2012 Winnemucca Visitor Guide

WINNEMUCCAVISITORS GUIDE 2012

NEVADA

Brought to you by The Humboldt Sun in conjunction with the Winnemucca Convention and Visitors Authority and the Nevada Commission on Tourism.

PHOTO COURTESY JESS SMITH

Winnemucca Visitors Guide 2012 | www.winnemucca.com 3

4 Winnemucca Visitors Guide 2012 | www.winnemucca.com

Welcome to Winnemucca!

Nevadans are proud of their wide-open spaces, beautiful mountain andvalley vistas and fascinating history,but sharing these things with visitorsmakes us even prouder.

Here in Winnemucca, you’ll find a lit-tle bit of everything, from off-roadadventures and western cowboy fun tounique museums and shopping. Hik-ing and biking trails snake through thesurrounding mountains and theuntamed terrain is perfect for an ATVexcursion or camping trip. I highly rec-ommend dinner at one of the localeateries, including fine family-styleBasque restaurants, where visitors

can share in a meal experience that iscenturies old.

And of course, what would a visit to

Nevada be without a dance with LadyLuck?

The friendly atmosphere of Win-nemucca’s casinos invites beginnerand experienced gamers alike to sitdown and enjoy a casual evening ofslots, table games or poker. Feel free toask the dealer for help and learn a newgame or try your luck at your favoriteslot machine. You’ll find a friendly facearound every corner as you enjoy anight of Nevada-style gaming.

I hope you enjoy your visit and takefull advantage of everything Winnemuc-ca and Northern Nevada have to offer.

Best regards,Brian K. Krolicki,

Lieutenant Governor

The heart of Humboldt County and the hub of the West

Brian K. Krolicki

The City of Winnemucca was named after the famous

Northern Paiute Indian Chief Old Winnemucca by one of

President Lincoln’s map makers.

When Winnemucca was young, before the discovery

of gold in California, several white prospectors came

into the area of the Humboldt Sink from the Boise River

country.

When they first saw Winnemucca, he was wearing only one

moccasin and his other foot was bare. In the Paiute dialect,

“mu-cha” means moccasin and the white men referred to him

as “wan-na-muc-cha” — or “one moccasin.” This name, part

English and part Paiute, pleased Winnemucca, and he adopted

it as his new name,

being referred to there-

after as Wan-ne-muc-cha

by his tribe.

The chief spent a lot of time in the region of the town of

Winnemucca, attending “fandangoes,” ritual gatherings of sev-

eral hundred people.

Chief Winnemucca and his daughter, Sarah, traveled across

the country, bringing attention to the plight of their people. In

1880, they presented their case in Washington, D.C. A statue of

Sarah Winnemucca is housed in the National Statuary Hall

Collection in the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C.

As a spokesperson for her people, Sarah gave over 300

speeches to win support for them, and she

met with President Rutherford B. Hayes

and Secretary of the Interior Carl Schurz

in 1880. Her 1883 autobiography, “Life

among the Piutes: Their Wrongs and

Claims,” was the first book written by a

Native American woman.

Winnemucca is the only town in Nevada named after a Native American

ChiefWinnemucca

• There are about 7,500

people in Winnemucca.

• The population of

Humboldt County is

roughly 18,000.

• Humboldt County

receives 8 inches

of precipitation annually.

• The average summer

temperature is 98,

while the average winter

temperature is 20 degrees.

Winnemucca Fast Facts

Photo courtesy J. Carmen KofoedThe Humboldt County Courthouse.

The SarahWinnemucca

statue inWashington, D.C.

W Welcome to innemucca!

The City of Winnemucca welcomes you toour community!

Our city has four well-maintained parkswith sheltered picnic areas, playgroundequipment, restrooms and other amenities thatare perfect for a leisurely picnic or your nextfamily gathering.

Vesco Park is located on Mizpah Street, andcontains playground equipment, shelteredpicnic areas, restrooms, three softball diamondsand two tennis courts.

Winnemucca has two swimming pools —Bode Howard Memorial Pool is an indoorfacility offering both lap swim and open swimhours six days a week. Memorial Pool, locatednext to Vesco Park, also has a weight room andpickleball nearby. Sage Heights Pool, locatednorth of Winnemucca just off US Hwy. 95, isopen during warm weather.

Perhaps the feather in Winnemucca’s cap isthe beautiful nine-hole municipal golf course.The course features well-maintainted greensand two pond fountain features. Tee times areavailable during warm weather months.

Located on the south end of Winnemucca isthe Sports Complex, boasting four regulation-sizesoftball diamonds. During the summer, the areais busy with both softball and soccer, with iceskating offered during the coldest days of winter.

Also at Vesco Park you can find theWinnemucca Skate Park, offering plenty of dipsand dives for skateboarders of all ages. The parkplus the nearby golf course cover 65 lush acres.

Call Winnemucca City Hall at (775) 623-6338 for more information or to reserve one of the parks;or stop by and see us at 90 West Fourth St. in downtown Winnemucca.

Call Winnemucca City Hall at (775) 623-6338 for more information or to reserve one of the parks;or stop by and see us at 90 West Fourth St. in downtown Winnemucca.

Visit us online at www.winnemuccacity.org

Winnemucca Municipal Golf Course

Memorial Pool

Vesco Park

Sage Heights Pool

City Hall

City of WinnemuccaProud of it!


Winnemucca has long been a stopover for weary travelers wind-

ing their way through the treacherous routes of the Great Basin.

Today, due to its central location between San Francisco and Salt

Lake City, it continues to offer a long list of lodging, dining and

entertainment amenities that lure travelers off the interstate.

