This story was created in partnership with City of West Wendover.
A Place In History
This small community capitalizes on all things rich in enjoyment and history.
West Wendover established itself on the Utah/Nevada border as a railroad town and became an oasis for travelers going from one state to the next. In fact, this small town helped telephone lines connect coast to coast for the first time back in 1914. This made it possible for people to communicate from Back East to the West Coast! It is only fitting, then, that you can see the curvature of the earth when you make a stop in West Wendover.
West Wendover was a center for communication, commerce and fun. The town quickly started attracting people not only to visit, but to stay and put down roots.
Wendover Army Air Field
Shortly after West Wendover became a stop on the border, the United States Army began construction on Wendover Army Air Base. This base became critically important during World War II. The base was the largest the Army had. It quickly became the center for research in new tech during the war and focused on training heavy bomb groups.
Today, you can visit the Historic Wendover Airfield Museum to tour a massive Con Air aircraft, watch a hair-raising airshow, and learn about this base and the people who were integral in America’s history. This impressive military museum even includes a control tower that you can climb, in addition to all the fascinating interpretive displays.
Bonneville Salt Flats
Directly east of West Wendover is possibly one of the most picturesque places you can visit in the continental United States: the Bonneville Salt Flats. If you wake up early enough and it has recently rained, you will come across some of the most amazing reflections during sunrise. The water mirroring the colors of the sky is magical. If the early morning isn’t your thing, you can also visit the salt plains later in the day to try to spot vehicles attaining incredible land speeds.
(Photo tip: For the best shots, pull over at the rest stop nearest town as you drive in from the east.)
Blue Lake
A short ways south of West Wendover and just on the Utah side is Blue Lake. This gem of lake is an incredibly deep and very warm body of water. This geothermal lake stays a consistent 72 degrees year-round. With warm waters, a healthy population of fish, and a 66-foot depth, it’s a very popular destination to earn your scuba certification.
Mountains and Trails
To the west and north of West Wendover jut out various mountains with endless trails. Pack your hiking boots or mountain bike, or rent an ATV to explore these beautiful landscapes.
The nearby Goshute Mountain Range acts as not only a playground for people, but also as a migratory path for hawks and other birds. From mid-August to early November, visitors can make the hike to the upper parts of the mountains and witness dozens of various birds making their way south.
Stay and Play in West Wendover
Surrounded by all this natural beauty and wonder is the winning personality of West Wendover. Lit up in true Nevada-style, this town knows how to entertain. From the airshow at the historic airfield, to a casino scene that boasts a dramatic skywalk, to full-scale concerts where every seat in the house is less than 88 feet from the stage, West Wendover is the place to stay and play—and win.
Stay in town on a rainy day and dive into history and entertainment, or go outside when the sun’s out for spectacular views. Either way, you’ll come out of West Wendover with stories and pictures worthy of sharing from East to West Coast!
