Attractions and Places To See around Goldfield - Top 7

Goldfield is rich in history, offering numerous well-preserved structures from its boom years. You can explore the expansive Goldfield Historic District, which includes nearly 120 buildings dating from 1904 to 1909. Notable sites within the district include the Goldfield Hotel, the Esmeralda County Courthouse, and the Goldfield Historic High School. Don't miss the Santa Fe Saloon, Goldfield's oldest continually operating business, or the Goldfield Historic Fire Station, known for its ashlar stone construction. For a deeper dive into mining history, visit the Florence Mine, which was one of Goldfield's most productive.

Yes, Goldfield is home to the unique International Car Forest of The Last Church, an outdoor art installation featuring cars, buses, and trucks anchored into the ground and adorned with graffiti. For historical context, the Goldfield Cemetery offers a glimpse into the town's past with its historical gravestones and unique stories like the "Paste Eater's Grave." You can also visit the Goldfield Historical Society for walking tour maps and information, or the Goldfield Visitor Center for community details and ghost tour information.

The Goldfield Hills, part of the Basin and Range province, offer rugged topography and panoramic views. You can also visit Gemfield, a short drive north, known as a great spot for digging various gemstones. Free hot springs are located about ten minutes from Goldfield via US-95. The nearby Fish Lake Valley provides opportunities for hiking, climbing, off-roading, rock hunting, and fishing. Keep an eye out for wild burros in the area, and explore thousands of miles of BLM trails perfect for off-road enthusiasts.

Goldfield experiences desert weather. Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October) generally offer the most pleasant temperatures for exploring the outdoor attractions and historic sites. Summers can be very hot, and winters can bring cold temperatures, though snow is less common. The town also hosts the Goldfield Days festival on the first weekend in August, which features a parade, live music, and other events.

While many historical sites are suitable for families, the International Car Forest of The Last Church offers a visually engaging and unique experience for all ages. For an interactive activity, families can learn to pan for gold at The Warehouse Museum & Orchard Company and Vanderford's Gold Strike, connecting with Goldfield's rich mining heritage. Exploring the Goldfield Cemetery can also be an educational and intriguing experience for older children.

For dining, the Dinky Diner is considered a local favorite and a great spot to interact with residents. If you're looking for a local bar, the Santa Fe Saloon, dating back to 1905, is Goldfield's oldest continually operating business and one of Nevada's oldest saloons. The Mozart Tavern also offers food until late. For something unique, Old Sam Spirits is Goldfield's craft distillery where you can sample whiskey.

If you're interested in cycling, there are several routes available in the broader Goldfield area. These include challenging rides like the Victor loop from Cripple Creek (20 km), the Victor & Cow Mountain loop from Cripple Creek (28 km), and longer excursions such as the Florissant & Divide loop from Cripple Creek (74 km) or the route to Mueller State Park from Cripple Creek (65 km). You can find more details on these and other cycling routes in the Cycling around Goldfield guide.

Goldfield is renowned for its reputation as one of Nevada's most haunted locations, particularly the Goldfield Hotel. Completed in 1908, this once-luxurious hotel has been unoccupied since the end of World War II and is a popular destination for ghost hunters due to numerous reported paranormal occurrences. The Goldfield Visitor Center can provide information on ghost tours if you're interested in exploring this aspect of the town's history.

The Goldfield Historical Society, housed in the Rectory building of the First Methodist Episcopal Church, is an excellent resource. They offer free guidebooks and detailed maps for a walking tour of the town, allowing you to explore the historic district at your own pace. The Goldfield Visitor Center also provides information on the community and historic walking tours.

The Goldfield Historic District is a significant historical site encompassing 200 acres and nearly 120 buildings, most of which date from Goldfield's boom years between 1904 and 1909. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982, preserving a tangible link to the town's prosperous past as a major mining center. Exploring this district offers a comprehensive look at the architecture and urban planning of an early 20th-century boomtown.

Yes, Goldfield and its surrounding desert landscapes are home to various wildlife. Keep an eye out for wild burros, which are often seen roaming around the town and in the nearby hills. The broader Basin and Range province also supports a variety of desert flora and fauna, making wildlife spotting a possibility during your visit.