82 Nevada Facts and Weird Laws

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Nevada is a famous state because of Las Vegas, the entertainment hub of the US. But there are even more entertaining things or places than the Casinos in Las Vegas.  

Nevada has some of the most scenic mountains in the world. The diversity of this picturesque environment promises you a phenomenal adventure. 

The physical features, such as the Sierra Nevada mountain range, give you an outdoor experience like no other. That’s why I said Nevada exists out of the Casinos.

Without further delay, let’s dig into the fun facts.

Credit: Unsplash@Enis Gueler.

Nevada Facts – Politics And Government.

  1. Nevada political battleground is a complex topic worth celebrating. Even though it leans toward the Republican Party, there is no clear majority.
  2. Nevada’s bicameral legislature has more democrats than Republicans in both assembly and the sent
  3. Nevada was the first state to have a female leader in its legislature, Sadie Datson Hurst. She was elected on December 18, 2018.
  4. The top court in Nevada is the Supreme Court. Still, the original jurisdiction is shared by the municipal courts, district courts, and justice courts.
  5. Nevada cities, popularly known as incorporated towns, have the permission to legislate everything so long as it’s allowed by the law.
  6. The governor is the head of the executive and serves a term of four years. The state’s current governor is Steve Sisolak ( Democrat). He was elected in 2019.

Nevada Facts – History, And Culture

  1. Before joining the union, Nevada transmitted its constitution to Congress using telegraphing. This transmission is the costliest ever made by telegraph.
  2. Nevada was the 36th state to join the union on October 31, 1864.
  3. The name Nevada originated from the Spanish word “Sierra Nevada” meaning the snow-clad mountains.
  4. The Silver state was the first state to adopt the 15th Amendment, which allowed United States citizens to vote regardless of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.
  5. Spain and Mexico first claimed Nevada before the United States assumed control in 1848.
  6. The Battle Born State legalized gambling in 1931. It was during the years of depression.
  7. Nevada became the first state to allow boxing matches in 1910.
  8. Construction workers in Hoover Dam were the first to wear the hard hats typical to workers today.
  9. Comstock mining region in Nevada has 100 mines of tunnel underground.

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Nevada Facts – Geography

Credit: Unsplash.
  1.  Nevada shares its border with Oregon and Idaho to the north. California to the west, Utah to the east, and Arizona to the southeast.
  2. Artificial reservoirs in Nevada reach 44,000 acres.
  3. The state can be divided into  sandy deserts, mountains, and grasslands.
  4. The desert has led to massive  underdevelopment to most of the state.
  5. Mojave desert occupies the south of Nevada.The Colorado River is the lowest point in Nevada at 143 meters above sea leave
  6. Boundary Peak is the highest point in Nevada at 13,147 feet. Wheeler Park follows closely with an altitude of 13 065 feet.
  7. This state has over 30 mountain ranges. Most of the ranges  stand at least 10 000 feet above the ground.
Credit: Unsplash@Parth Thakker.
  1. Lake Tahoe is one of the largest and deepest lakes in North America.
  2. Parts of the state lie in the Great Basin of the Basin and Range province.

Nevada Facts – Climate

  1. The Silver State is the driest state in the US.
  2. The southern region experiences hot summers and cold winters.
  3. Monthly winter average high temperatures in the Southern part are between 50°F to 100°F.  The daily temperatures may go as high as 125°F.
  4. In the northern region, high temperatures hover around the freezing point in the winter.
  5. The average annual rainfall is 10.3 inches.

Nevada Facts – Demographics

  1. Nevada has a population of over 3 18 786 people.
  2. A substantial population lives in cities and urban areas. 
  3. Nevada occupies 110 567 Square miles. It is the seventh largest state by area.
  4. Las Vegas is home to half of the Nevada population.
  5.  The state’s Shrimp consumption (in pounds) tops the charts in the US.
Credit: Unsplash@David Lusvardi.
  1. It’s more than the combined pounds the other states consume!
  2. The natives reside in rural Nevada.
  3. Nevada is the only state where  prostitution in Brothels is legs
  4. l.The most populated metropolitan areas are Reno in Washoe County, Henderson, Las Vegas, and North Las Vegas in Clark county.
  5. The whites are the dominant race in the nation.
  6. In the 1800s, the growth in population was attributed to the Silver rush.
  7. Carson city is the capital of Nevada.
  8. Gold and Silver mining caused the second population to bloom after the decline in the late 1900s. 
  9. The Silver State is one of the states in the United States with the highest number of illegal immigrants.

