The Cherry Creek Depot
Step back in time at the Cherry Creek Depot, a restored piece of Nevada’s railway past that once connected remote mining towns and travelers to the wider world through the rhythm of steam and steel.
A Historic Stop Along Nevada’s Rail Line
The Cherry Creek Depot stands as a tangible reminder of Nevada’s late 19th-century expansion, when mining camps and small towns relied on the railway for life and livelihood. This exhibit recreates the look and feel of a rural train depot, complete with authentic furnishings, ticketing counters, and artifacts from its operational days.
Visitors can explore the essential role the depot played in connecting the people of White Pine County to goods, news, and opportunity beyond the rugged hills. Through photographs, period objects, and firsthand accounts, the Cherry Creek Depot exhibit tells the story of movement, progress, and the enduring human spirit that kept Nevada’s frontier towns alive and thriving.
- Fun Fact
At its peak, Cherry Creek had over 20 saloons and multiple stage lines—making the depot a lively hub where miners, travelers, and locals all crossed paths daily!
Why It Matters: The Heartbeat of a Frontier Town
The Cherry Creek Depot is more than a historic building — it represents the lifeline of an era when railroads shaped the destiny of the American West. For Cherry Creek and surrounding mining towns, the depot symbolized hope, connection, and the promise of growth. It brought supplies to miners, carried mail and families across great distances, and served as a social hub where stories were shared and futures began.
Preserving and displaying the Cherry Creek Depot helps visitors understand how essential the railroad was to developing communities in remote Nevada. It stands as a monument to perseverance and ingenuity, a place where the hum of locomotives once echoed through mountain valleys — a sound that marked progress in White Pine County and beyond.
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.
Exhibit Sponsors
We’re deeply grateful for our generous sponsors - your support brings history to life and makes unforgettable community events possible.
