Beatty, Nevada, is 115 miles north of Las Vegas. This rural desert town sprang up in the 1870s when homesteaders settled along the Amargosa River. Beatty became the heart of the Bullfrog mining district due to the abundance of water in the area.
Beatty became connected to Las Vegas in 1906 through the Tonopah Railroad. Mining was one of the primary industries in Beatty until the 1940s, after which most people moved on once the mines were depleted. Today, Beatty is the gateway to Death Valley National Park in Nevada.
Beatty, Nevada, is a town mainly used as a stopover by most visitors. Nonetheless, the town and its surroundings have numerous exciting places to visit. Within the city are several restaurants, gas stations, motels, a casino, and the largest candy store in southern Nevada!
Beatty Historic Museum
The Beatty Museum chronicles the history of the town and the surrounding Bullfrog Mining District. Visitors can explore the museum and discover various items from the early days of Beatty and Rhyolite. They can also browse through hundreds of historic photographs that showcase the past.
Visitors to the Beatty Museum & Historical Society, located at 417 Main St, Beatty, Nevada, can explore the exhibits and browse the small gift shop for souvenirs. The best part is that there is no admission fee, so visitors can freely enjoy their time without any cost concerns.
Ghost Town of Rhyolite
The Ghost Town of Rhyolite is an enjoyable side trip about six miles from town. At one time, Beatty and Rhyolite were connected by the Las Vegas and Tonopah Railroad; the depot can still be seen in Rhyolite. These days, you must make the trek by car.
Goldwell Open Air Museum.
If you’re going to Rhyolite, take advantage of the opportunity to visit the Goldwell Open Air Museum, created by a group of artists. This attraction features seven large sculptures. Although the small museum shop may or may not be open, admission to the museum is free. The Goldwell Museum is situated on the site of the old mining town of Bullfrog, and you can see the ruins of several buildings nearby.
Happy Burro Chili and Beer
Happy Burro Chili and Beer offers a one-of-a-kind experience in Beatty. While on the main street, you can sip a cold beer and savor some delicious chili. The building has a rich and authentic history, evident in its vintage vibe. A small indoor area and a slightly larger dog-friendly patio are available for seating. It is a great spot to take a break during a road trip. Address 100 W Main St. Beatty, Nevada.
Death Valley National Park
It is just 9 miles to reach the entrance of Death Valley National Park, followed by another 50 miles to get to Death Valley Junction, and then an additional 12 miles to arrive at Scotty’s Castle. While it is technically possible to travel from Las Vegas to Death Valley and back in a single day, it is recommended that you spend a night in Beatty, as this will allow you to explore the local points of interest at your leisure.
Where to Stay in Beatty, Nevada
Beatty is a small town in Nevada with various hotels, including Death Valley Inn, Exchange Club Hotel, Motel Six, El Portal Motel, Atomic Inn, and Stagecoach Hotel & Casino. The rates of these hotels are relatively cheaper than the ones in Las Vegas. If you plan to visit Death Valley National Park, Atomic Inn is the closest hotel to its entrance. Additionally, Beatty has several RV parks.
Where to Dine
Dining options are limited, but you will not go hungry in Beatty. You can get a bite to eat at the Stagecoach Hotel & Casino, which has a Denny’s. Eddies World Gas has Jeds Jerky and Subway. Comfort food includes Mel’s Diner, Roadhouse 95, and Smokin’ J’s Barbecue. For a unique Beatty experience, have a beer and chili at Happy Burro Chili and Beer on the main street.
Explore Death Valley National Park from the rural desert town of Beatty, Nevada, located north of Las Vegas. Beatty serves as an excellent base for discovering the area.
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