your imagination. From the towering and stark "Last Supper" sculpture to the quirky and whimsical "Ghost Rider" installation, this museum is a true feast for the eyes. But don't let the desert sun fool you - each piece of art has a deep and profound meaning behind it. Personally, I think this museum is a hidden gem that's well worth a visit.

Hawthorne Ordnance Museum

The Hawthorne Ordnance Museum, is a hidden gem for history buffs and those interested in military armaments. As you walk through the museum, you'll be transported back in time to the days when Hawthorne was a hub for storing and testing ammunition during World War II. The exhibits are comprehensive, featuring a wide variety of weaponry and equipment. But what truly sets this museum apart is the knowledgeable and passionate volunteers who run it.

Historic Fourth Ward School Museum

The Historic Fourth Ward School Museum is one of the most popular attractions in Storey County, Nevada. The school was built in 1876 and served as a public school until 1936. Today, the museum showcases the county's rich educational history and offers visitors a glimpse into what school was like during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Humboldt Museum

This exquisite exhibit is home to some of the most fascinating artifacts and displays, showcasing the rich history and culture of the region. But be warned, you may need to bring a spare set of shoes as you'll want to spend hours exploring the vast collection of relics from Native American tribes, early settlers, and the famous Comstock era. And if you're lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of the resident ghost that is said to roam the halls.

Las Vegas Natural History Museum

The Las Vegas Natural History Museum, is an educational and engaging attraction that offers visitors a unique experience to learn about the natural world. It houses an extensive collection of exhibits and artifacts that explore various fields of natural history, including biology, geology, ecology, and anthropology.The museum's exhibits feature a vast array of displays, from dinosaur skeletons to life-size models of animals, providing visitors with an immersive experience of the natural world.

Lyon County Museum

This gem of a museum is packed with interesting artifacts and exhibits that showcase the area's rich history. From stories of early pioneers and the mining boom to fascinating displays on local wildlife, you'll find something fascinating around every corner. And don't miss the "oddities" section - where else can you see a two-headed snake or an antique burial casket? Trust me, this museum is well worth the visit, whether you're a history buff or just looking to add a bit of quirky fun.

Marzen House Museum

The Marzen House Museum is located in Pershing County, Nevada and is a historic house museum that offers visitors a glimpse into the life of early pioneers in the area. The house was built in 1906 by the Marzen family, who were among the first settlers in the region. Today, the museum features exhibits showcasing the history of the area, including artifacts, photographs, and documents related to the early days of Pershing County.

McGill Drugstore Museum

The McGill Drugstore Museum is a unique historical attraction located in White Pine County, Nevada. It is housed in the original McGill Drugstore building, which was established in 1912 and served the community for several decades.The museum offers visitors a glimpse into the past, with a collection of artifacts, displays, and exhibits that showcase the history of medicine, pharmacy, and daily life in the early 20th century.

Mineral County Museum

This museum is packed to the brim with fascinating artifacts and exhibits, covering everything from the area's mining history to its rich cultural heritage. But what really sets the Mineral County Museum apart is its quirky sense of humor. Where else can you see exhibits on everything from vintage clothing to old-fashioned cooking utensils, all presented with a lighthearted and irreverent tone? This museum is a true gem, and I can't recommend it highly enough.

National Atomic Testing Museum

Documents the history of nuclear testing at the Nevada Test Site (NTS) in the desert north of Las Vegas. The museum covers the period from the first test at NTS on January 27, 1951, to the present. Among its exhibits covering American nuclear history is a "Ground Zero Theater" which simulates the experience of observing an atmospheric nuclear test.

National Automobile Museum

The National Automobile Museum, located just south of the Truckee River in Reno, Nevada, displays historic automobiles from the late 19th century and from throughout the 20th. Most of the vehicles displayed are from the collection of the late casino owner William F. Harrah, and so the museum is sometimes referred to as The Harrah Collection.

Nevada Museum of Art

The Nevada Museum of Art is a world-renowned art museum, known for its diverse collection of contemporary and traditional art, with a focus on the art and culture of the American West.The museum was founded in 1931 and has since become one of the premier art institutions in the United States. The museum's permanent collection includes over 2,000 works of art, ranging from paintings and sculptures to photography and mixed media installations.

Nevada Northern Railway Museum

The Nevada Northern Railway Museum is a fascinating cultural site located in White Pine County, Nevada. The museum offers visitors a glimpse into the region's rich history and heritage, showcasing the role that railroads played in the area's development.The museum is situated on the grounds of the historic Nevada Northern Railway, which operated from 1905 to 1983 and played a significant role in the mining industry in the area.

Map of Museums to explore in Nevada