Why should I visit Dayton Nevada?
Gold History
Gold was first discovered in Nevada near Dayton in 1849 and the settlement of the town soon followed in 1851. When prospectors discovered the Comstock Silver Lode up Gold Canyon, Dayton became the primary milling center of the area. The town was soon to be an important stop along the Emigrant Trail, Pony Express Trail, Wells Fargo Stage line, the Transcontinental Telegraph, the Carson & Colorado Railroad, and the Lincoln Highway. Make some time to visit a few of these historic attractions:
- Old Town Dayton’s Pike Street: It was the Overland Trail during the 1840s and 1850s, but today Old Town offers a step back in time with boardwalks, historic buildings, quaint homes, small shops, and cafes.
- Dayton Museum: For a peak into Dayton’s past, take some time to explore the museum, home to a wide variety of memorabilia, photographs, and exhibits on the town’s unique history.
- Self Guided Walking Tour: Available at the Dayton Museum, this self guided walking tour offers a great way to explore the town’s history. Visit historic sites like Nevada's oldest cemetery, the Carson & Colorado Railroad Depot, Odeon Hall & Saloon, the Rock Point Mill, the jail and firehouse.
- Odeon Hall: A must see while in Dayton, the Odeon Hall was at one point home to the Odd Fellows Lodge, a hardware store, bar and pool hall, and a lively atmosphere where famous personalities like Clark Gable, Montgomery Clift and Marilyn Monroe once visited. Today it is known for great food and drink.
- Dayton Cemetery: Not many original pioneering cemeteries still exist in the state. Take a step back in time along the pioneer and mining highway, a trail that connects the mine to the front of the cemetery.
Oasis in the Desert
The Carson River runs right through the Dayton Valley, providing endless recreation opportunities like fishing, canoeing, rafting, swimming, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can also enjoy nearby hiking trails, carriage rides, and even camel rides.
- Boating is ideal on Lahontan Reservoir.
- Golf on an award winning Arnold Palmer course.
- Ski at a number of resorts at nearby Lake Tahoe.
- Test your luck at a handful of casinos.
- Pitch a tent at the Dayton State Park Campground.
Where is Dayton Nevada?
Dayton is located along US Hwy 50, known as the loneliest road in America. In the heart of Western Nevada’s high desert, it is just 25 miles from the stunning Lake Tahoe and 40 miles from the thriving metropolis of Reno.
What sort of Services and Amenities does Dayton offer?
Old Town Dayton remains preserved as a historic district and tourist attraction, but the expanding community that surrounds it offers many amenities for travelers including accommodations, a country club, shopping, restaurants, and casinos.
With a population around 10,000, it easily maintains that rural charm.
