Step into the Past with a Day Trip to Genoa, Nevada

Just 15 minutes south of Carson City is Genoa, Nevada’s oldest recognized town. But unlike the many ghost towns or soon-to-be ghost towns that dot Nevada, Genoa is brimming with activity. There, you get to step back into the past and enjoy historic Nevada while still seeing people carry on with their everyday lives. The shops and old buildings are staffed and well-maintained, and the museums and historic sites are the center of performances during every major event — with this year’s Candy Dance just around the corner on September 27 and 28.

Photo Credit: Town of Genoa, Nevada, Facebook

Mormon Station

Before being renamed Genoa, the town was called Mormon Station, as it was settled by Mormon pioneers in 1851. Today, Mormon Station State Historic Park in Downtown Genoa interprets the site of the first permanent, nonnative settlement in Nevada. The park offers a museum with artifacts and exhibits and an area for outdoor concerts — all situated right in the middle of small-town Genoa.

There's nothing like Mormon Station State Historic Park in fall. Photo Credit: Mormon Station State Historic Park, Facebook

Historic re-enactments are a common occurrence at Mormon Station, and these often include music and art. There’s also a new blacksmithing building that will soon host real-life displays of the smithing process. There's also a historic cabin lined with artifacts from the cowboy era and covered wagons on display throughout the grassy areas.

Blacksmith Tim Mann showcases one of the most important trades in US history. Photo Credit: Mormon Station State Historic Park, Facebook

Genoa Bar

The oldest bar in Nevada is Genoa Bar & Saloon, a landmark in itself. As the town’s watering hole and a biker favorite, Genoa Bar is a fun, well-trafficked place — ideal for people-watching on sunny days or enjoying the interior artifacts and memorabilia during the cooler months.

Genoa Bar & Saloon is right along Main Street in Downtown Genoa.

Walking the Streets of Genoa

Too many new businesses have sprung up around Genoa to mention them all, and they have done their part to renovate and keep the historic buildings in good condition. Near the statue of Lillian Virgin Finnegan is a new Cusco Alpaca with alpaca wool clothing.

Just down the road, the Dancing Deer gift shop and Foothill Market are always great for their sandwiches, ice cream and local gift items. The Genoa Town Park & Playground is another hidden gem to check out. Being a one-horse town with one main road to walk along, all these places are within steps of each other, and there are more pubs, antique shops, gift stores and local eateries throughout the town’s main strip.

Best Times to Visit

Genoa is always great to visit, but three main events stand out:

• Genoa Candy Dance: Coming up on the last weekend in September (27 and 28 this year), this town fair started in 1919 and now features 400 vendors and thousands of visitors from all around the area, with a focus on arts and crafts, activities and food.
• Genoa Western Heritage Days: This history-focused event takes place in the spring. The next event will be on April 24 through 26, 2026.
• Fourth of July: Every year several bands perform at the park, the Carson City Symphony plays patriotic tunes, and Mormon Station is open with activities for children.

The Genoa Candy Dance originated in 1919 as a fundraiser for streetlights. Photo Credit: Genoa Candy Dance Event, Facebook

Genoa is one of Nevada’s historical treasures. That it's right outside of Carson City's limits is all the more reason to visit it a few times a year and support its historic events and local businesses. See you at the Candy Dance!