Last Updated on September 30, 2026
Do you have plans to visit Elko this summer and have no idea what to do for fun?
Elko has thousands of things to keep you occupied all through your stay. From hiking to skiing, hunting, and many others.
So many places to catch fun like museums, spas, restaurants, and lots more.
This article will take the stress from you, by showing you the 21 best places, especially you can catch real fun.
Things To Do In Elko
1. California Trail Historic Interpretive Center
There is so much to do here.
Apart from the amazing movies on the California Gold Rush, The Donner Party, and many more. Also, the education and cultural enlightenment it entails.
It also has a gift shop, where you and your family can have one or two items. Either as souvenirs or personal keeps.
There are children’s gifts, books, candy, and more. There is no way you won’t find one good thing to catch your eye in this store.
2. Northeastern Nevada Museum
This is one place to go to learn a lot on a vacation at affordable prices.
There are art galleries where you can see local history exhibits. Over 20,000 square feet in the museum contains 6 different galleries.
You can see why you can’t get bored of displays and many more. From railroads to mining, ranching, and many other early life displays.
You need to add it to your list of things to do in Elko.
3. Humboldt National Forest
This is one place to find untapped acres of land. So many outdoor activities at your disposal.
From horse riding to hiking, backpacking, and even camping. All very pleasurable experiences.
Coming here is one way to take in nature’s gift of a scenic environment. The forest, and the wide open sage steppes, all have something differently nice to offer.
4. Western Folklife Center
This center brings together people from n and rural communities together.
Exploring new ideas focusing on cowboy gear contemporary folk.
And, gives you a different insight into the importance and challenges of ern communities.
It has been excelling since its first poetry gathering in 1985.
Anywhere you choose to be, either the black box theater, exhibition theater, gift ho, and many more. You are sure of getting something to take home with you
5. Wild Horse Reservoir State Recreation Area
Wild Horse Reservoir State Recreation Area offers you vast options for catching fun. Whether you choose to visit in summer, spring, or winter.
You might get lucky catching a fish in the park’s reservoir. Fishes like the yellow perch, catfish, and other species.
Springtime gives you a feel. The flowers here are beautiful for sights.
And you can go swimming, cam long, hiking, and boating during the summer.
Skating, ice fishing, etc are featured during the winter. I can’t forget to mention the wildlife you can catch on sight here too.
6. Cowboy Arts & Gear Museum
This spot was used to house the G.S Garcia Saddle Company. It happens to be a nonprofit museum now.
Exhibits mostly of western heritage. So much cultural heritage and history to be seen here with items, arts, and other items.
This Museum preserves so many cultures and arts like silversmithing, rawhide be airing, and others.
7. Sherman Station Visitor’s Center
Sherman Station Visitor’s Center is one attraction in Elko you should visit.
A lot of enlightening things to engage in. At the end of the day, you are going home with something extra added to you.
Fun is one sure fact. But also displays like branding iron displays, barbed wire collection, blacksmith’s shops, and many more.
Since 1997, they have been topping the best things to do in Elko.
8. J.M. Capriola Co
J.M. Capriola is the only saddle that has won two gold medals. That alone is an interesting fact why you should pay a visit here.
After Garcia retired and handed over his business to his son. They employed Joe Capriola who later started his own saddle business in 1929.
Today the company is excellent at what they do. Belts, custom-made saddles, hats, jewelry, and many more are made for purchase here.
One of the best places to find fine leather products.
9. Elko Cinema 6
There is no longer talk here. Just add it to your bucket list to go see a movie while on vacation.
Now the good part of this place is how welcoming the place is. From the environment to the staff.
Very pocket-friendly priced tickets. And third restrooms are always kept neat.
Enjoy beautiful movies at Elko Cinema 6 while in Elko.
10. Rolling Rock Gallery
Have you been looking for a place to get souvenirs for those loved ones you left at home?
Rolling Rock Gallery is one spectacular place. You will find it here.
Something special for everyone. The kid’s toys, arts, decorations for the house, science kits, and many more.
