Cowboy Country ~ Wells

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Wells was founded in 1869 by the Central Pacific Railroad.

This rich agricultural area is the gateway to outstanding fishing, hunting and outdoor recreation. From Angel lake, located high in the East Humboldt Range, behold breathtaking views of the luxuriant Clover Valley. A pleasant side trip leads to Metropolis, the crumbling photogenic remains of Nevada's only agricultural ghost town.

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Walk in the footsteps of mountain men, railroad builders, ranchers, rustlers, bullwhackers, gamblers, when you visit Wells, Nevada. See where Shoshone, mountain men, and westbound wagon trains replenished at the Humboldt Wells. Our Emigrant Trail Center tells the story. Founded in 1869 by the Central Pacific Railroad, Wells became a cow town on the Transcontinental Railroad, hub for freight wagons & stagecoaches bound for the mines, and a town with a well-deserved reputation for knowing how to show travelers, cowboys, sections hands, teamsters a good time. Except for the stagecoaches very little has changed.

Still hub for regional ranchers and California Trail sites, Wells is undergoing a historic revival to breathe life back into its authentic 1800’s wild west commercial district where trains still rumble by stirring up dust and ghosts in the old buildings. The Senior Pro Rodeo and one of Nevada's biggest annual car shows combine to give a period feel to this small town. Proud of its past, an airport, nine-hole golf course, casinos, and restaurants connect Wells to the Twenty-first Century.

At the I-80 & US 93 intersection, Wells is the jump-off point for California-Oregon Trail sites; Baker City, Oregon; Sun Valley, Idaho; Jackson Hole, Wyoming; Park City, Utah; Yellowstone, and points elsewhere. Casinos! Real Cows! Real Cowboys! Some of the best hunting/fishing west of Mississippi.

Attention hunters! Deer, antelope, and other abundant big game populate the surrounding outback and game birds are plentiful. Anglers will enjoy outstanding lakes, reservoirs, creeks and streams. Angel Lake, tucked into the East Humboldt mountain range, is a particular favorite for its fish, striking 8,400 foot scenery, and breathtaking views of Clover Valley 2800 feet below.

See our Emigrant Trail Center where you can relive life on the California Trail. It's co-located with the Visitor's Center & Chamber of Commerce. Learn about Metropolis, a nearby ghost town with a fascinating history only 20 minutes away. Visitor-friendly Wells awaits:

No hassle RV parks, bicycle friendly streets, supermarket and pharmacy.
Pet friendly ground floor motor courts — under $30 a night.
Park has restrooms, kid swings and jungle gym, soccer, baseball and football fields, horseshoe pits, basketball and tennis courts, summer months swimming pool.
One minute to the 4-Way Casino and Flying J Casino, Emigrant Trail Center, kid-friendly library with really great regional history section.
Two minutes to no-fee muni shooting range. Sight-in seven days a week but bring your own targets & target racks (50/100/300 meter range; frequent trap shoots).
Two minutes to nine-hole golf course, airport.
Five minutes to deer hunting, fishing, hiking trails.
Twenty minutes to Metropolis ghost town, Angel Lake, Secret Pass, cross-country skiing.
Horse trail or hike to untouched alpine lakes of the Ruby Mountains and lower Humboldt Range.