In a region full of great history, combined with the awe of nature, Perishing County is located 56 miles northeast of Fallon, along the Humboldt River Basin. Heading north on Highway 95, then east on I-80, you’ll find the quaint, historic town of Lovelock, at exit 106.
Within the downtown corridor, at the restored railroad building called “The Depot,” Lovelock’s signage proudly greets you. The Central Pacific Railroad once welcomed transcontinental passengers at this original structure in 1880. Today the Pershing Chamber of Commerce offers free brochures and assistance, sharing many aspects of this county’s attractions. This site was added to the National Register of Nevada’s Historic Places in 2004. Staffing hours do vary but can be confirmed by calling (775) 273-7213.
Sitting in the middle of this main road, you see the columned and domed Lovelock Courthouse standing guard within this township. Frederic De Longchamps, a well-known Nevada architect, originally designed this centerpiece structure originally designed 1920-21, taking inspiration from the classic revival style of the Pantheon in Rome. In 1983, this notable landmark was added to the National Register of Historic Places, with the Nevada Historical Preservation Society assisting in a 1999 renovation to showcase its vast history.
To the left of the courthouse, a lovely park with padlock-laden chains is looped together within winding walkways, celebrating an ancient Chinese custom of symbolically locking one’s enduring love together. This monument was dedicated on Valentine’s Day in 2006, as a popular destination location for visitors and lovers alike. The town encourages visitors to share their personal love stories with the world. Drop a notecard into the lockbox at Lovers Lock Plaza or mail it to Lovelock Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 821, Lovelock, NV. 89419. You’ll find additional metal heart installations throughout the town, as the popularity of this experience has expanded throughout the years. Locks can be purchased in town at several locations.
The downtown area has several places to eat or shop, with many retro motels available for overnight stays. The locals are most helpful in directing visitors to the highlights within the town.
The Marzen Museum, located at 1005 West Broadway, is a must-see, with its fascinating displays of a parlor room and working farm kitchen. Colonel Joseph Marzen, an immigrant settler in 1870, built this two-story, mansion farmhouse within his 3,480-acre Big Meadow Ranch. A featured bedroom, a military room, Native American artifacts, and a medical room that includes the first X-Ray machine with the original handbook, provides a distinct historic overview.
Visitors are encouraged to see the vintage farm equipment and the garaged, 1929 Model A Fire Truck and a 1953 F5 Fire Truck, plus their special 1956 Cadillac “ghost-busters” Ambulance. Museum hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 12-4 p.m. Admission is free, with donations accepted.
There are several self-guided, backcountry areas available for hiking. Located 16 miles south of town, within the Humboldt River and Wildlife Reserve, the Lovelock Cave and Nature Trails once held sacred artifacts from the Northern Paiute Indians. Many of these items are now on display at the Marzen Museum. Several brochures are available, providing maps to these rural locations.
Traveling 22 miles east on I-80, at the northeastern portion of the Humboldt River, the Rye Patch Dam is a peaceful choice for picnics, dry camping, boating, and river or lake fishing. This location offers several options for shady overnight camping and offers a boat ramp/dock. They accept side-by-sides and offer rest rooms, picnic benches, fire pits, paddle boat rentals, fish cleaning stations, a trailer dump station, and group reservation areas.
With 72 miles of shoreline, this recreational location is open year-round.
Side Note: August 4-6 is Lovelock’s 2023 Frontier Days with all-day family fun, a parade, vendors, various competitions, and a free, evening concert.
For more information call (775) 442-1336. The quarter-mile oval dirt track at Lovelock Speedway has an event on Aug. 4 and 5, lo
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