Day 13 takes you from Nevada’s high desert into the Sierra Nevada, following the Lincoln Highway through Reno, Virginia City, and Carson City before ending the day with a breathtaking sunset at Lake Tahoe’s Emerald Bay. With stops ranging from quirky roadside attractions to Wild West history, this day is packed with adventure.
Morning
Stone Cabin Coffee
📍 Fallon, NV
Start the day with a fresh cup of coffee at this rustic roadside spot.
Top Gun (Naval Air Station Fallon)
📍 Fallon, NV
Fallon is home to the real-life Top Gun school, but unfortunately, it’s not accessible to the public. Still, it’s a cool piece of trivia to note as you pass through town!
70-Ton Tortoise Made of Boulders
📍 E. Main St., Fernley, NV
A quirky roadside attraction featuring a giant tortoise made entirely of stacked boulders.
Midday
Sparks Heritage Museum – Last Chance Joe
📍 814 Victorian Ave, Sparks, NV
Home to Last Chance Joe, a towering, cowboy-themed roadside statue that was once a Sparks landmark.
Pony Express Lodge
📍 2406 Prater Way, Sparks, NV 89431
A vintage motel that’s been a part of the historic highway landscape for decades.
Reno Arch
📍 Virginia St, Reno, NV
A must-see stop in the “Biggest Little City in the World”—one of Nevada’s most iconic neon signs.
Old Reno Arch
📍 1 Lake St, Reno, NV 89501
The original Reno Arch, now relocated, but still a great piece of highway history.
Peg’s Glorified Ham & Eggs
📍 420 S Sierra St, Reno, NV
A local favorite for breakfast or brunch, serving up hearty portions of classic diner fare.
National Automobile Museum
📍 10 S Lake St, Reno, NV
One of the best car museums in the country, featuring classic vehicles, including some that once traveled the Lincoln Highway.
Lincoln Highway Bridge Rails
📍 Mogul, NV
A relic of the original Lincoln Highway, these historic bridge rails mark one of the last remaining sections of the old road. Only accessible heading east on the highway. If you chose to do this, it is out of the way from the direction we are heading.
Afternoon
Virginia City – Wild West History
📍 Virginia City, NV
- The Way It Was Museum (Opens at 10:30 AM) – A deep dive into the town’s 1800s mining boom.
- Comstock Lode – The silver discovery that made Virginia City famous.
- Mark Twain’s Connection – The town where Samuel Clemens first used the name “Mark Twain” as a newspaper writer.
- Silver Queen Motel – A classic Old West-style motel with a vintage charm and a large lobby mural with silver dollars in it.
Carson City – Nevada’s Capital
📍 Carson City, NV
- Nevada State Museum – Learn about Nevada’s rich history, from mining to statehood.
- Nevada State Capitol Building – A beautiful and historic government building dating back to the 1870s.
Cave Rock Hike
📍 Lake Tahoe, NV
A short but rewarding hike with stunning views of Lake Tahoe. Parking is hard here though!
Evening
MacDuff’s Pub
📍 Lake Tahoe, NV
A cozy pub serving up great food with a relaxed, lakeside vibe. Be sure to get the bread pudding.
Sunset at Emerald Bay
📍 Lake Tahoe, CA
One of the most breathtaking sunset spots in the country, overlooking Lake Tahoe’s iconic Emerald Bay. It is about 20 minutes off the Lincoln Highway though.
Day 13 takes you from Nevada’s historic highway towns into the stunning landscapes of Lake Tahoe. From Wild West saloons to iconic neon signs and mountain views, this day captures the full range of the Lincoln Highway experience.
