elko

Elko is a city in northeastern Nevada and the county seat of Elko County. It is the region’s largest urban center and serves as a commercial, cultural, and service hub for ranching, mining, and tourism in the Northeastern Nevada area. The name Elko is commonly believed to derive from a Shoshone term reflecting the area’s Indigenous heritage.

History and growth connect closely to rail transport. Elko developed as a railroad town in the late 1860s and grew with the expansion of the First Transcontinental Railroad through Nevada. It was incorporated in the early 20th century and established itself as the administrative center of Elko County.

Geography and climate place Elko in a high desert valley along the Humboldt River, at the foothills of the Ruby Mountains. The area supports a semi-arid climate characterized by cold winters and hot summers, with relatively low annual precipitation and occasional heavy snowfall.

Economy and culture center on ranching support services, mineral industry activity, distribution, and public-sector employment. Cultural life is anchored by institutions such as the Northeastern Nevada Museum and the Western Folklife Center. The city hosts the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering each January at the Elko Convention Center, drawing artists and visitors from across the region.

Education and transportation: Elko is home to a campus of Great Basin College, offering associate and some bachelor’s degrees. The city is served by Elko Regional Airport, providing regional air connections. Major highways link Elko to surrounding communities, including U.S. Route 93, which connects the city to southern Nevada and the Idaho border.