Venture through the antique wooden doors of the newly-improved

Humboldt County Visitors Center and you will find a wealth of infor-

Winnemucca Visitors Center combines past and present

William Humphreys’ Big Game Collection is a display of 53 large animals collected over many years.

Buckaroo Hall of Fame

The displays at the Buckaroo Hall of Fame trace therich history of the cowboy life in northern Nevada.

The Buckaroo Hall of Fame is located inside the East Hall of

the Winnemucca Convention Center. The display pays tribute to

the cowboys who helped tame the wilds of Nevada, and includes

memorabilia from several area cowpokes. Each year, a new addi-

tion is added to the fold, the display yields new insight into the

lives of those who worked with cattle and horses so many

decades ago.

The well-displayed array of artifacts gives visitors a glimpse

into the hard life that many of

these range riders faced. Worn

saddles, boots and spurs attest to

the many hours of labor they've

seen, while photographs of weath-

ered faces - proud of a life well-

lived - gaze back at visitors. The

Buckaroo Hall of Fame is open 8

a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday - Saturday

(Sundays seasonal). The exhibit is

free and open to the public.

William Humphreys’ Big Game Collection

BLM Rock andMineral Display

The rock and mineral display inside

the Visitors Center showcases the many

types of materials that are found in the

northern Nevada desert. Each display is

labeled by type, and also notes the

location of discovery. Also on hand are

antique bottles, and even the model of

an Agustasaurus skull, found locally.

mation about the area, and you’ll

be welcomed by the Humboldt

County Chamber of Commerce.

This group has mastered the “art

of the welcome,” and the staff

there is a treasure-trove of knowl-

edge about Winnemucca and the

surrounding areas.

A major display in the Visitors Center is the William Humphreys Big Game

Collection. This is a collection of more than 53 big game specimens representing

more than four continents.

Visitors are also treated to the Buckaroo Hall of Fame, a display of authentic

buckaroo life from those who helped tame the Great Basin. Other exhibits in the

Visitors Center include those representing the mining and other local industries, as

well as historical representations of the Great Basin, the pioneer trail, local Native

American heritage and Basque heritage.

The Humboldt County Visitors Center is full of local history and information

and should be on the “must-see” list for any traveler.


The Humboldt County Visitors Center is open for

self-guided tours six days per week;Sundays seasonal. For Winter hours and other information,

call the Humboldt County Chamberof Commerce,

(775) 623-2225, or log onto www.humboldtcountychamber.com



PROUD TRADITIONSMost of the people who make their home in Winnemucca

have their livelihood tied to the land in one form or another.

Agricultural pursuits and mining for gold, silver and

other precious minerals are what bring many families to our

small city, and love of the rolling hills and deserts are what

make many of them stay.

Winnemucca is located 167 miles east of Reno and 265

miles southwest of Boise, Idaho.

The city covers 5.4 square miles and has about 7,500

people. The city of Winnemucca is the seat of Humboldt

County, and, since much of the county is rural, nearly half of

the population lives inside the city limits.

Winnemucca sits at a geographic crossroads — Interstate 80 takes travellers east and

west through Winnemucca while U.S. Highway 95 brings drivers from Oregon and

Idaho into the middle of town. Jungo Road takes adventurous drivers into the heart of

the Black Rock Desert. Finally, a rail line with daily Amtrak service runs parallel to

many of the town’s major streets.

The city is also a cultural crossroads. There is a large Basque population who speak

their native language, Euskera, and practice the customs of their homeland on a daily

basis. In addition, there is a large and active Hispanic population in the community. The

Cinco de Mayo celebration and the festival of Our Lady of Guadalupe are not to be

missed!

Finally, northern Nevada is enriched by the presence of several Native American

tribes, one of which, the Western Band of the Western Shoshone, have a colony within

the city limits of Winnemucca.

Photo by Michael Michaelsen, Winnemucca Publishing Heavy equipment pairs with high-tech processes in the modern gold industry.



Though a first glance maynot reveal it, Winnemucca hasmore than its fair share of oldand interesting architecture.

From the 137-year-old Win-nemucca Hotel to the merely77-year-old Humboldt CountyCourthouse, the early residentsof the city took pride in thequality and style of their homes,businesses and public buildings.

Four Winnemucca buildings— Winnemucca GrammarSchool, the W.C. Records House,the old Winnemucca Post Officeand the Humboldt County Cour-thouse — are on the NationalRegister of Historic Places.

Here is a quick introductionto some notable representativesof Winnemucca’s living architec-tural history.

1. The Winnemucca Hotel The Winnemucca Hotel, 95

Bridge Street. This hotel is thecity’s oldest building, though theexact date of its construction is

difficult to substantiate. It isbelieved that the building wasconstructed in 1863 by Louis

Lay and Co.

2. Humboldt River BridgeSpanning the river at the northfoot of Bridge Street, the bridge

was constructed in 1910.

3. Lamb HouseThe Lamb House, located at

108 Melarkey Street was built in1914 by young Winnemucca

architect FrederickDeLongchamps for Graham and

Nellie Lamb.

4. W.C. Record House, W.C. Record House is located at146 West Second Street. Thishouse was built in 1874 and isone of the city’s oldest struc-tures. It features gingerbread

gables and other Gothic Victo-rian touches.

5. The Gables Guest HouseThe Gables Guest House, 124Lay Street. This structure, builtin 1903, was originally calledthe Winnemucca Sanatoriumand was the town’s first med-ical building built specifically

for that purpose.

