Nevada's Romantic Small Town Is An Outdoor Haven With Trails, Caves, And Parks

If you're looking for a destination that oozes romance and has plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures, look no further than Lovelock, Nevada. With a name like Lovelock, it's no surprise the tiny central Nevada town is the perfect destination for a magical getaway with your special someone.

Whether you're looking to rekindle the flame with your long-term partner, woo a new love interest, or simply romanticize your life with a charming solo-trip, Lovelock delivers. During your visit, you'll find plenty of things to do to suit every type of traveler. If you're someone who loves being immersed in nature, you'll love the nearby parks and hiking trails. The town is steeped in history, so it's ideal if you want to enjoy a bit of nostalgia — Wild West-style — or learn about Indigenous history. Of course, no romantic trip to Lovelock is complete without "locking your love" in the charming town plaza, where thousands of people have celebrated their partnerships by leaving padlocks and throwing away the keys.

On a trip to Lovelock, you can book a room at a casino hotel, a vintage motel, or a rustic bed and breakfast. Spend your days hiking trails, discovering the region's ancient history on a visit to Lovelock Cave, picnicking in the parks, shopping for antiques, or meandering around town with your sweetheart. Travelers in search of a low-key getaway in an underrated small town with plenty of Western charm should definitely add Lovelock to their bucket list.

The little town of Lovelock is located along the iconic I-80, often referred to as the Cowboy Corridor, a popular route for thrilling road trips to breathtaking national parks. If you didn't know any better, you might pass right on by Lovelock, but you'd be missing out on one of Nevada's most adorable romantic vacation spots.

The first white settlers arrived in Lovelock during the mid-1800's, but Indigenous people have called the region home for thousands of years. Archeologists uncovered artifacts and human remains indicating that the area was inhabited for at least 4,000 years. Lovelock Cave Historic Site, located about 20 miles from the town, has been dubbed the "Cradle of Great Basin Archeology," and is open to the public. Fascinatingly, mummified remains of people who were 8-10 feet tall were discovered within the cave. There's a self-guided hiking trail, informational signage, a picnic area, and pit toilets for visitors. According to the Bureau of Land Management website, it's a good idea to bring a flashlight so you can peek inside the dark cave. The site is still considered sacred by Indigenous people, so be respectful when you visit, and always abide by Leave No Trace principles.

Carve out some extra time when visiting the cave for a scenic drive along the Backcountry Byway, and stop at various historic sites along the way. The Marzen House Museum, the Big Five Dam, the Humboldt River, and Lake Lahontan are all worthwhile stops. Pack a romantic picnic to enjoy along the way. For even more adventurous fun, head to Rye Patch State Recreation Area, which is about 20 minutes from town. The reservoir stretches 22 miles, and is a popular spot for fishing, picnicking, boating, and swimming.

Lovelock is located between Reno and Winnemucca. The closest international airport is Reno-Tahoe International Airport, just under an hour and a half away. In Reno you can rent a car for about $55 per day. Lovelock is about two hours from Lake Tahoe, and about three hours from Black Rock City. It makes a great stopping point if you're attending Burning Man, or visiting the popular lake.

The small western town only has about 1,800 residents, but there are a few lovely places for tourists to stay. Lovelock Junction is a casino hotel formerly called the C-Punch Inn. There's an onsite restaurant, a bar, a casino, and a place for children to play. Rooms cost about $100 per night. If you long to feel as though you've time traveled back to the days of the Wild West, book a stay at the Old Pioneer Garden Country Inn, located in the nearby town of Unionville. The inn is located in a historic home from the 1860's, which is decked out with antique furniture and decor. Guests are served a traditional breakfast with farm fresh ingredients in the morning. Rates start around $110 per night.

Before leaving Lovelock, make sure to spend some time exploring the local shops. Nanny Joe's Antiques, Retro & Vintage is an awesome place to hunt for one-of-a-kind treasures. The shop is located in a historic building, and you'll find everything from kitchen supplies to clothing. For a fun date idea, set a budget and a time limit with your partner and surprise each other with a special gift to commemorate your trip to Lovelock. There are also plenty of shops in town that sell heart-shaped locks to leave in the Love Lock Plaza.