Right in the middle of a 100-mile stretch of spectacular Great Basin scenery, Eureka is one of the most engaging and enjoyable stops in the state. Unlike a lot of places along the Loneliest Road, Eureka is fairly thriving, thanks to numerous gold mines still in operation in Eureka County.
The four blocks of 100-year-old buildings lining the steeply sloping, franchise-free Main Street (US-50) are a mix of well-restored brick and wood storefronts alongside less fortunate ruins, some merely sets of cast-iron pilasters holding up false fronts. The focal point, the grand 1879 Eureka County Courthouse, is still in use, and behind it the Eureka Sentinel Museum (daily; free; 775/237-5010) has displays tracing the lively local history as well as typesetting equipment and printing presses of the newspaper published here from 1870 to 1960.
Besides being an intriguing place to stroll around (walking-tour booklets are available from the Sentinel Museum and many local shops), Eureka is also a good place to break a journey. The most characterful place to stay is the historic Jackson House hotel ($70; 775/237-5247) on Main Street; reservations are handled by the Best Western motel two blocks away, which has modern rooms for $10 cheaper. The liveliest place to drink and be merry is the Owl Club café and casino, down Main Street; fast food can be had from DJ’s Drive-In Diner, at the east end of town.
