Nevada, IA Road Trips

Nevada achieved statehood in 1864, becoming the 36th state, despite its tiny population. The primary purpose of this early grant of statehood was to pack Congress with two more senators and thus help preserve Northern/Republican dominance in the post-Civil War era. At the time, Nevada's economy was dominated by the mining industry, thus tying the state to the industrialized North. Nevada was also seen as a counterbalance to the more agrarian and Confederate-sympathizing California. Over the years, Nevada's economy has diversified somewhat into agriculture, light industry, distribution, and gaming. However, over 87% of the land in Nevada is still owned by the Federal Government. There are fairly large cultural differences between urban and rural areas, and therefore they are treated separately here. The urban areas, consisting of the Reno and Las Vegas areas, are heavily dependent on tourism and thus very welcoming to outsiders. In addition, these areas have seen a huge influx of immigration from other states and countries and thus have a cosmopolitan feel. In a gambling town, everyone's your friend as long as you have money. Recent immigrants from California are widely complained about (especially by the less recent immigrants from California), but that's about the extent of it. Rural folk in Nevada are about like rural folk in the rest of the U.S., except more so. Although they are mostly conservative and highly individualistic, you'll be surprised by their helpful, easygoing nature and tolerance of people that they don't feel threatened by.

Great Basin National Park. One of the lesser known national parks and one of the newest national parks in the system, and therefore not so crowded or overdeveloped. It is also somewhat small, but has some lovely campgrounds and some nice hiking trails. Beware the altitude as the upper campground is around ten thousand feet. The aspens in autumn make this park spectacular. Check whether it is possible to take part at a guided tour through the Nevada Test Site (Nevada National Security Site), the former test site of nuclear bombs. The tour is often fully booked months in advance. See U.S. DOE/NNSA - Nevada Site Office, Nevada Test Site Tours. As of 2023, these tours are only open to US citizens or permanent residents. Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park. A state park preserving several undisturbed ichthyosaur fossils of the species Shonisaurus popularis, as well as the early-20th-century ghost town of Berlin. Fans of Fallout: New Vegas may recognize familiar sites from the game in Goodsprings, Primm, Hoover Dam, McCarran Airport, Searchlight and of course the Las Vegas strip.

Gambling is the major industry in Nevada, directly responsible for about 20% of total employment. Gambling establishments range from huge casinos boasting slot machines, table games and sports books to small bars and convenience stores, with a few video poker games apiece. Las Vegas is the epicenter for gambling, and people from around the globe come to try their luck at winning big in Vegas' plethora of expansive casinos. If you can bet money on it, you will find a location within one of any of the casinos to do so. Keep in mind that strict restrictions are placed upon casinos concerning where minors may be present within a casino, and these rules are harshly enforced. You must be 21 years of age to gamble or be present whatsoever in a gaming area, such as a casino. Nevada is the only state within the United States in which prostitution is legalized. Exceptions are Clark County (where many tourists fall victim to the "prostitutes", since they forget that prostitution is illegal in Las Vegas), where it is prohibited by state law, and four jurisdictions where local or municipal law bans it — Washoe, Douglas, and Lincoln Counties, and the independent city of Carson City. Brothels with a Carson City address are actually outside the city limits. Some of the state's most popular brothels are near Carson City and in Pahrump; policies and prices vary. Condom use is mandatory at all establishments where sexual activities are conducted, and you must be at least 18 years of age to participate.

Restaurants in and around casinos in Reno, Las Vegas and Tahoe especially cater to the dietary whims of urban California (Las Vegas is a weekend excursion for people from Los Angeles, and Tahoe is the same to people from San Francisco). Notable chefs have opened restaurants worth a detour from the usual tourist activities. Buffets in casinos are often heavily subsidized in hopes that those who come to eat will stay to gamble. The more upscale examples offer surprisingly good food and plenty of it. Outside of these tourist meccas, food takes on a western character. This is certainly the rule in small town cafes, but also in casinos along borders with Oregon, Idaho, Utah and Arizona drawing a western clientele with different dietary preferences from Californians. Nevada and other parts of the larger inter-mountain region export beef and lamb, but are no cornucopia when it comes to fruit and vegetables. These are produced in very finite quantities because water is scarce and elevations usually high enough to induce late and early frosts. Accordingly cafes and restaurants with local clienteles serve 'meat and potatoes' fare. Coffee can be a weak disappointment. Nevertheless the food can be interesting in a regional way, often making inventive use of a limited range of ingredients. Chinese immigration drawn by railroad-building and mining opportunities established Chinese-American cuisine even in remote towns. Urban sophisticates may find it quaintly amusing -- chow mein, sweet-and-sour, egg drop soup, fortune cookies and all.