6. Brown HouseBrown House, 322 W. SecondStreet. This is the former homeof Merwyn Brown, whose dis-tinguished career included 18years as a Humboldt County

District Attorney and 21 yearsas Sixth Judicial District Court

judge. The bungalow-stylehome was built in 1913.

7. Reinhart HouseReinhart House, 343 West Sec-ond Street. This home may bethe most architecturally inter-esting home in Winnemucca. Itwas built in 1909 by Guy Sisson

and is a fine example of theGreek revival style.

8. St. Paul’s Catholic ChurchSt. Paul’s Catholic Church, cor-

ner of Fourth and MelarkeyStreets. This church was built onthe site of an 1883 mission andis the only example of Spanish

Colonial-style ecclesiastical archi-tecture in the area.

9. Winnemucca City HallWinnemucca City Hall, 90 W.Fourth Street. This building

served as Winnemucca’s PostOffice for 70 years (1921 to

1991), and has been extensivelyrenovated for use by the City.

10. First National BankFirst National Bank, 352 Bridge

Street. This building is bestknown as George Nixon’s First

National Bank, which was reput-ed to have been held up by

fabled outlaw Butch Cassidy andhis gang on Sept. 9, 1900.

11. Winnemucca MercantileWinnemucca Mercantile, 355

Bridge Street. This building wasconstructed in 1898 by the

Browns, the First Family of hard-ware and home furnishings inWinnemucca’s early history.

12. Humboldt CountyCourthouse

Humboldt County Courthouse,Fifth and Bridge Streets. When

the old courthouse burned downin 1919, this building was con-

structed, and opened with muchfanfare in 1921.

14. Kluncy’s ApartmentsKluncy’s Apartments, 583 LayStreet. Finished in 1912, this

home was built by Bert Kluncy, anative of Germany who was oneof the county’s most prosperous

ranchers.

15. The Martin Hotel The Martin Hotel corner of Rail-road and Melarkey Streets. Thisrooming house and restaurantwas built in 1913-14 and wasconstructed to serve the heavy

railroad traffic of the day.

16. Shone House Shone House, 602 Bridge Street.Built in 1901 by hotelier ThomasShone, the structure was nearlydestroyed by fire in 1980, buttoday has been restored andserves as a boarding house.

Ready for a stroll through history? For more information about the Winnemucca Walking Tour,stop by the Humboldt County Visitors Center, 30 W.Winnemucca Blvd. and pick up your free brochure and map!

13. Winnemucca Grammar SchoolWinnemucca Grammar School, 522 Lay Street. With its pleasant red

brick and white trim exterior, the grammar school is arguably themost impressive in the city. Built in 1927-28 at a cost of $100,000,

the school has been going strong ever since.



Ever wonder what became of old Winnemucca, the town where brave pio-

neers sought their fortune and weary cowboys hitched up their steeds after a day

on the range?

Those days live on at the Humboldt Museum, along with the Great Depres-

sion, the Roaring Twenties, and even the Ice Age. The museum offers a com-

pendium of area history through its many artifacts. Visitors can see a turn-of-

the-century parlor, early model horseless carriages, a set of bones from a local

mammoth, and much more.

The collection encompasses all of Humboldt County, with artifacts from Par-

adise Valley, rural areas, and Winnemucca.

The museum itself is a piece of old Winnemucca. Built in 1907, it was a

downtown church — until it was picked up and hauled across the Humboldt

River to its present site, at Jungo Road and Maple Avenue.

A LOOK AT OUR PAST

The HumboldtMuseum can trulyboast a “mammoth”display! Castings ofbones found in theBlack Rock Desertnow have a perma-nent home on the sec-ond story of themuseum. Visitors cantake a step back intime and imagine alandscape populatedby these enormousbeasts.

———Below, these woodenindians were originallyused by local casinosfor promotions. Nowthey’re indoors at themuseum, and restora-tions are planned.

The Humboldt Museum is located adjacent to Pioneer Park.The Museum is open weekdaysfrom 9-4 and Saturdays from

1-4. For more information, visitthe Museum’s website:

www.humboldtmuseum.org

A second, larger building was added on when the museum’s col-

lection outgrew its humble home. Also on the museum grounds is the

Cumley- Richardson House, currently undergoing restoration, a his-

toric store (used by the Museum as “The Trunk” Thrift Stop, and the

newest addition — a 1950’s bus that formerly belonged to the Hum-

boldt Hotel.

Inside the museum, every artifact at the museum comes with two

supplements — a story, and someone who loves telling it. The staff

of the museum will gladly take you back in time with an introduction

to the treasures of Humboldt County’s history.

The Humboldt Museum is located adjacent to Pioneer Park and is

open weekdays from 9-4, and Saturdays from 1-4. Admission is free,

and donations are accepted.

Winnemucca Fine Arts Gallery The Winnemucca Fine Arts

Gallery features a different

local artist every month, in

addition to their permanent col-

lection of paintings, watercol-

ors and drawings. The Gallery

is located at 534 Bridge Street,

and is open Saturdays and

Sundays from 1-4 p.m.


winnemuccachamber.blogspot.com

The northern Nevada back country offers freedom to anyone who

enjoys being able to pitch a tent, hike or bike the hills, fish the streams,

pursue quality big game or pit themselves against the rugged terrain that

supports the ultimate upland game bird, the chukar.

Springtime arrays of wild flowers will delight photographers, and the

scenic vistas they capture on film will leave a lasting memory of the

area’s beauty.

This is the gold mining center of the U.S., but it is

home to almost every mineral mined by man.

Beauty and nature are as near to town as Water

Canyon, just a few minutes’ drive into the Sonoma Mountains. This is a

great place to picnic, hike or mountain bike.

