Ely Renaissance Murals, Nevada: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Tucked away in Nevada’s high desert, Ely boasts the largest collection of outdoor Renaissance art murals in the American West—over 28 larger-than-life paintings transforming this historic mining town into an open-air gallery spanning several city blocks. What began as a community initiative to revitalize a struggling mining town has evolved into one of Nevada’s most unique cultural attractions, drawing art enthusiasts and curious travelers from around the world.

Getting There & Planning Your Journey

Ely is located in east-central Nevada, approximately 385 km (240 miles) from Las Vegas and 386 km (240 miles) from Salt Lake City. The most convenient way to reach Ely is by car, as the town is situated at the crossroads of U.S. Routes 6, 50, and 93.

Nearest Airports:

• Ely Airport (Yelland Field) – A small regional airport with limited commercial service
• Elko Regional Airport – 290 km (180 miles) north of Ely
• Salt Lake City International Airport – 386 km (240 miles) northeast
• McCarran International Airport (Las Vegas) – 385 km (240 miles) south

Most visitors opt to rent a car from one of the larger airports and enjoy the scenic drive to Ely. The journey itself offers spectacular views of Nevada’s high desert landscape and mountain ranges.

Best Time to Visit & Weather Tips

Ely sits at an elevation of 2,000 meters (6,500 feet), resulting in a climate that’s cooler than much of Nevada. The high elevation means comfortable summer temperatures but potentially harsh winters.

Recommended Months:

• May to September: Ideal weather with temperatures ranging from 21-29°C (70-85°F) during the day and cool evenings perfect for exploring the murals
• July: The annual Fourth of July celebration is Ely’s biggest event, featuring parades and special activities
• September: Fall colors begin to appear, creating a beautiful backdrop for the murals

Months to Avoid:

• November to March: Winter brings snow and temperatures that can drop to -12°C (10°F), making outdoor mural viewing less comfortable

Getting Around Locally

Ely’s compact downtown area makes it perfect for a self-guided walking tour of the Renaissance murals. Most of the artwork is concentrated along Aultman Street, the main thoroughfare through town.

Transportation Options:

• Walking: The most popular and recommended way to experience the murals
• Driving: Some murals are spread throughout town, so having a car is helpful for visiting all locations
• Audio Tour: Download the free audio tour from the White Pine Main Street website to enhance your experience

A complete walking tour of all 28 murals takes approximately 2-3 hours at a leisurely pace. Pick up a free mural map at the White Pine Chamber of Commerce (636 Aultman Street) or download one from their website before starting your tour.

Where to Stay

Ely offers several accommodation options that place you within walking distance of the Renaissance murals. From historic hotels to modern motels, there’s something for every budget.

Recommended Accommodations:

• Hotel Nevada: A historic six-story hotel built in 1929 featuring its own murals inside and out. Located in the heart of downtown at 501 Aultman Street.
• Prospector Hotel & Casino: Modern accommodations with on-site dining and entertainment.
• La Quinta Inn & Suites: Newer property offering comfortable rooms and complimentary breakfast.
• Economy Inn & Suites: Budget-friendly option within walking distance of many murals.

For a truly immersive experience, consider staying at the Hotel Nevada where you can enjoy murals painted by Larry Bute both inside and outside the property.

Dining & Local Cuisine

Ely’s dining scene offers hearty, home-style cooking perfect for fueling your mural explorations. Many restaurants feature local mining and railroad themes that complement the town’s artistic renaissance.

Local Favorites:

• Cellblock Steakhouse: Located inside the Hotel Nevada, featuring jail-themed dining booths and quality steaks
• Economy Drug & Old Fashioned Soda Fountain: A charming spot for burgers and milkshakes in a vintage pharmacy setting
• Margarita’s: Authentic Mexican cuisine in a colorful setting
• All Aboard Cafe & Inn: Railroad-themed restaurant with homestyle breakfast and lunch options

Don’t miss trying the local White Pine Brewing Company beers, which often feature names inspired by the area’s mining and railroad history.

Attractions, Sightseeing & Activities

While the Renaissance murals are the star attraction, Ely offers several complementary experiences that enhance your understanding of this unique community.

Must-See Murals:

• Greek Heritage Mural: A six-panel masterpiece by Anthony Ithurralde at 4th & Aultman Street, depicting Greek immigration history
• Liberty Pit: Wei Luan’s historical interpretation of the copper mine with diverse ethnic workers at 4th & Aultman Street
• United By Our Children: Paul Ygartua’s magnificent mural showing how children united the diverse cultural groups at Aultman Street & Great Basin Boulevard
• 4th of July Celebration: The first mural commissioned by the Ely Renaissance Society at 2000 Aultman Street

Each mural features an audio tour component accessible through QR codes or by visiting the White Pine Main Street website. These recordings provide fascinating insights into the historical and cultural significance of each artwork.

