Winnemucca resides in Humboldt County and is the halfway point between Salt Lake City and San Francisco along Interstate 80 in Cowboy Country. Experience the town’s rich Basque heritage by dining at one of four Basque restaurants, including the Martin Hotel, where you can enjoy the famous Picon Punch. Stop by the Winnemucca Convention & Visitors Authority and pick up a walking tour map of the area, and be sure to visit Tip’s Western where they sell custom saddles, leather goods, spurs and many other unique items.
Although Winnemucca does not lay claim to being the first settlement in the state, it has been occupied since about 1830 when trappers came to the area in search of fur-bearing animals. In 1863 the town was named after Paiute Chief Winnemucca. His daughter, Sarah Winnemucca Hopkins, was the first American Indian woman to publish a book in English. Today, area mines and local establishments, including its many hotels and restaurants, employ most of Winnemucca’s population.
Winnemucca hosts a number of special events, including the Run-A-Mucca Motorcycle Rally, Fifties Fever, and the annual Basque Festival. Outdoor recreational opportunities are limitless as you can hike, bike, hunt and off-road on thousands of trails. Experienced mountain bikers should try the Bloody Shins Trail while hunters can take advantage of some of the best Chukar hunting around.
Red Lion Inn & Casino, Winnemucca
Best Western - Gold Country Inn