The McGill Drug Store exhibit is located at
11 4th Street, McGill, Nevada
McGill Drug Store
Step back in time to a classic 1950s pharmacy and soda fountain experience.
A Glimpse of Small-Town Life
The McGill Drug Store exhibit preserves a perfectly maintained snapshot of mid-20th-century life in White Pine County. Visitors can explore the original counters, vintage medicine bottles, nostalgic candy jars, and the iconic soda fountain that served as a community gathering place. The exhibit also showcases medical devices and remedies from the era, illustrating how healthcare and daily life intertwined in small-town Nevada.
Stories from locals, authentic photographs, and displays bring the past to life, inviting visitors to experience the warmth and simplicity of a bygone era.
- Fun Fact
The McGill Drug Store still has original soda fountain stools where locals once gathered for ice cream sodas and gossip—making it a true time capsule of 1950s small-town America.
Why It Matters: Community Heartbeat and Medical Heritage
The McGill Drug Store was more than a place to fill prescriptions—it was a social hub that connected people in a rapidly changing world. In rural communities like White Pine County, pharmacies often doubled as general stores, post offices, and informal meeting spots, anchoring the town’s social fabric. This exhibit highlights how medical advancements and everyday remedies evolved in a frontier setting, reflecting broader trends in American healthcare and commerce.
Preserving the McGill Drug Store offers a tangible link to the past, helping visitors appreciate the daily lives of earlier generations and the vital role small businesses played in shaping community identity. It also underscores the importance of access to healthcare in remote areas, a topic still relevant today.
What Our Visitors are Saying
"Great Little Town and Musuem. Very Knowledgeable young woman who had lots of information about the town and the cave bear. I Enjoyed the quaint decor inside, and the gifts / Souviners available."
Ann PetersonGoogle Review
"Really nice collection! I did not include pictures of everything, so you will need to visit to see all the treasures they have. The x-ray machine is stunning! They also have a complete Knights Templar uniform that is beautifully displayed. The one room schoolhouse is lovely. Really cool horse drawn manure spreader. Can see it all in couple hours."
Brigitte DubinGoogle Review
"Great slice of history and learning opportunities for kids and people who are not up on US Western history and mining. The cave vera skeleton was a real treat for my 3 year old to see!"
WyntrGoogle Review
"Full of history of the area with a ton of artifacts inside and out. Definitely worth a stop if you're in Ely. Good for your own knowledge and entertainment and too help support the museum also. Definitely check out the short face bear display!"
Brian 1724Google Review
"Not bad for a small town, went here and oh my days this place was amazing, despite me accidentally misgendering the cave bear skeleton (I apologize) it was so much fun! planning on coming back here soon!"
Swift RenardGoogle Review
"This is an awesome museum. We originally stopped on our way through Ely, NV just to pass the time and check out the complete skeleton of the Cave Bear that is on display, which we did and it was magnificent. I didn't expect to be leaving this museum 2 1/2 hours later. There is so much to see here. "
Laryssa B SantiniGoogle Review
"This was a great museum! Lots of cool buildings and exhibits to walk around and the staff was very friendly and helpful!"
Jessica ScanlanGoogle Review
"Hidden gem in historic mining country. The sweetest people, so many cool artifacts from bygone eras, including a short-nose cave bear skeleton! Also vintage-style toys for sale, Amerindian-made jewelry, rocks and crystals, and a really interesting selection of books. The cabin and 100+ year old machinery outside are fascinating to see. Bring your kids and check this place out!"
Gregory MillerGoogle Review
"Nice little museum. Friendly and knowledgeable staff. Could use some cleaning but had a good time looking. Of course it was awesome to see the cave bear skeleton! It's well worth the small fee!"
Ch HallGoogle Review
Explore Our Gift Shop
Discover locally inspired treasures, unique souvenirs, books, and handmade crafts that celebrate the spirit and history of White Pine County, all available in our charming museum gift shop.
Your Historical Adventure Awaits.
Exhibit Sponsors
We’re deeply grateful for our generous sponsors - your support brings history to life and makes unforgettable community events possible.