Nevada may very well have the most relaxed liquor laws in the entire country. Although anti-drunk driving measures and the drinking age of 21 are as strongly enforced as anywhere else, that's pretty much where it ends. Most bars are open 24-7. Privately-owned liquor stores tend to have an extremely comprehensive selection of liquor, beer and wine, especially in Las Vegas. They may even sell via a drive-through window. While some bars may close they do so by choice, not by legal necessity. Indeed, until the COVID-19 pandemic effectively shut down the state for part of 2020, many Nevada bars had been continuously open every single second for well over 40 years, including holidays. Most bars feature some sort of casino gaming. Video poker machines are often built right into the bar itself. Indeed it's unusual to not see something like that in a Nevada bar. Bartenders may even offer you free drinks if you're actively playing. As with the casinos, Nevada bars tend to take a decidedly cavalier attitude towards smoking; ask first, but chances are its perfectly OK to light up if you so choose. If that bothers you, well, California isn't too far away. As with any other state, always be careful when driving on, around, or immediately after major holidays such as New Year's Eve/Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Independence Day, since on those days you will encounter the most drunk drivers.

Two interstates serve both the north & south part of the state. Interstate 15 runs through Las Vegas and has connections to Los Angeles in California and Salt Lake City in Utah. Interstate 80 traverses through Reno and has connections to San Francisco, and eventually Salt Lake City, Omaha, Chicago, Cleveland, and New York. Amtrak's California Zephyr services Reno, Winnemucca and Elko as it crosses northern Nevada (along I-80 corridor) between Sacramento and Salt Lake City on its way to/from Chicago on one end and Emeryville on the other. While Las Vegas does not have scheduled train service, there are Thruway buses that connect the city from the Southwest Chief in Kingman, Arizona, and Barstow, California, and from the Gold Runner in Bakersfield. Plans for an interstate high speed rail service are a perennial issue in state politics, possibly connecting to the Californian system that is under construction. 1 Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO IATA) and 2 Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS IATA) are the most popular entry points to the state from all over the U.S. There are also direct international flights from Europe, Mexico, Canada, east Asia and Central America into Las Vegas. There are also alternative airports which may be closer to your final destination in: 3 Henderson Executive Airport (HSH IATA) is the other airport near Las Vegas, in the town of Henderson. Henderson Executive Airport is a major general aviation airport with a FBO terminal for VIP flights.

There's an awful lot of desert to explore in Nevada, and it's very easy to leave civilization behind. While that is a worthy goal, common sense is necessary to avoid life-threatening situations. Here's some tips for traveling to the more remote desert areas of Nevada: What to drive: Vehicle breakdown and getting stuck are the easiest ways to get into serious trouble in the desert. Don't travel far from the pavement in a low-clearance vehicle. Four wheel drive is strongly recommended for the winter months, and is advised for unpaved mountain roads anytime. It is best to travel in a convoy of multiple vehicles, so that one breakdown will not strand you. Gas stations are few, far between, and often not open around the clock, so it is a good idea to carry extra fuel. If you do break down or run out of fuel, your best bet is to stay with the vehicle unless you're within 10 miles or so of civilization - Odds are that someone will come by in a day or two. Roads: Nevada is criss-crossed with unpaved roads, some of which are maintained, most of which are not. Due to the slow growth rate of vegetation, once a road is established it can remain passable for decades with no maintenance and little traffic. Few roads have culverts, so be on the look-out for washed out areas. These generally aren't a problem if traversed slowly, but can cause serious damage if you don't slow down in time. Fences: The boundaries between grazing allotments are fenced as are the boundaries between public and private land.

Nevada is generally safe to travel in. Being the driest state in the United States, the climate can be extremely harsh, especially during the summers. The following suggestions may come in handy: Fill up your vehicle's fuel tank before leaving the main cities. Even while on the interstate, long stretches between fuel stations can strand a motorist with few options except to wait for someone to drive by. On rural roads or two lane highways, this could be a long wait. Always take extra water with you. at least 2 liters of water per person for a short trip, 3-4 liters per person for an all day excursion. Many locals in the region use inexpensive hydration packs, similar to a camels hump, which hold water for several hours of activity. The "CamelBak" is also a great place for your emergency blanket, map, first aid kit and snacks in case you are injured. Always check the weather before you go. Weather can change quickly in Nevada. In summer during the North American Monsoon, powerful thunderstorms often build up near the crest of the Sierra Nevada, particularly during late afternoon. Soaring summer temperatures can quickly drop 20 - 30 °F when the sun goes down. Even in the height of summer, rain or snow can occur when very cold air drops down off the Sierra Mountains. It is unwise to be in a high, treeless place during a thunderstorm. Always bring a jacket, sweatshirt, or other warm clothing in the car. A pocket sized "Emergency Blanket" made of silver foil will keep you warm and can also shade you from the sun if you are injured and must wait for rescue.