DESCENDING INTO LANDER COUNTY leads travelers into the Reese River Valley. The town of Austin Nevada is located near the intersection of State Route 305 and Highway 50. Prior to 1862, the area surrounding Austin Nevada was considered an “unexplored” Nevada territory. That all changed in May of that year when William Talcott stumbled onto a rich vein of silver. Austin Nevada soon grew to become Nevada’s second-largest city, boasting a population of more than 8,000.

Because Austin Nevada’s silver held out for nearly 20 years, substantial brick buildings were constructed. They included banks, lecture halls, schools, churches and homes. Many of these establishments, like the Stokes Castle, the International Hotel, and the Gridley Store are still standing today. Austin has had a “boom and Bust” economy throughout its rich history and mining comes and goes depending on the economy. Eleven sites and buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Want a little room to breath? Three of the fourteen nationally designated wilderness areas in the state of Nevada are located near Austin. Young or old, whether your interests are hunting. biking, packing, photography, or just taking a scenic drive through breathtaking county, these spectacular areas provide the ultimate in outdoor opportunities.

Visitors to Austin Nevada are welcome to enjoy the historic buildings, browse in the library, and stroll along its streets. Food, drink, gas, lodging, and other supplies are readily available.

For more information about Austin, visit austinnevada.org.

FOR UPCOMING AUSTIN EVENTS, CLICK HERE.

FOR AUSTIN PHOTOGRAPHY, CLICK HERE.