MAIN Travel North America USA Nevada

With much of Nevada a vast desert, it was only the unusually intrepid who explored the territory in the early 1800's. The U.S. obtained the region in 1848 following the Mexican War, and the first permanent settlement was a Mormon trading post near what is now Genoa, Nevada.

Several years later, the state's population grew by the thousands when prospectors streamed into the state following the discovery of the spectacularly rich Comstock Lode silver and gold deposit in 1859.

Today, tourists by the millions visit the state annually in the hope of striking it rich at world-famous Las Vegas and Reno gambling hotels and resorts. While in Reno, don't miss another top Nevada tourist destination at the National Automobile Museum featuring souped-up classic cars of all descriptions including a 24-karat gold plated DeLorean!

Top Nevada tourist attractions include the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas (left); tours of Lake Mead and the
mighty Hoover Dam (middle) and in northern Nevada the pristine natural beauty of Lake Tahoe (right).

With Nevada being one of the hottest and driest states in the Union, it's really surprise that other major Nevada tourist attractions include Lake Tahoe (sharing a border with northern California) and Lake Mead boasting America's largest reservoir near Las Vegas.

Which finally brings us to another of the state's top "water attractions" -- and what forms and feeds Lake Mead -- the mighty Hoover Dam, a 20th century engineering feat that made Las Vegas possible.

Elsewhere around the state, history buffs will enjoy museums and exhibits that bring the Old West alive on display in Virginia City, as well as a tour of the Kit Carson Trail and the capitol building at Carson City.

also see -> Las Vegas for Families & Non Gamblers | Nevada Campgrounds

Christmas in Nevada | Las Vegas Outlet Malls

More about Nevada travel & tourism around the Web:

Nevada Commission on Tourism - The official site and an eyeful, with facts & information on hotels, guest ranches & RV parks, adventure travel & planning, major attractions, Nevada weddings, chapels & honeymoons, pictures, FAQ, maps.

Nevada Magazine - Digital version of the travel magazine offering feature stories, news & updates, Nevada travel facts & trivia, suggested travel books, magazine subscription information.