Introduction to Elko, Nevada
Elko, Nevada, in Elko county, is 191 miles S of Nampa, Idaho (center to center) and 323 miles N of Las Vegas, Nevada.
Elko History
The city of Elko, which is the county seat of Elko County, was first inhabited in 1868. At that time it was located at the eastern end of the tracks constructed by the Central Pacific Railroad. After the railroad crew moved, the community remained a mining freight center as well as a supply center. The area is said to have been named by Charles Crocker (Superintendent, Central Pacific Railroad), who was extremely fond of animal names. He chose the name Elko, by adding an extra 'o' to 'elk'. Elko was designated the county seat in 1869, and was officially incorporated in 1917.
Elko and Nearby Attractions
- Western Folklife Center
- Hillside Park
- Northeastern Nevada Museum
- Riverview Park
- Wild Horse State Recreation Area
- Northeastern Nevada Museum
Things To Do In Elko
Western Shoshone Historic Preservation Society, Wild Horse State Recreation Area, and the Northeastern Nevada Museum are places of interest near Elko. Ruby View Golf Course offers opportunities to play golf. Annual festivals celebrated are the National Basque Festival in June, Elko County Fair in August, the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in January, and the Great Humboldt Duck Race in July. Parks including Ruby Mountains Recreational Area, Jarbidge Recreational Area, Wilson Reservoir Recreational Area, South Fork State Recreational Area, and Ruby Valley Hot Springs offer recreational activities like hiking, swimming, camping, and biking.
Elko Transportation
Air transportation is available from Elko Regional Airport.
Elko Higher Education
Great Basin College is the local college. Nearby colleges include College of Southern Idaho, Weber State University, and Boise State University.