Despite having prominent cities such as Reno and Las Vegas, Nevada’s lesser-known spots frequently get bypassed. Nestled just 30 minutes from Reno amid the vast expanse of high-desert terrain, you’ll find Fernley. This charming small town boasts an attractive price tag along with numerous genuine Americana experiences, featuring landmarks like the Fernley 95A Speedway, opportunities for free desert camping, and the annual Fernley Rodeo.
Despite having a population slightly below 25,000, Fernley stays largely off the typical tourist map throughout much of the year. However, as Burning Man approaches—a yearly event lasting seven days that fosters a community and global cultural exchange—Fernley becomes bustling with activity. This gathering attracts participants who make their way towards the arid landscapes of Black Rock City, Nevada. Located nearly 100 miles away from this transient metropolis, Fernley serves as the final significant stopping point where visitors can refuel before they venture into the empty wilderness known to Burners.
Each year, Burning Man takes place during the Labor Day weekend. If you plan to be in Fernley between late August and early September, anticipate large gatherings of artists, innovators, and craftsmen, along with fully reserved accommodations. This period offers an excellent chance to catch sight of art cars and mobile exhibits heading to or returning from “The Burn.” To view a lasting exhibit featuring Burning Man artwork, consider visiting Reno.
The globe’s “Most Compact Metropolis,” offering an easily explorable center filled with dining options and outdoor activities.
Stop by the Reno Playa Art Trail (get a map).
here
) to view large-scale public artworks created by globally recognized artists such as Kate Raudenbush and Mark Szulgi.
Read more:
The Top 5 Secret Hot Springs Hiking Trails in California
Discover a Slice of Traditional Americana in Fernley
Like any Nevada town worth its salt, Fernley has plenty of casinos, but there’s so much more to do. Established in 1904, Fernley started as a farming and ranching community thanks to the Truckee Canal’s life-giving water. Nowadays, the canal isn’t a huge attraction, but visitors are in for a treat at the Fernley Rodeo. Nestled in Out of Town Park, Fernley Rodeo hosts a variety of events, including bull riding, steer wrestling, and calf roping. Check the
event calendar
before planning your trip, but the annual Junior Rodeo in July is a can’t-miss weekend of cowboy fun.
Experience more adrenaline-pumping activities and one of the premier dirt tracks in northern Nevada at Fernley 95A Speedway. Set against a backdrop of clear desert skies and towering mountains, the speedway hosts off-road motorsports and recently built an impressive motocross track. For the complete experience, watch hobby stocks, sprint cars, and mods from the first rows, and leave with a coating of dust and mud. During the summer months, Saturday nights can’t be missed — expect food trucks, inexpensive beers, and cheap tickets.
The ideal period to explore Fernley is during the Independence Day long weekend. Spanning more than five decades, the city transforms into a hub for cherished communal events such as an antique vehicle exhibition, a pie-devouring competition, a festive procession through downtown, a slippery pig challenge, enjoyable family activities at Out of Town Park, and spectacular firework displays.
A Bizarre Desert Oasis Plus Other Activities Near Fernley
Due to the budget-friendly and cozy accommodations along with a variety of family-operated eateries, Fernley serves as an excellent base for discovering the stunning high desert attractions such as Pyramid Lake.
You’ll need a tribal permit to swim and fish in the blue waters of this lake
, yet it’s well worth the additional effort. Spanning across 125,000 acres of land belonging to the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, this area features stunning turquoise waters home to some of the biggest cutthroat trout globally, alongside remarkable pyramid-like rock structures.
Even though Pyramid Lake RV Park provides fully equipped campsites just feet away from the water, you have the option to camp for free at the Fernley Wildlife Management Area, managed by the Bureau of Land Management. This location attracts budget-savvy participants of Burning Man but remains largely overlooked throughout most of the year because of its absence of amenities and harsh, dry terrain.
Overseeing the confluence of I-80, Highway 50, and Highway 95, Fernley lies just a 45-minute drive away from Virginia City.
a lively Nevada town with an eccentric Western allure
And numerous attractions. Formerly a bustling mining community, Virginia City strongly emphasizes its heritage. Victorian-style saloons, vintage stores, and historically significant brick structures fill the city center. Meanwhile, tours of the Comstock Mine along with an abundance of museums encourage tourists to explore more deeply into this history.
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