You need to add this up on fun things to do while in Elko.
11. Maverick Casino Hotel
Over 350 machines lined up. It doesn’t matter what your game desires are. This Casino will blow your mind.
Game cards, and video games for the kids. Yes, for the kids.
The kids have a section to catch their level too. Arcades, video games, and many more to engage in.
You can stroll into the gift store just before leaving to get a thing or two for yourself or your children.
12. Good Time Charlee’s
This is the only bar that can boast of hosting karaoke every night of the week except on Sundays and Mondays. No other bar does this.
So, if you are looking for a place to troop in on a nice Tuesday evening. You know Good Time Charlee’s will always be open to you.
Not only are they accessible but they don’t disappoint in their drinks offers too.
Excellent customer service. That’s one secret this business has used to succeed.
13. Ruby View Golf Course
Gold is something everybody should look out to try. At least till you are convinced it’s not your thing.
This particular golf course can not make you feel like that. So many activities and engagements.
So whether it’s your first time or many times on a golf course, you know this one is fun.
Apart from playing golf here. There is a restaurant serving mouth-watering delicacies that you can eat just after the Tee.
This is just the tip of the iceberg I’m letting out. Visiting here is an eye-opener.
14. Crystal Theatre
Finally, a time out to just be able to relax and watch those fantastic trending movies.
The seats are very comfortable to give you that convenience you deserve.
With little money, you can get a ticket, popcorn, and drinks to help you through the movie.
Something to not try alone. Go with a special person when your entire family.
15. Me Time Salon & Day Spa
What is a vacation without time in the spa?
You can even choose the package you want. And the employees there are so friendly and ready to help you.
Body scrubs, facials, body massage, pedicures, you name it. You can get all those offers here and even more.
I always tell people to make out time to please themselves during a vacation. Stretch out and relax.
Nothing wrong in spoiling yourself a little
16. Elko Mural Tour
The Elko Mural Tour gives you a free tour of beautiful art displays.
And the good part is, they are open to every artist from all over the states and have over 60 of their artworks displayed here. Telling the story of the American Indian, Basque, etc.
It’s one place to add to your list. To have a swell time in Elko.
17. The National Cowboy Poetry Gathering
The National Cowboy Poetry is held every January. So it’s a good thing to plan and want to enjoy this amazement.
Here, they celebrate and tell the story of the cultural lifestyle of the Cowboys.
Through songs, visual arts, poetry, new media, and more. It’s one gathering to be in and you are sure you did something different from the usual.
18. Machi’s Saloon & Grill
If there is anything you will know about this food spot, it is how fresh their ingredients always are.
So many amazing dishes on the menu like roasted Prime Rib, Alaskan King Crab, Chili Chicken Fettuccine, Fried Chickpeas, and many more.
After all that, you can wash it down with any of the exquisite wines from the bar.
Because of how good the meals are here, there is always a rush. You might want to book beforehand to not be disappointed.
19. Ogi Deli Bar & Pintxos
One fun fact this place has is the welcoming and relaxing environment.
This alone draws guests to come to eat here with their families or friends and hang out. From here, you can catch glimpses of other attention sites you plan to check out.
Delicious dishes on the menu, you might be a little confused about what to choose.
- Read More: 33 Best and Fun Things To Do In Rexburg
20. Lamoille Canyon & The Ruby Mountains
One of the best spots to go picnicking. In my opinion.
You can get beautiful pictures here too. Enjoying good views from the mountains. People come from all over.
Snowmobilers, snowshoers, and back backcountry.
Just add this to your bucket list. And thank me later.
21. Ruby Mountains Heli-Ski Experience
This is a family-owned business. Today, they are seen as the ‘Best American Adventures.
You are sure to have a fun time you will keep talking about even after your holiday is over.
This business has been running for over 45 years and has been doing well ever since.
Good for skiing and snowboarding. You are sure to enjoy your time with licensed and professional pilots.
Conclusion
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Elko has a lot to offer. We can clear.
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