A longer excursion, but every bit worth the drive, is a ride north to

Hinkey Summit in the gorgeous Santa Rosas.

From May to mid-June, the vast panoramas of Hinkey Summit are

awe-inspiring.

On your way back to Winnemucca, stop and visit the picturesque

town of Paradise Valley. Just a short visit and you’ll

know why it got its name.

Like to fish? Humboldt County boasts some amaz-

ing high country trout water. Check out our reservoirs,

streams and creeks. If you're the exploring type, there

are numerous old mining ghost towns hidden, almost

gone, throughout the area.

If you like the outdoors you'll never be bored in and

around Winnemucca!

DRIVE A LITTLE, DO A LOT!

For more information about day tripsfrom Winnemucca, drop by the

Winnemucca Convention and VisitorsAuthority, 50 West Winnemucca Blvd.,

or call (775) 623-5071 or (800) 962-2638.

Photo by J. Carmen KofoedChimney Reservoir in northwestern Humboldt County is a haven for deerand geese — and offers a quiet respite for humans, too.


ENJOY MOUNTAIN BIKING

ON GROOMED TRAILS —

OR HEAD OUT ON YOUR OWN No matter what type of two-wheeled adventure you’re looking

for, the hills and deserts around Winnemucca offer exciting terrain.

Nearly every weekend during the warmer months, riders take to

the trails to eat a little Nevada dust.

The “Bloody Shins Trail,” a 12-mile trail that begins right on

the edge of town, is a good place to start. This rolling single track

course is divided into beginner and expert grades (the last five

miles range from intermediate to expert level) and offers endless

views of the distant mountain ranges.

In addition to the Bloody Shins Trail, the Sonoma Mountains

(the range to the East of Winnemucca) offers old pack routes, cow

trails, and Jeep trails crisscrossing the sagebrush strewn flanks of

the hills.

The Sonomas also excel for back country excursions, whether

accessed by bicycle, motorbike, horseback or hiking. Several of

the deep V-shaped canyons offer spring-fed creeks and pleasant

camping experiences.

The “Bloody Shins Trail,” asingle-track course locatedeast of Winnemucca, offersbeginning riders a 12-milecourse. The trail is fairly easyand climbs in elevation from4,570 feet to 4,820.Intermediate riders are invit-ed to try their skills on the12-mile track, a slightlymore difficult course whichrises 1,000 feet. Both cours-es are open March -November.


MILES OF TRACKS AND ROADS FOR OUTDOOR FUNNot everyone prefers to travel within the confines of a car —

and astride a horse isn’t always the best way to spend a day in the

desert. Sometimes, you just gotta take the bikes or ATVs out and

eat some dust.

Humboldt County has hundreds of miles of back roads that are ready for you to

ride. Most motorcycle enthusiasts begin their desert trek accessing trails behind

Winnemucca Mountain (the big hill west of town with the “W” on it), or by driv-

ing their trucks and trailers up Water Canyon Road and parking at one of the

campgrounds there.

A second good jumping-off point for motorcycles and ATVs is Sand Pass

Road, located just 11 miles north of Winnemucca on U.S. Highway 95. This road

travels almost due east into the desert, and affords some awesome views, as well

as a terrific ride!

The Sonomas are excellent for back-country excursions, and are frequently

accessed by riders both on motorcycle and mountain bike. Other options for riding

include the Santa Rosa Mountains, above Paradise Valley; the Sand Dunes and

Sand Pass Road north of Winnemucca and the Jungo area west of Winnemucca.


Winnemucca: Home to the Elusive Chukar

If you love bird

hunting, then you should

know this area is syn-

onymous with good

upland game hunting.

Northern Nevada claims

legendary status as the

“Chukar Capital of the

Country.” There are a

few reasons why. Long

seasons and liberal bag

limits make for more

hunter recreation days

than any other upland game bird. Plus, only the Great Basin can

duplicate the original chukar habitat of India, Pakistan and

Afghanistan, the birds’ native countries. Only here will you find the

steep, rugged canyons with talus slopes and rocky outcrops that pro-

vide a perfect hideout for the birds. That makes a difference when it’s

nearing sunset and you’ve already bagged your limit of six. That’s not

to say the experience isn’t a humbling one. Hawkins says, “The

chukar has bagged more hunters than hunters have bagged chukar.

Always remember that.” Still, there will always be a next time.

CHAMPION GAME, RECORD FISH AND PREMIUM BIRD HUNTING

Big Game Challenges Hunters Those who enjoy the sport of big game hunting will want to give

Humboldt County a try!

From the steep hillsides of the Santa Rosa Mountains to the wide

deserts found throughout the area, Humboldt County seems to be prime

territory for big game animals.

The area is home to large

herds of antelope and mule

deer, as well as mountain

goats and bighorn sheep, and

their elusive predator, the

mountain lion.

Hunters from outside of

Nevada should visit the Neva-

da Department of Wildlife

Web site, www.ndow.org for

more information about

obtaining an out-of-state hunt-

ing tag, or get in touch with

one of the area’s many hunt-

ing guides, who can help

with every detail.

Visit www.ndow.org for more information about hunting in Humboldt County and northern Nevada.

Courtesy PhotoRick Manion brought down thislarge buck near Paradise Valley.




The heart of Cowboy Country

is Winnemucca, so it’s only to be

expected that much of the year’s

entertainment is dedicated to the

interplay of man, horse and cow.

Winnemucca does it up big, host-

ing the oldest continuous rodeo in

Nevada.

Great riding, roping and steer

wrestling talent is always on hand

to take on equally talented buck-

ing livestock at the annual Tri-

County Fair and Stampede.

