The infamous Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid were said to have left their mark on Winnemucca. In 1900 they purportedly celebrated their robbery of the First National Bank by sending the bank president a studio portrait of themselves.
The town also is home to one of the largest Basque populations in North America. The early Basque immigrants found the open range of the Great Basin suitable for raising sheep. Today their customs, food and language flourish in Winnemucca. The Basque Festival, held in June, celebrates this heritage.
Humboldt Museum, at Maple Avenue and Jungo Road, chronicles the region's history with antiques and memorabilia, including a collection of vintage cars and Native American artifacts. The excavation of a 13,000-year-old mammoth from nearby Black Rock Desert is chronicled in the ice age exhibit; phone (775) 623-2912. Minerals found in the area include gold, silver, tungsten, barite and mercury, in addition to opals and turquoise.
Visitor Centers
Winnemucca Convention and Visitor Authority 50 W. Winnemucca Blvd. Winnemucca, NV 89445. Phone:(775)623-5071 or (800)962-2638