10 Things to Do in Searchlight, Nevada

It is not hard to find exciting things to do in Searchlight Nevada.

Searchlight is a tiny unincorporated town in Clark County, Nevada, about 60 miles southeast of Las Vegas.

It was named for the searchlight erected on nearby Spirit Mountain during the mining boom of the early 1900s.

Today, Searchlight is mostly known for its historic mining past, as well as a popular spot for outdoor recreation and wildlife viewing.

Searchlight, Nevada is a hidden gem waiting to be explored.

Known historically as a hub of mining activity, this small desert town offers more than meets the eye.

From hiking in the nearby mountains to a visit to the world-famous Walking Box Ranch, the activities in Searchlight provide visitors with a truly unforgettable experience.

Whether you are looking to admire the natural beauty of the area or learn about the town’s rich history and culture, Searchlight, Nevada has something to delight everyone.

In this article, I’ll take a closer look at some of the top things to do in Searchlight, Nevada.

Things to Do in Searchlight Nevada

Searchlight Nugget Casino

Searchlight Nugget Casino is a small casino located in Searchlight, Nevada, a rural town about an hour south of Las Vegas.

The Searchlight Nugget Casino is located in Searchlight, Nevada and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The casino’s 3,260 square foot gambling area includes fifty gaming machines as well as three table and poker games.

It has only one restaurant on the premises.

The casino floor features slot machines, video poker, and table games like blackjack and roulette.

There is also a sportsbook, where guests can place bets on various sports events.

In addition to gaming, the Searchlight Nugget offers a restaurant and bar.

Here you can enjoy several American-style dishes.

The bar serves a number of drinks that include beer, wine and cocktails.

Searchlight Nugget Casino has a rich history dating back to the early 1900s.

Indeed, visiting the Searchlight Nugget Casino is among the top things to do in Searchlight, Nevada.

Physical address: 100 N Hwy 95 Searchlight, NV 89046

Searchlight Historical Museum

The museum, located in the Searchlight town Center, centers on the intriguing past of this 100-year-old town.

Searchlight was founded in 1898 and gets its name from the Searchlight Mine.

In addition to the numerous interesting residents of the town, mining history is a prominent part of the museums’ offerings.

Edith Head, who won numerous Academy Awards for her movie costume designs, John Macready, one of the two pilots on the first non-stop cross-country flight over the United States, as well as the only three-time winner of the Mackay Trophy for the most important flight in a year.

Additionally, there is Senator Harry Reid, U.S. Senator from Nevada, and Scott Joplin, whose song, the Searchlight Rag, is named for the community, and many others are among those honored.

These individuals have left a rich legacy that can be seen in the exhibits.

The museum, which highlights the whole past of the community, is an excellent place to learn about the people, businesses, and events that helped shape this desert town into what it is today.

Visiting this museum is among the best things to do in Searchlight, Nevada.

Physical address: 200 Michael Wendell Way, Searchlight, NV 89046

Wee Thump Joshua Tree Wilderness

Wee Thump Joshua Tree Wilderness is a protected wilderness area located in southern Nevada, USA.

This amazing destination is full of large rock formations and Joshua trees that make it a top destination for hikers, rock climbers, and nature lovers.

The Wee Thump Joshua Tree Wilderness covers an area of approximately 6,050 acres and is located near the town of Searchlight.

The stunning Joshua trees are the most notable feature of this wilderness area.

In addition to the Joshua trees, visitors to Wee Thump Joshua Tree Wilderness can marvel at the unique rock formations that dot the landscape.

These formations were created by geological activity millions of years ago and have been shaped by wind and water erosion over time.

There are several animals that live within these rock formations.

They include snakes, lizards and birds of prey.

Make sure to wear sturdy shoes, a sun hat and sunscreen.

Carry food and ample water for your travels.

A compass will also help you find your way back to the car, as there are few landmarks, and all that maze of trees can be disorienting.

Visiting this wilderness is definitely among the best things to do in Searchlight, Nevada.

Physical address: Torrey Pines Drive Las Vegas, NV 89103

Nelson’s Landing

Many people in Vegas refer to the entire region as Nelsons Landing, but Nelsons Landing is only the cliff jumping area near Nelson Ghost Town.

Nelson Ghost Town, on the other hand, is a cross between a junkyard, an outdoor art exhibit, and a tribute to the Burning Man festival.

It’s simple to see why it’s popular among photographers and videographers because it appears to be a movie set, but it’s not.

Nelson, which is only five miles from the Colorado River, was named El Dorado by the Spaniards who found it.

It is the location of the Techatticup Mine (or Eldorado Canyon Mine).

It was once home to one of Nevada’s biggest booms, which resulted in bloody labor conflicts and ownership conflicts.

However, due to its position in El Dorado Canyon, it was prone to flash flooding, rendering it uninhabitable.

What’s left of the boomtown are the weathered buildings, equipment, and Texaco station.

On-site, there are also some very famous crashed planes, but these aren’t historical, but rather movie props from 3000 Miles to Graceland.

Indeed, this destination should be part of your top things to do in Searchlight, Nevada when visiting.

The destination is open daily from 8 AM – 6 PM

It is absolutely forbidden to arrive before or after hours. Furthermore, the owners reside on the property.

If you arrive before 6 p.m., you are usually welcome to remain until sunset, but they ask that everyone leave by dark.

Physical address: Searchlight, NV 89046

Searchlight Library

Searchlight Library is a small library located in the town of Searchlight, Nevada.

It is the only library in the town and serves as a valuable resource for its residents.

The library opened its doors to the public in the early 1900s.

Since then, it has played an important role in providing critical services to the community and visitors.