Equine events continue

throughout the year as Humboldt

County hosts competitions for

working cowboys, high school

rodeo, barrel racers, and more big

roping events than you can shake

a stick at.

There’s always a rodeo in the heart of Cowboy Country!


Ranch Hand Rodeos take the West by storm The American cowboy has been a worldwide icon since the early

1800s and the values, traditions, heritage and cowboy code are still alive

and well, even today. There are ranch cowboys still out there calving,

branding, gathering and doctoring, whether full time or part time.

Northern Nevada celebrates this tradition with three huge Ranch

Hand Rodeos. The first, the Winnemucca Ranch Hand Rodeo weekend,

features not only competitive events for ranch teams, but a cowdog tri-

als, working cowhorse competition (and sales of both later) as well as an

invitational bull sale. The event also boasts one of the largest Western

Trade Shows this area sees all year.

Over the Fourth of July weekend, the border town of McDermitt gets

into the action with their own Ranch Hand Rodeo.

The Western States Ranch Rodeo Association has

come together to promote and preserve the heritage of

the cowboy tradition through sanctioned ranch rodeo

events designed for the full and part time ranch cow-

boy.

The WSRRA is dedicated to providing a showcase

for the full and part time cowboy to compete in

WSRRA sanctioned ranch rodeo events — and all

qualifying teams and individual event contestants gath-

er to compete at the WSRRA finals in Winnemucca in

early November. For information about the WSRRA,

visit their official website, www.wsrra.org.

To learn more about the Winnemucca Ranch Hand

Rodeo, vist the website: www.ranchrodeonv.com.

WT BRUCE PHOTO

WT BRUCE PHOTO

MICHAEL MICHAELSEN PHOTO



Jake Owen

concert the

highlight of 2012

Tri-County FairHe’s a rising force in country music, and has

already established himself as a chart-topping per-

former and world-class touring artist. Now, “Bare-

foot Blue Jean Night” singer Jake Owen sets his

sights on Winnemucca. He will perform Saturday,

Sept. 1 during the Tri-County Fair at the Win-

nemucca Event Center.

Born in 1981 in Vero Beach, Fla., Jake taught

himself to play guitar while in college. He went

from performing in Florida bars to moving to

Nashville and within months he had a Music Row

song-publishing contract. Soon, he was working

with top songwriters — which in turn got him his

break with Sony Music.

He became a star so quickly that he didn’t

have time to memorize any Country Music Rule

Book – which made it that much easier to toss it

out the window.

“I never wanted to be the guy that did everything the way you’re supposed

to do it,” says the candid and outgoing music maker. “And that led me to make

this record, which I think really represents who I am more than anything I've

ever recorded. If nothing else happens after this, I can honestly say that I did

the absolute best that I can do. I’ve never felt this good about music, or any-

thing in my career, as I do right now.”

Jake’s first single, “Yee Haw” was an up-tempo party anthem which

peaked at number 16 on the Billboard Hot County chart in 2006. His “Startin’

With Me” album was released that same year, and he toured with Brooks and

Dunn and Alan Jackson.

His 2009 album “Easy Does It” also found success with fans, as it

debuted at number 2 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and number

13 on the Billboard 200. The song “Don’t Think I Can’t Love You” became

his first top 5 country hit — with “Eight Second Ride” and “Tell Me” gaining

play on airwaves as well.

Owen released his third album, “Barefoot Blue Jean Night,” in 2011. The

lead-off single and title track to the album, "Barefoot Blue Jean Night" has

become his first Number One single on the country chart. In 2011, he joined

Keith Urban on his 2011 Get Closer world tour.

Tickets for this rare small-venue performance are $30 for general admis-

sion seating. Reserved seating is $45 or $75; all tickets are available online at

www.winnemucca.com, or by calling the Winnemucca Convention Center toll

free at (800) 962-2638.

This Jake Owen concert is just part of the Labor Day weekend fun you’ll

find in Winnemucca! The Tri-County Fair features many family-friendly

events such as pig wresting, exhibits of all kinds, large and small animal shows

— and so much more. The weekend also includes the 91st Annal Labor Day

Rodeo. For more information visit www.labordayfair.com.



Gambling was first legalized in Nevada in 1931 to

help reduce the impact of the Great Depression. As a

point of interest, that fateful bill was introduced by

freshman Assemblyman Phil Tobin of Winnemucca.

There are many types of wagering available in Hum-

boldt County, and depending on your mood, skill and

your pocketbook, your choices vary. Below is a run-

down of several different types of games available

around the area, and how to get the most out of each.

Slot machines Slots are usually the first thing visible when one

enters a casino, and they're typically a gamer's introduc-

tion to the gambling world. Slot machines, with their

Gaming is theNevada tradition

blinking lights, themes and fast pace, can be among the most exciting of casino games — and

they offer a chance to win huge sums of cash for a small investment. There are many different

types of slot machines out there — from the traditional favorite single pay line slots to multi-

line video screen slots with bonus features and up to 20 pay lines.

Video poker Video poker is the modern rage. In a small amount of space inside a casino, players can

indulge in Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, Jokers Wild and bonus and progressive poker action.

This is a show most casinos would be hard-pressed to put on live, so the new computer video

poker machines are a winner for both the house and the gamer.

BlackjackThough Blackjack originated in France, the casinos of Nevada have made it their own.

Casinos each offer slight variations on the game, but the basics remain the same: The dealer

places two cards before you, deals themselves one face up and one face down, and then you

have a decision to make: draw or stand.

