For an overview of the state, see: National Geographic Kids. Nevada
Highlights
Let’s learn more about some fascinating places worth seeing in Nevada.
Las Vegas Strip (Las Vegas): Famous for its dazzling lights, luxurious hotels, and massive casinos, the Las Vegas Strip is the entertainment capital of the world. It’s home to world-class shows, restaurants, and iconic landmarks like the Bellagio Fountains.
Hoover Dam (Boulder City): One of the greatest engineering feats of the 20th century, Hoover Dam straddles the Nevada-Arizona border and controls the flow of the Colorado River. It provides hydroelectric power and offers stunning views of Lake Mead.
Lake Tahoe (Northern Nevada/Southwestern California): Lake Tahoe is known for its crystal-clear waters and year-round outdoor activities, from skiing and snowboarding in the winter to boating and hiking in the summer. It’s one of the most beautiful alpine lakes in the U.S.
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area (Las Vegas): Located just outside Las Vegas, Red Rock Canyon is famous for its striking red sandstone formations, scenic hiking trails, and opportunities for rock climbing. It’s a popular getaway for outdoor enthusiasts.
Great Basin National Park (Baker): This park is known for its ancient bristlecone pines, Lehman Caves, and the towering Wheeler Peak. It’s also one of the best places in the U.S. to stargaze, with some of the darkest skies in the country.
Valley of Fire State Park (Overton): Nevada’s oldest state park, Valley of Fire is famous for its vibrant red sandstone formations, petroglyphs, and scenic desert landscapes. The park’s stunning vistas have made it a popular filming location for movies.
Fremont Street Experience (Las Vegas): In downtown Las Vegas, the Fremont Street Experience is a five-block pedestrian promenade covered by a massive LED canopy. It’s famous for its nightly light shows, live music, and vintage Vegas vibe.
Reno’s National Automobile Museum (Reno): This museum is known for its impressive collection of over 200 classic and rare cars. Visitors can see everything from vintage automobiles to unique vehicles from famous films.
Nevada State Museum (Carson City): Located in the state’s capital, the Nevada State Museum is famous for its exhibits on Nevada’s history, including mining, Native American culture, and the infamous Comstock Lode silver strike.
Area 51 and the Extraterrestrial Highway (Rachel): Known for its connection to UFO conspiracy theories, Area 51 is a secretive military base in southern Nevada. The nearby Extraterrestrial Highway is a popular route for those hoping to catch a glimpse of something otherworldly.
Intriguing mysteries and weird facts
Discover these little-known facts about Nevada.
Nevada is the driest state in the U.S.: Nevada gets less rain than any other state, with an average of only about 9.5 inches of rainfall per year. Its desert landscape makes it one of the hottest and driest places in the country.
Area 51 is a real place: The secretive military base known as Area 51 is located in southern Nevada. It’s been the subject of UFO and alien conspiracy theories for decades, though its exact purpose remains classified.
Las Vegas is home to more hotel rooms than any other city in the world: With over 150,000 hotel rooms, Las Vegas has more accommodations than any other city, making it the ultimate destination for tourists looking to stay in luxury.
Nevada’s state animal is the desert bighorn sheep: Nevada’s rugged landscapes are home to the desert bighorn sheep, which can be spotted in rocky terrains and mountainous regions across the state.
Nevada means “snow-covered”: Despite its hot deserts, the name “Nevada” comes from the Spanish word for “snow-covered,” referring to the snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountains along the western edge of the state.
There’s a town named Jackpot: Located on the Idaho border, Jackpot, Nevada, was founded in the 1950s as a gambling destination for Idaho residents. It remains a popular spot for casino enthusiasts from neighboring states.
Nevada has more mountain ranges than any other state: With over 300 mountain ranges, Nevada is the most mountainous state in the U.S. It’s home to peaks like Wheeler Peak and Boundary Peak, offering amazing views and hiking opportunities.
The Las Vegas Strip is not actually in Las Vegas: Most of the famous Las Vegas casinos, including the Bellagio and MGM Grand, are technically located in Paradise, Nevada, just outside the Las Vegas city limits.
Nevada has a ghost town with an opera house: The ghost town of Belmont, Nevada, once a thriving mining town, still has its old opera house standing. Visitors can explore the eerie remains of this once-bustling settlement.
Nevada has an official state metal, and it’s silver: Silver mining has been a huge part of Nevada’s history, so it’s no surprise that silver is the state’s official metal. The famous Comstock Lode was one of the richest silver mines in the 19th century.
Notable People
Here are 10 famous men and women from Nevada.
Famous Men
Andre Agassi (1970–): Born in Las Vegas, Nevada, Andre Agassi is a former professional tennis player who won eight Grand Slam titles and an Olympic gold medal. He is considered one of the greatest tennis players of all time.
Kyle Busch (1985–): Born in Las Vegas, Nevada, Kyle Busch is a NASCAR driver and is one of the most successful drivers in NASCAR history, with multiple championships and over 200 career wins across NASCAR’s top series.
Jimmy Kimmel (1967–): Born in Brooklyn, New York, and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, Jimmy Kimmel is a comedian and late-night talk show host. He is best known for hosting Jimmy Kimmel Live! and for his comedic work on television.
Adam Hicks (1992–): Born in Las Vegas, Nevada, Adam Hicks is an actor and rapper known for his roles in Disney Channel shows like Zeke and Luther and Lemonade Mouth.
Matthew Gray Gubler (1980–): Born in Las Vegas, Nevada, Matthew Gray Gubler is an actor, director, and artist best known for playing Dr. Spencer Reid on the TV show Criminal Minds. He is also known for his work as a filmmaker and painter.
Famous Women
Dawn Wells (1938–2020): Born in Reno, Nevada, Dawn Wells was an actress best known for her role as Mary Ann Summers on the classic TV show Gilligan’s Island. She became a beloved figure in television history.
Rutina Wesley (1979–): Born in Las Vegas, Nevada, Rutina Wesley is an actress known for her standout roles in True Blood and Queen Sugar. She has garnered attention for her intense and moving performances on television.
Jillian Bell (1984–): Born in Las Vegas, Nevada, Jillian Bell is a comedian and actress recognized for her work in Workaholics and Brittany Runs a Marathon. Her sharp comedic timing has made her a standout in both film and TV.
Amanda Righetti (1983–): Raised in Nevada, Amanda Righetti is an actress best known for her roles in The Mentalist and The O.C.. She has built a successful career in television with her performances in major drama series.
Patricia Ryan Nixon (1912–1993): Born in Ely, Nevada, Patricia Nixon was the First Lady of the United States from 1969 to 1974, during Richard Nixon’s presidency. She was known for her work in promoting volunteerism and charitable efforts.
Date of Ratification of the Articles of Confederation/ Admission to the Union