RENO, Nev. (KOLO) – Lincoln County is a long way from Washoe County, and its county seat is a lot smaller.
“Lincoln county is small town atmosphere. You don’t know everybody, but you know a lot of them,” said Pioche native Nathan Adams. “It’s one of the largest counties with the smallest populations.”
Pioche is located along U.S. 93 in eastern Nevada and is home to about 1000 people. And while it might not quite compare to what you’ll find in Virginia City, if you take a trip down Main Street you’ll see elements of its mining history are on display.
“It’s like stepping back into history,” said Cody Tingey of Nevada State Parks. “You can still see the old mining structures. You can see what made the town great. It was a bustling place.”
The stops in town you can check out in Pioche include the Overland hotel, and the historic Silver Cafe right across the street. According to its menu, it is the oldest café in Nevada.
And like Virginia City and Eureka, there is an opera house. This one having been built in 1873. After its 2009 Renovation, it is used by Pioche locals as a meeting space, and for private events.
Next to the opera house is the Gem movie theater, which is in the process of being restored following being added to the national register of historic places.
The other thing Pioche is known for is a place to stay when visiting a variety of eastern Nevada state parks.
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