Museums, Cultural Spots & Festivals

Enhance your mural experience by visiting these complementary cultural attractions that provide deeper context to Ely’s rich history.

Cultural Attractions:

• Ely Renaissance Village: A collection of restored homes from 1907 showcasing the diverse ethnic groups that settled in Ely. Open weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
• White Pine Public Museum: Features exhibits on local history, including mining artifacts and the famous Cave Bear skeleton.
• Ely Art Bank: A former art-deco bank building transformed into a gallery featuring local artwork at 399 Aultman Street.
• Garnet Mercantile: A community-owned store offering local arts and crafts at 363 Aultman Street.

Annual Events:

• Fourth of July Celebration: Ely’s biggest annual event featuring parades, fireworks, and special activities
• White Pine County Fair: Held in August with rodeo events, exhibits, and entertainment
• Fire and Ice Festival: Winter celebration in January featuring ice sculptures and fire performances

Nature & Outdoor Experiences

After exploring Ely’s urban art scene, venture into the surrounding natural landscapes that have inspired many of the murals.

Nearby Natural Attractions:

• Great Basin National Park: Located 100 km (62 miles) east of Ely, featuring Wheeler Peak, ancient bristlecone pines, and Lehman Caves
• Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park: 29 km (18 miles) south of Ely, showcasing six beehive-shaped ovens used in the late 1800s
• Cave Lake State Park: 24 km (15 miles) southeast of Ely, offering fishing, hiking, and camping
• Success Loop Scenic Drive: A 48 km (30-mile) route through spectacular mountain scenery

Many of these natural attractions are depicted in Ely’s murals, creating a fascinating connection between the town’s art and its surrounding landscape.

Safety, Etiquette & Local Customs

Ely is a friendly, small town with a strong sense of community pride, particularly regarding their Renaissance murals. Following these guidelines will help ensure a respectful and enjoyable visit.

Visitor Guidelines:

• Mural Respect: Please don’t touch or lean against the murals
• Photography: Photography is encouraged, but avoid using flash as it can damage the artwork over time
• Weather Preparation: Due to the high elevation, bring layers even in summer and plenty of water
• Local Businesses: Support the community by shopping and dining locally

The murals represent Ely’s cultural heritage and community spirit. Many locals are happy to share stories about the artwork and the town’s history if you express interest.

Visitor Comments About Ely Renaissance Murals

Additional Nearby Destinations

Extend your Ely adventure by exploring these fascinating destinations within a day’s drive.

Worth the Trip:

• Nevada Northern Railway Museum: Located in East Ely, this living museum offers train rides on historic steam locomotives
• McGill Drugstore Museum: 19 km (12 miles) north of Ely, a perfectly preserved 1950s drugstore
• Baker: The gateway town to Great Basin National Park, 100 km (62 miles) east
• Eureka: A well-preserved mining town 129 km (80 miles) west on Highway 50

Ely makes an excellent base for exploring eastern Nevada’s hidden treasures, with most of these attractions accessible as day trips.

Practical Travel Tips

Make the most of your visit to Ely with these helpful suggestions from experienced travelers.

Essential Tips:

• Cell Service: Cell coverage can be spotty in rural Nevada. Download maps and audio tours before your trip
• Gas Stations: Fill up in Ely before exploring outlying areas as gas stations are limited in remote locations
• Altitude: At 2,000 meters (6,500 feet), some visitors may experience mild altitude effects. Stay hydrated and pace yourself
• Opening Hours: Many attractions have seasonal hours. The Ely Renaissance Village is typically open weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day
• Information: Stop by the White Pine Chamber of Commerce at 636 Aultman Street for maps and current information

Your Renaissance Adventure Awaits

Ely’s Renaissance murals offer a unique blend of art, history, and community spirit rarely found in today’s world. What began as a creative solution to revitalize a struggling mining town has evolved into one of Nevada’s most distinctive cultural treasures. As you walk the streets of Ely, each mural tells a story—of immigrants seeking new opportunities, of miners and ranchers building a community, and of a town that refused to become just another ghost town in Nevada’s vast landscape.

Whether you’re an art enthusiast, history buff, or simply seeking an authentic American experience off the beaten path, Ely’s Renaissance murals offer a compelling reason to venture into Nevada’s high desert. The murals aren’t just paintings on walls—they’re windows into the soul of a resilient community that chose to write its own future with brushstrokes of color and hope.