The 'Oasis Of Nevada' Is A Historic College City With Abundant Outdoor Fun, Downtown Dining, And Shops

Stunning natural landscapes and memorable cultural experiences are two of the sure bets in Nevada. It doesn't matter whether you're immersing yourself in Winnemucca's cowboy culture and outdoor thrills or marveling at Moapa Valley's unique canyons and scenic trails — you're bound to encounter beauty during a trip to Nevada. In the western part of the state, you'll come across the "Oasis of Nevada," Fallon, a delightful fusion of outdoor adventures and that quintessential quaintness every small town has. Home to the Western Nevada College-Fallon campus, this college city knows how to keep you entertained throughout your stay. Whether you want to explore the wilderness or keep it simple with downtown activities, Fallon makes for a wonderful getaway.

Movie buffs might already recognize Fallon from "Top Gun: Maverick" — the Naval Air Station Fallon, located in the historic city, is home to the Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor (SFTI) training program. History and geography enthusiasts probably know about it from Lake Lahontan, which once covered the area during the last Ice Age. Fallon only gained its reputation as an oasis in the mid-19th century, when settlers established ranches in the agricultural lands. Growth followed, and Fallon became an incorporated city in 1908. While it's still an agricultural town, the Western Nevada College campus has also breathed new life into it by attracting a younger demographic.

Fallon is only an hour's drive from Reno, while Carson City is an hour and 15 minutes away. The drive from Elko, a friendly city with bold Basque flavors, is somewhat doable, too — it'll take less than four hours to arrive in town. Accommodation is no issue in Fallon, as it's home to your usual assortment of chain hotels.

Fallon has no shortage of fresh-air fun. Thrill-seekers flock to Sand Mountain Recreation Area with their vehicles to conquer 4,795 acres of windblown sands. This off-roading paradise boasts the striking Sand Mountain, a 600-foot-tall and 3.5-mile-long sand dune — the largest of its kind in the Great Basin. Ride your ATV, cruise on your motorcycle, take your dune buggy for a spin, or simply try your hand at sandboarding and sand sailing. If you really enjoy your time here, you can even camp for the night at a primitive site so you can ride the dunes first thing in the morning.

Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge offers a different kind of recreation. Ditch the sands for freshwater marshes, alkali playas, and riparian corridors to observe more than 400 species of animal and bird life. This 79,570-acre haven is a great place to spot mountain lions, mule deer, kit foxes, Pacific tree frogs, northwestern pond turtles, and more. Those who wish to glide across the reservoir can launch their kayaks and canoes, then hike the paths snaking through the refuge. The 1.5-mile Tule Trail winds through fields, ponds, and irrigation canals, while the Stillwater Point Reservoir Trail cuts through the salt desert scrub.

The basalt boulders of Grimes Point, just 15 minutes from Fallon, expose you to ancient Native American rock drawings, estimated to be around 6,000 years old. From human figures to peculiar lines, the petroglyphs are thought to depict ritualistic practices. If you want to stay closer to town, hike the Wetlands Nature Trail, where red-tailed hawks and horned larks soar overhead. Besides, you can always take a swing at the nine-hole Fallon Golf Course, surrounded by cottonwoods, willow trees, and perfectly manicured lawns.

Beyond its diverse landscapes, Fallon features a lively downtown scene. Need new home decor for your space? Check out the antiques at Just Country Friends. Shop for colorful tea sets, specialty cookware, wooden cabinets, and other finds. Memory Lane Mercantile sells similar items, such as upcycled and new furniture and decorations. Memorie Boutique, on the other hand, is a good spot for women's clothing. Browse its racks for floral dresses, lightweight jumpsuits, denim overalls, and cool tops. They also have a gifts and decor section, where you can buy tumblers and snuggly blankets to take back as souvenirs.

Food is just as much a part of your Fallon experience. The Courtyard Cafe and Bakery is a local favorite, with a delicious breakfast menu. Try its ribeye steak and eggs for a satisfying morning or the California omelet for a lighter meal. Coming by during lunch? Order a patty melt or turkey cranberry specialty sandwich, and you're good to go. Fajitas Gourmet is a top choice for Mexican and American fare. The chicken fajitas are a crowd-pleaser — the same goes for the chili relleno and its array of burritos.

For refreshing salads, yummy sandwiches, and scrumptious burgers, The Slanted Porch has you covered. Whether you have its jalapeño ranch burger, spicy chicken sandwich, or Van Gogh salad, your appetite is going to thank you. Nevada is full of beautiful small towns with mountain views, tranquil surroundings, and hiking trails, like Beatty and Boulder City, and each of them is worth visiting. So if you're seeking an epic Nevada road trip, consider checking out a few more stops before heading back to the airport.