Basque Festival:
Early July.
Celebrate Northeastern Nevada’s Basque culture with traditional activities including the “Jota” (ho-tah) a Basque dance of joy, wood chopping and weight lifting. During the long weekend’s festivities, weight lifters will test their strength and endurance by hefting a 225 pound granite ball, 300- 450 pound cylinders, and a 250 pound cubic weight. Hand-ball finals of the North American Basque Organization also are planned.

Cowboy Poetry Gathering:
Late January to early February.
Elko is internationally renowned for the original Cowboy Poetry Gathering, the one that started it all. The “gathering” draws thousands of spectators each year to hear cowboys spin tales and sing songs of life in the saddle and home on the range.

Gold Country Inn & Casino and J.R.’s Bar & Grill:
Experience the excitement of state-of-the art slot machines and video poker at the Gold Country Casino. JR’s Bar & Grill offers dining with real western hospitality. Choose from sizzling steaks, passionate pasta, raging rotisserie specialties, and pizzas cooked in an authentic brick oven.

Golf Courses
Elko has two unique and challenging golf courses designed to test all skill levels. The Ruby View is a majestic 18-hole course with the look and feel of an exclusive country club at public course prices. For more information call 777-7277. The Spring Creek Golf Course has a challenging layout, narrow fairways and undulating greens to test your skills and patience. In just 20 minutes, you can enjoy an 18-hole championship style golf course. For more information call 753-6331.

Lamoille Canyon:
Located 26 miles southeast of Elko on State Route 227, a national scenic byway to the Ruby Mountain Wilderness area. Lamoille Canyon is often referred to as the “Yosemite of Nevada.” The canyon was heavily carved by glacial activity several thousands of years ago. A four-stop self-guided auto tour with geology interpretive exhibits leads visitors past meadows full of wildflowers, abundant wildlife, waterfalls and avalanche chutes. Several nature trails and picnic grounds are spread through out the canyon.

Northeastern Nevada Museum:
This national award winning museum features exhibits on history, nature, Native American art, microscopic gold mining, early American weaponry and an 1860 Pony Express cabin. The new Wanamaker wing has more than 200 full-sized, mounted animals from around the world displayed in exhibits representing their natural environment. Located at 1515 Idaho Street, call 738-3418 for more information.

Sherman Station:
Recently moved to its current site, the Sherman Station is comprised of the main ranch house and outbuildings of the Walther homestead. It served as a stage stop on the Old Hill Beachey toll road between Elko and Hamilton. Other buildings include a one-room school house, creamery, blacksmith’s shop, and the barns that housed the stage teams and coaches. Located at 14th & Idaho Street, call 738-7135 for more information.

South Fork State Recreation Area:
South Fork is a favorite among locals for water sports including boating, water-skiing and fishing. Camping is allowed at designated sites. Located 16 miles southwest of Elko, the South Fork Dam has many different types of game fish including trout and , channel catfish, as well as small mouth and large mouth bass.

Western Folklife Center:
Headquarters for the world renown Cowboy Poetry Gathering, it is also the site of year-round entertainment and activities including concerts, music hours, workshops and educational programs for children. Situated in the historic Pioneer Hotel, the center is dedicated to preserving the rich culture and spirit of the American West. Summer activities include weekly musical happy hours called “Bunkhouse Fridays” and a film series featuring the finest western artists in the world. The gift shop is filled with cowboy music, books and memorabilia. Located at 501 Railroad Street, call 738-7508 for more information.

Wildhorse Reservoir:
Located 67 miles northeast of Elko on State Route 225, this reservoir reaches up to 65 feet in depth near the dam. Early spring and late fall are the most productive for trout. Ice fishing is always a popular event with catch rates exceeding that of fair weather fishing.

Elko Chamber of Commerce

Elko Convention and Visitors Authority