Winnemucca was originally populated by Chinese railroad workers who stayed and formed a community of about 400 after the transcontinental railroad was completed in the 1890s. The Chinese ruler Sun Yat Sen visited the community in 1911, to meet some of the expatriots and join in religious ceremonies there at a church they had created. Later, mining activity began in the area, mining turquoise and metals. Now there are casinos and even a legal brothel or two here. The community now has hotels, restaurants, and small businesses. It sits in the Nevada plains, surrounded by miles of open grasslands and some ranges of mountains in the distance. Land is low priced here. The weather has wide ranges, swinging from 100 degrees in the height of summer to below zero in the midst of winter. If you like seasons, you will like Winnemucca. Likewise, if you like wide open spaces and a small town environment, you will love Winnemucca. Each year Winnemucca holds motorcycle and car rallies. This year, from July through August will be the Fifties Fever Car Show. There are also cowboy focused activities in the town, including rodeo events. There are book clubs and book store activities that are active as well.
All in all, not a bad little town to live in either short or long term.