Keno Easy to play, keno is one of those games that gamblers either love or hate. Many grumble

that the game has a low payout percentage — the odds are that the house will make a good

living off of keno players. Others love the game, because it is one of the few casino wagers

that can yield big payoffs for a small investment. Pick the right numbers, and you could go

home with your pockets stuffed with cash!

CrapsHow to play. Are you kidding? This article is far too short to teach you how to play craps.

This dice-throwing game is one of the most complex to learn, but also one of the most excit-

ing. There are many different wagering options in a craps game, as well as many different

outcomes depending on the roll of the dice.

Sports Betting A long time 'til the outcome. With sports betting, time is on your side. As far as entertain-

ment values go, your $10 never stretched so far! For the cost of your wager, you've earned

two or three hours of sports entertainment, at the end of which you might take home the prize.

Wagering on sporting events actively involves you in the game, since once your bet is placed

you have some real interest in the outcome of the game.


Pari-mutuel betting is

one of the most exciting of

gaming options. Soon after

placing your wager on an

animal, the race is on and

the thunder of their hooves

echoes the pounding of

your heart. This is Nevada

gaming at it’s very best!

Though you can walk

into many casinos and place

bets on horse races taking

place far away, there are

only three places in Nevada

that allow betting on live

races — and one of those

events is held in Winnemucca!

The annual Mule Show and Races is made all

the more exciting by pari-mutuel betting, and the

fact that it is mules running, not horses, adds to

the fun of the day.

The Winnemucca Mule Show and Races offer

full pari-mutuel betting opportunities. You can

enjoy choosing one mule to win, or name the top

three finishers to take home the trifecta payout —

or bet on multiple races. No matter how you

choose to play, you’re sure to have a great day at

the races!

Experience

the thrill of

pari-mutuel

betting

Photo courtesy Jerry Teague And they’re off! The annual Winnemucca Mule Races are one of only three opportunities in Nevadafor patrons to bet on racing, then see the races live!


Feb. 29 - March 4, 2012 Ranch Hand Rodeo Weekend Nevada's largest and most exciting Ranch HandRodeo kicks off the weekend with the Cow DogTrials featuring the Brace and Ranch class beginningon Wednesday, Feb. 29. Thursday sees the openingof the Western Trade Show, the Cow Dog TrialsOpen Pro Class, the Finals competition and the CowDog Sale. Friday's schedule features the WesternTrade Show, Stock Horse Challenge and the Previewof Sale Horses. Saturday's schedule includes theRanch Hand Rodeo Calcutta, Kids' Pee Wee Events,the Ranch, Rope and Performance Horse Sale, andthe Main event, the Ranch Hand Rodeo. Sunday,March 4, get ready for Cowboy Church, theInvitational Bull Sale and the final performance ofthe 2012 Ranch Hand Rodeo.

For more information about the 2012event, visit www.RanchRodeoNV.com

Mar. 7 - 11, 2012Shooting the West XXIVNevada’s premier photography conference. Enjoy awide array of guest speakers, and have your portfo-lio critiqued. Bring your competitive spirit and enterthe “Give It Your Best Shot” and “OutbackRoundup.”

For more information about the 2012 event,visit www.shootingthewest.org

May 25 - 27, 2012Run-A-Mucca Motorcycle RallyAll motorcycles welcome! Enjoy free outdoor con-certs, a memorial service, event cruises, games, bikeshow, vendors, poker run, and don’t miss the“Burning Bike!”

For more information about the 2012 event, visit www.runamucca.com

Shooting the West XXIV: The Nevada Photography Experience

There’s a very special gathering that happens each March in Winnemucca. A

group of the finest photographers in the west come to the heart of Cowboy Coun-

try to learn more about the art of snapping the shutter.

Symposium attendees have the chance to rub elbows with some of the biggest

names in photography, to get tips from the professionals and to learn about mak-

ing it to the photographic “big time,” — getting published. This year, the Shoot-

ing The West symposium will be held March 7 - 11 2012 at the Winnemucca

Convention Center. The 2012 symposium will feature guest presenters Al Pette-

way and Amy White, extraordinary musicians and photographers from North Car-

olina, and Stacy Pearsall, former combat photographer, from South Carolina.

Stacy earned a Bronze Star and NPPA Military Photographer of the Year honors

— twice!

For more information about joining 2012’s Shooting the West XXIV, contact

Shooting the West at (877) 623-3501, by mail at P O Box 1766, Winnemucca, NV

89446 or visit them on-line at www.shootingthewest.org

PHOTO COURTESY LARRY ANGIER

Visit www.shootthewest.org formore information

Gorgeous skies, the wind in your face and the rum-

ble of a huge engine — there’s little to compare to

riding a motorcycle in Nevada. Now Winnemucca

welcomes riders to stop and play awhile. On tap for

the three-day event this year are a poker run, poker

stagger, free music and concerts, bike games, bike

show and vendors, a “burning bike” that lights up the

night — plus the chance to win a beautiful raffle bike!

Buy the Run Package before April 30, 2012 and

receive your Run Shirt, Run Pin, Poker Run and Poker

Stagger hands plus the Run Bar-B-Que for only

$35.00.

The 2012 event is set for Friday through Sunday,

May 25 - 27, 2012. For more information hop online

and visit www.runamucca.com.

Run-A-Mucca rumbles into town over Memorial

Day weekend

Humboldt Sun Photo The Run-A-Mucca event will bring bikers from around the country toWinnemucca over Memorial Day Weekend. For more information aboutthe 2012 event, log on to www.runamucca.com

Visit www.runamucca.com for more information

Humboldt County Events


June 1-3, 2012 Winnemucca Pari-mutuel Mule Races and ShowJoin in on some wild fun at Nevada’s only sanctioned mule event.Bet your lucky dollar on your favorite animal during racing rounds.Also don’t miss the 25-mile endurance race on Friday, June 1, andthe mule show that is also an exciting part of these fun-filled days.

