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.

Things changed when the population grew by the thousands as 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.

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.

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).

Which finally brings us to another of the state's top "liquid assets" -- 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.

2023 Nevada special events and festivals

See spills and chills at the 104th edition of the Reno Rodeo in June.

Just up ahead, check out our 2023 Nevada travel calender featuring memorable events and major festivals happening throughout the state with dates, locations and official links for more information.

Happy travels!

May 19 - May 21, 2023 -- Electric Daisy Carnival Las Vegas

May 27 - May 28, 2023 -- Best Damn Barbecue Challenge Boulder City

June 15 - June 24, 2023 -- Reno Rodeo Reno

June 30 - August 20, 2023 -- Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival Lake Tahoe

July 14 - July 16, 2023 -- Silver State Stampede Elko

August 27 - September 4, 2023 -- Burning Man Black Rock Desert

September 8 - September 10, 2023 -- Great Reno Balloon Race Reno

also see -> Las Vegas for Families   |   Nevada Campgrounds

Christmas in Nevada 2023  |   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.