Day 12 takes you through Nevada’s high desert, with historic train rides, ghost towns, hot springs, and natural wonders along the Lincoln Highway. This stretch is filled with unique roadside attractions, old mining settlements, and stunning landscapes that capture the spirit of the American West.
Morning
Northern Nevada Railway Museum
📍 Ely, NV
Start the morning by exploring this incredible historic railroad museum, featuring old steam engines and railway artifacts. You can even ride a train here!
Eureka Opera House
📍 Eureka, NV
A beautifully restored historic theater that still is used for town events.
Eureka Courthouse
📍 Eureka, NV
An impressive 19th-century courthouse that still stands as one of the best-preserved in Nevada.
Eureka Depot Coffee Shop
📍 Eureka, NV
Grab a morning coffee at the Eureka Depot before continuing west. They make their own syrups for lattes.
Midday
Spencer Hot Springs
📍 Near Highway 50, Austin, NV
A natural hot spring in the middle of the desert, offering a relaxing soak with stunning mountain views. Need to drive on a dirt road for it.
Austin – Gridley Store
📍 Austin, NV
A historic general store that dates back to the town’s mining boom.
Austin Courthouse
📍 Austin, NV
Another well-preserved historic courthouse in this old mining town.
Stokes Castle
📍 Austin, NV
A three-story stone tower built in the 1890s as a summer home—one of Nevada’s quirkiest landmarks!
Afternoon
Cold Springs Station
📍 Highway 50, NV
A historic Pony Express stop that also served early Lincoln Highway travelers.
Shoe Tree
📍 Near Middlegate, NV
A famous Nevada roadside oddity—this giant tree is covered in hundreds of pairs of shoes, making for a fun and bizarre stop.
Monster Burger at Middlegate Station
📍 Middlegate, NV
A must-stop for burger lovers! This roadside station is home to the legendary Monster Burger, a massive challenge for any road tripper with an appetite. We recommend sharing.
Evening
Singing Sand Dunes
📍 Near Fallon, NV
A natural wonder where the shifting sand creates an eerie “singing” or humming sound as you walk on it.
Grimes Petroglyph Trail
📍 Grimes Point, NV
End the day exploring one of Nevada’s most fascinating petroglyph sites, featuring ancient rock carvings dating back thousands of years.
Day 12 blends Nevada’s railroad history, mining past, and natural wonders, creating a perfect mix of adventure and history along the Lincoln Highway. Whether you’re soaking in hot springs, hiking petroglyph trails, or tackling a giant burger, this day is packed with unforgettable moments.