For more information about the 2012 event, visit www.muleshow.com

June 9 -10, 2012Basque Festival Honor a unique heritage during this fun-filled, exciting event. Watcha colorful parade; cheer at games of strength and endurance; danceto Basque music; attend a Holy Mass; and, enjoy a traditionalBasque family style picnic. Fun for everyone!

June 16, 2012 Koyote Cruiser’s Car ShowSpend a nice summer day gathered around motorized vehicles. Alltypes of cars and trucks will be on display for your viewing enjoy-ment. Prizes and trophies will be awarded.

June 17, 2012 Paradise Valley Father’s Day Barbecue and Craft ShowThe food would be incentive enough to make that 35-mile trip toParadise Valley via Highway 290. But when you add a beautiful sum-mer day and fantastic barbecue fare, this event is sure to be the bestFather’s Day present he’ll ever get!

June 30 and July 1, 2012 McDermitt Ranch Hand RodeoRanch hands from Nevada, Oregon and Idaho compete in Nevada’slongest continual-running ranch hand rodeo. Contestants competefor prize money in a number of working events. Street contests anddances add to the festivities set in McDermitt, 70 miles north ofWinnemucca on Highway 95.

July 3 - 7, 2012Silver State International Rodeo While the High School Finals Rodeo welcomes finalists who finishranked 1-5 in their sport, the “runners-up” have their own rodeo.The Silver State International Rodeo is for contestants who finishranked 6-10 nationally, and is billed as a rodeo “where reservechampions become champions.”

For more information visit www.ssir.us

Celebrate the Basque

heritage with us!The Basques are a people

like no other. Their homeland is

the Pyrenees Mountains

between Spain and France, but

their language and culture are

unique.

More than a century ago, a

handful of Basque sheep herders

settled in Winnemucca and

Humboldt County.

Thanks to those pioneers and

their descendants, the rich

Basque heritage is inextricably

woven into our local culture.

There are two Basque

restaurants in Winnemucca.

Basque cuisine offers a combi-

nation of savory flavors, all

served with a hearty infusion of

garlic. Paella (a rice dish with

chicken, seafood, vegetables,

and spices) and chorizo (a spicy

sausage) are as familiar to Win-

nemucca as burgers and fries.

For the true Basque dining

experience, you can eat family

style, sitting at a long table and

sharing food and stories with

other restaurant patrons.

This year, the Basque Festi-

val will be held June 9 - 10,

2012. It is a glorious celebra-

tion of all things Basque — the

Irrintzi dancers don their color-

ful costumes, traditional Pyre-

nees music fills the air, and the

people of Winnemucca turn out

for a lively parade.

Humboldt Sun Photo


Fast cars and good times

You don’t have to go to the “big city” to find great classic car

shows! Winnemucca boasts some of the friendliest classic car shows in

the West! From the Koyote Kruisers Kar show beginning the season

in June, to Fifties Fever ending it in August, there are plenty of oppor-

tunities to see classic cars polished to perfection.

Humboldt Sun PhotoIt’s a celebration of old cars and the good memories thatgo with them during the Fifties Fever festival.

Visit fifties-fever.com for more information

July 4, 2012 Family Fourth of July CelebrationThis is Winnemucca’s best family event. The City Park is crammedwith games, food, a petting farm, face painting, a dunk tank, dis-plays and lots more. Fireworks cap off the Independence Day cele-bration just as the sun bids farewell to the day.

July 20 - 22, 2012 44-Hour Softball TournamentCalled the “Mardis Gras of the West,’ this is 44 hours of non-stopsoftball action. Over 80 teams compete around the clock for hon-ors.

For more information visit www.44hour.com

July 13 - 15, 2012Winnemucca Summer CuttingOne of the world’s fastest growing sports, cutting offers tremen-dous excitement and drama for horse, rider and spectators alike. Thiscutting showcases the many hours of hard work and dollars spent bytrainers and owners who are put to the test and rewarded, eitherwith trophies or individual satisfaction.

July 24 - 27, 2012 Superior Livestock AuctionCattle buyers and sellers from across the nation come together viasatellite and in person for this annual bid bonanza. Golf tourna-ments, great entertainment and plenty of food make this event afavorite for locals and visitors alike. Next door in the East Hall of theConvention Center, visit the Superior Western Art and Trade Showfor fine art, jewelry and gift items galore!

Aug. 3 - 4, 2012 Good Times Street DragsDrivers, start your engines! The drags are roarin’ into town withenough racing slicks, cherry paint jobs and shined up chrome tomake you think you’re on some back country road in the heat ofsummer with James Dean. Rumor has it this is one of the few dragraces in the world that still takes place (legally) on a public road.

Aug. 3 - 5, 2012 Fifties FeverThe Fever’s rising and this summer is going to be hot! That’s right,Fifties Fever is this area’s very own celebration of those fabulousfifties. Enjoy parades, street dances, poker runs, a free concert onthe Nixon Lawn, and of course, the ever-popular show ‘n shine withdozens of classic autos that make nostalgia buffs twist and shout!

For more information visit www.fifties-fever.com

Aug. 24 -26, 2012 USTRC Northwest Regional Team Roping FinalsThe best team ropers in the West gather for four days of tough com-

petition. Over 2,000 teams vie for pride, prestige, awards and cash

prizes. Don’t miss the little ones compete in dummy roping for

“giant” silver buckles.

