Nevada’s ghost towns, remnants of the state’s gold and silver rushes, still echo with the stories of the past. Saloons, once the lifeblood of these towns, offer a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era. Here are five ghost-town saloons in Nevada that you must explore, each steeped in history and local lore.
1. Pioneer Saloon – Goodsprings
Established in 1913, the Pioneer Saloon is a living piece of history in Goodsprings, Nevada. With its original tin walls and cherry-wood bar, this saloon has survived major eras, from Prohibition to COVID-19. It’s not just the age-old decor that draws visitors; legend has it that a phantom bartender and a Lady in Red have been sighted here, adding to its spooky charm.
Featured on the Food Network, the saloon offers more than just spirits and cold brews. It serves the iconic ‘World Famous Ghost Burger,’ promising an experience that tantalizes all senses. The Pioneer Saloon is a must-visit for thrill-seekers and history buffs alike, embodying the true spirit of Nevada.
2. Midas Saloon & Dinner House – Midas
The Midas Saloon & Dinner House nestles in the heart of Midas, a living ghost town along Nevada’s dusty backroads. Known as a true ‘Sagebrush Saloon,’ it serves up cold beers and hearty meals like burgers and steaks. What sets this place apart is its friendly atmosphere, complete with a pool table and a welcoming vibe.
Midas itself is a town rich with history, once home to about 5,000 people during its gold rush days. Though the boom has faded, the spirit of the old West lingers, making this saloon a popular stop for both locals and adventurous travelers seeking Nevada’s hidden gems.
3. Jarbidge Saloons – Jarbidge
Jarbidge, known as one of Nevada’s most remote living ghost towns, hosts two operating saloons. Despite a year-round population of just 19, these establishments maintain an authentic Wild West ambiance. Off-the-grid charm and ghost stories are plentiful, inviting those who dare to venture off the beaten path.
The saloons serve as community hubs where locals and travelers swap tales over a cold brew. The remoteness of Jarbidge adds to its allure, making these saloons not just a stop, but a destination in itself. The wilderness around the town completes this unique experience, perfect for those seeking adventure.
4. Fairview – Once Saloons Galore
Fairview, a once-thriving silver town in Churchill County, Nevada, boasted as many as 27 saloons during its peak in the early 1900s. Though the saloons have vanished, the spirit of Fairview remains palpable to visitors exploring its deserted streets.
The town’s rapid rise and fall are testament to Nevada’s unpredictable mining history, and wandering through Fairview is like walking through a chapter of a long-closed book.
The remnants of its saloons echo stories of boom times, leaving a hauntingly beautiful impression on all who visit.
5. Santa Fe Saloon – Goldfield
Nestled in the iconic ghost town of Goldfield, the Santa Fe Saloon is a timeless relic of the mining boom era. As Nevada’s longest continually running Sagebrush Saloon, it has witnessed fires, floods, and the ebb and flow of fortune.
The interior tells a story of its own, with mining memorabilia adorning the walls and a bar that feels like stepping back into the early 1900s. Ghost-town explorers and history enthusiasts flock here, drawn by tales of old and the saloon’s enduring spirit. Santa Fe Saloon offers more than just a drink; it offers a journey through time.