When you visit this library, you will find a variety of books, magazines, newspapers, journals, DVDs, and even audiobooks.

The library also offers access to computers and the internet, enabling residents to complete various tasks online.

Whether it’s research or entertainment, the library has a range of reference materials to cater for your needs.

In addition to its physical collections, the library also hosts various events and programs throughout the year.

These events include author readings, book clubs, educational workshops, and children’s story time.

The library is committed to promoting literacy and education within the community.

Visiting the library is among the best things to do in Searchlight, Nevada.

Physical address: 200 Michael Wendell Way Searchlight, NV 89046

Eldorado Canyon Mine Tours

The Techatticup Mine is Southern Nevada’s oldest and largest gold mine.

It lasted from 1861 to 1942.

For 40 years, steamboats on the Colorado River were the primary mode of transportation.

This is a hard rock mine tour that brings you into areas where the gold and silver run in quartz veins.

This is a quarter-mile-long gravel walking tour with only one stage.

The journey will last about 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Inside the mine, particularly in the winter, it’s a little breezy and cool.

Going for the tour mine is definitely among the best things to do in Searchlight, Nevada.

Pricing: $15.00 for adults (13 and older) and $10.00 for kids 5-12 (kids under 5 free)

Physical address: 16880 NV-165, Searchlight, NV 89046

Visit Searchlight Airport

Searchlight Airport spans 179 acres (72 ha) and is located at a height of 3,413 feet (1,040 m) above mean sea level.

It has one runway, marked 16/34, with a 5,040 by 70-foot asphalt surface. (1,536 x 21 m).

It provides no services and is unregulated, unmanned, and dark.

The airport has one runway running north-south and two running east-west, as well as a control tower and the main structure.

The airfield is parallel to Highway 95 and has a reinforced tunnel beneath the runways.

While no buildings are accessible, there are two trunks on the west side of the main airport terminal that contain a significant number of caps.

Scorpions of different sizes inhabit the facility.

To the east of the main structure, there are several non-flammable fuel and nondescript holding tanks.

The interior of the control tower is vacant and inaccessible.

Four jet planes are in the vicinity.

They’re all rusted, and two of them have their landing gear stuck in junk heaps, but they’re otherwise in good condition.

An ammo box and two metal boxes can be found beneath the jet aircraft at the west end of the runway.

These boxes can sometimes hold huge amounts of energy weapons, ammo, and missiles.

Walking Box Ranch

The Walking Box Ranch was bought by Rex Bell in May 1931 after being carved out of the massive Rock Springs Land and Cattle Company.

Bell and his wife Clara Bow, both Hollywood movie stars, resided with their family at the ranch until the mid-1940s.

The property remained an active cattle ranch under Bell’s ownership and then Karl Weikel’s control until it was sold to Viceroy Gold Corporation in 1989.

Viceroy used the land to gain access to a nearby mine, and the ranch headquarters was renovated to function as an executive retreat.

The property has changed hands several times since the mid-1990s and is now situated in the heart of a vast desert tortoise conservation area.

The ranch is a national treasure due to its past history on cattle ranching and architectural significance.

Walking Box Ranch is a Group site that is authorized for special events, car clubs, and other gatherings of groups.

Visiting the ranch is among the best things to do in Searchlight, Nevada.

Physical address: Walking Box Ranch Rd, Searchlight, NV 89046

Cal Nev Ari Market & Rv Park

Cal Nev Ari Market & RV Park is a small but inviting oasis located in the heart of the Nevada desert.

Situated just off of Highway 95, roughly 60 miles south of Las Vegas, this hidden gem is a popular destination for RV enthusiasts, adventure-seekers, and those looking to experience the unique charm of small-town America.

The RV Park itself boasts 107 full hook-up sites with 50-amp service, as well as several tent sites for those who prefer a more rustic experience.

There are also several clean and well-maintained restrooms and shower facilities available for guests.

In addition to the RV park, Cal Nev Ari Market is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.

The market is fully stocked with groceries, snacks, and beverages, making it an ideal stop for travelers passing through the area.

They even have a small diner-style restaurant that serves up hot breakfast and lunch items, as well as delicious homemade pies and desserts.

Physical address: 2 Spirit Mountain Lane Cal-Nev-Ari, NV 89039

Searchlight Town Park

Searchlight Town Park is a delightful park in the small town of Searchlight, Nevada.

This well-maintained park is a hub of outdoor activities and relaxation for locals and visitors alike.

The park has a variety of amenities to keep everyone engaged and entertained.

It features a large playground for kids to play and run around.

The park has several benches and picnic tables that offer an ideal spot for families to relax and have a pleasant picnic.

A basketball court and a baseball field form part of the park.

These facilities enable sports enthusiasts to train, play and have fun with friends.

A standout feature of Searchlight Town Park is a splash pad, a fun attraction for children to cool off on those scorching summer days.

The splash pad is perfect for young children, and there is plenty of space nearby for parents to lounge and keep an eye on them.

The park has restrooms that are always kept clean and well-stocked, providing convenience to visitors.

The park is surrounded by gorgeous natural scenery, which makes it a popular destination.

Having fun at the park is among the best things to do in Searchlight, Nevada.

Physical address: 255 S Nevada Street Searchlight, NV 89046

Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Searchlight, Nevada

Indeed, there are several things to do in Searchlight, Nevada.

Searchlight, Nevada boasts plenty of fun activities that are perfect for individuals, couples, and families alike.

From outdoor adventures in the surrounding areas to exploring the area’s rich history and culture, there truly is something for everyone to enjoy.

If you’re looking for a unique and memorable vacation spot, consider making Searchlight your next destination.

Book your trip today and experience all that this charming town has to offer!