Labor Day Fun Aug. 30 - Sept. 2, 2012Aug. 30 - Sept. 2 — Tri-County Fair & CarnivalThis family fun event serves up contests and dances, competitions,exhibits, prizes, food, a petting farm, art shows, a parade, and plen-ty of exciting stage peformers. Pig wrestling, a crowd-pleasing char-ity event also returns for 2012. There will be lots of free familyentertainment, so join the fun!

Aug. 31 — Pig WrestlingGet dirty for a good cause as four-person teams compete for chari-ty. Come out and cheer on your favorite locals — or the pig!

Aug. 31 - Sept. 2 Western Art RoundupThe Roundup features artists, poets, craftspeople and inductees intothe Buckaroo Hall of Fame as well as demonstrations and buckaroopoetry readings.

Sept. 1-2 — 91st Annual RodeoThis year’s rodeo promises a lot more than 8 seconds of excitement.In fact, this year will feature more money, more cowboys and moreaction than one town has a right to see! Come see why this isNevada’s oldest continuous rodeo.

Sept. 1 — Jake Owen Concert Country star Jake Owen performs at the Winnemucca Event Center.He released his third studio album, Barefoot Blue Jean Night, in2011. The lead-off single and title track to the album, "Barefoot BlueJean Night" has become his first Number One single on the countrychart. Don’t miss your chance to see this great countryperformer!Tickets start at $30 for general admission seating.

For more information visit www.labordayfair.com

Sept. 13 - 16, 2012ACTRA NV & ID Finals RopingLots of excitement at this bi-state roping event. Ropers compete notonly for cash and prizes, but the best advance to the National Finals.


Oct. 12 - 13, 2012 America West 4D Barrel Racing Finals The best barrel racers from around the west come to theWinnemucca Events Complex for their national finals event.

Nov. 1 - 4, 2012 Western States Ranch Rodeo Finals

Ranch Rodeo is an eventthat was re-created a num-ber of years ago to returnto the roots of rodeo — theduties and challenges ofreal working ranch hands.Events simulate what theranch cowboys do for workeach day on the ranch.These events involve plentyof friendly ranch-versus-ranch competition. Intoday’s fast paced environ-ment it is rare that one cango to a sporting event ofany kind and see and feelthe camaraderie and thefriendliness that is apparentat a ranch rodeo. This is oneevent you don’t want tomiss, as cowhands from

around the west gather in Winnemucca to compete for cash andglory!

For more information visit www.wsrra.org.

PHOTO BY LEE RAINE


Winnemucca Area Lodging — Bed & Breakfast, Hotels, Motels and RV Parks

BED AND BREAKFASTS

Old Pioneer Garden Bed & Breakfast

2805 Unionville Rd.775-538-7585

Soldier Meadows Guest Ranch150 Miles W. on Jungo Rd.

775-849-1666www.soldiermeadows.com

StonehouseCountry Inn

Paradise Valley775-578-3530

www.stonehouse.freeservers.com

HOTELS AND MOTELS

Best Western Holiday Motel

670 W. Winnemucca Blvd.775-623-3684

Budget Inn of Winnemucca

251 E. Winnemucca Blvd.775-623-2394

Cozy Motel410 E. Winnemucca Blvd.

775-623-2615

Days Inn511 W. Winnemucca Blvd.

775-623-3661

Economy Inn635 W. Winnemucca Blvd.

775-623-5281

Gold Country Inn921 W. Winnemucca Blvd.

775-623-6999

Frontier Motel410 E. Winnemucca Blvd.

775-623-2915

Holiday Inn Express1987 W. Winnemucca Blvd.

775-625-3100

Model T Resort / CasinoQuality Inn

1130 W. Winnemucca Blvd.775-623-2588

Motel 61600 W. Winnemucca Blvd.

775-623-1180

Overland Hotel215 S. Bridge St.775-623-2865

Park Motel740 W. Winnemucca Blvd.

775-623-2810

Pyrenees Motel714 W. Winnemucca Blvd.

775-623-1116

Regency Inn & Suites705 W. Winnemucca Blvd.

775-623-4898

Santa Fe Inn1620 W. Winnemucca Blvd.

775-623-1119

Scottish Inn333 W. Winnemucca Blvd.

775-623-3703

Scott Shady Court400 First St.

775-623-3646

Super 8 Motel1157 W. Winnemucca Blvd.

775-625-1818

Town House Motel375 Monroe St.775-623-3620

Val-U Motel125 E. Winnemucca Blvd.

775-623-5248

Western Inn17 N. Bridge St.775-623-2500

Winnemucca Hotel95 S. Bridge St.775-623-2908

Winnemucca Inn

741 W. Winnemucca Blvd.

775-623-2565

Winners Hotel & Casino


775-623-2511

RV PARKS Hi-Desert RV Park

5575 E. Winnemucca Blvd.

775-623-4513

www.hidesertrv.net

Model T Resort Casino RV Park


775-623-2588

Paradise Valley RV Park

Paradise Valley

775-578-3090

Westerner Trailer Lodge800 E. Fourth St.

775-623-2907

Winnemucca RV Park5255 E. Winnemucca Blvd.

775-623-4458www.winnemuccarvpark.com

Orovada Rocky View MotelRestaurant & Bar

US Hwy 95 Orovada775-272-3337

McDermittDiamond A Motel

25 US Hwy 95 S775-532-8552

McDermitt Motel55 US Hwy 95775-532-8588

Denio Denio Junction

Sunset Drive, Denio775-941-0171


Documents

2012 Winnemucca Visitor Guide