Nevada Facts – Animals And Plants

  1. Nevada is an arid and rugged landscape with diverse animals and varieties of plants.
  2. Over 30 Cacti species grow in the lower dessert
  3. .Yucca, Creosote, Mesquite, and Greasewood also grow in the lower desert.
  4. Joshua trees and Sagebrush  thrive in areas of high elevations.
  5. Wildflowers thrive after the rains in spring. About 2000 varieties grow during this period.
  6. Mountain forests have mountain mahogany, fir, juniper, pine, and spruce.
  7. Toiyange Range has Bristlecone pine which is one of the oldest tree species.
  8. Animal life consists of animals that are tolerant to high temperatures. The animals include Bighorn Sheep, pronghorn species of deer, and rodents.
Bighorn Sheep. Credit: Unsplash@Leslie Cross.
  1. The desert area is home to sidewinder rattlesnakes, horned toads, geckos, and tortoises. Bobcats and Coyotes are some of the native predators. 
  2. Migratory and native birds give a site worth your time. The native birds include trumpeter swans, grebes, sage grouse, and quills.

Nevada Facts – Economy

  1. Tourism, as well as the resort and gambling industry, are the backbone of this state’s economy.
  2. The federal government owns over 80% of the plan.
  3. People claim the secret area (Area 51)to be a site for advanced military training and weapon testing. The real activity happening in the area is top secret.
  4. The steep slope and dryness of the land make it hard to practice agriculture. Crop growing is limited to growing cattle feed such as hay.  
  5. Sheep raising and cattle rearing is an essential source of income.
  6. Nevada state is rich in mineral resources, and it’s the number of Gold, Silver, and mercury producers in the United States.
  7. The state manufactures aerospace equipment, irrigation devices, and gaming machines.
  8. Nevada has trucking and warehousing industries which are both key to its economy.

Nevada Facts – Tourism

Credits: Unsplash@Daniel Halseth
  1. The Las Vegas Strip has almost all forms of entertainment from resorts, theaters, gardens, restaurants, and hotels.
  2.  The Las Vegas Strip is a two-and-a-half-mile part of Las Vegas, extending from Mandalay Bay hotel to the Treasure Island hotel.
  3. The Las Vegas Strip is home to big resorts such as the Bellagio, Paris, Ceasar’s Palace, the Venetian, and New York.
  4. Lit-up Las Vegas Strip is one of the brightest places in the space at night.
  5. A visit to Las Vegas is only complete with the Fremont street experience. Fremont street has LED lights that give the experience in the evening.
  6. Las Vegas is on the list of best regions to visit in the US.
  7. Lake Mead in the Hoover Dam is the leading reservoir in the United States in terms of size.
  8. Lake Tahoe is a must-visit place with bright blue waters and scenic mountains.
  9. Valley of Fire State Park has beautiful rock formations and colorful stones.
Valley of Fire. Credit: Unsplash@Elizabeth Villalta.
  1. Lamoille Canyon delivers a spectacular wildlife viewing experience. 
  2. The Canyon is home to Bighorn sheep, goats, and various species of birds. It is located in the Ruby Mountains, Elko county.
  3. The Burning Man event in the Black Rock Desert is an annual event of art and fun for everyone.
  4. The Great Basin National Park is home to almost 5,000-year-old Bristlecone pines. You can’t afford to miss the wheeler peak drive as well as the Baker Creek Road. Just don’t visit during winter.
  5. The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation area boasts colossal rock formations, mountains, box canyons, and a view of the Keystone Thrust.
The Red Canyon. Credit: Unsplash@Adam Skalecki.

Nevada Facts – Sports And Recreational Activities

  1. Las Vegas is home to basketball, baseball, ice hockey, motor racing, and American football.
  2. Las Vegas also has over 50 golf courses as golf is popular with the locals. Las Vegas 51s is a baseball team playing in the lower Triple-A Pacific Coast League.
Credit: Unsplash.
  1. The Showboat Hotel in Las Vegas hosts Tenpin bowling four times a year.
  2. When it comes to boxing, no other city in the world has hosted more boxing matches than Las Vegas city.
  3. The locals love American football. You can see how huge the crowds are during matches. The Gladiators and Runnin Rebels are both American football teams from Las Vegas.
  4. Freedom Park hosts the Rugby Challenge that draws competitors from all over the world.
  5. The World Ice Skating Championship tour is a popular competition.

Famous Destinations in Nevada

  1. The Black Rock Desert —this desert becomes lively during the Burning Man Festival of arts and music.
  2. Carson City —the capital city of Nevada, is a picturesque destination. It is surrounded by the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Carson River, and Lake Tahoe.
  3. Reno city—is popular as the biggest little city in the world.
  4. Great Basin National Park.
  5. Virginia City.
  6. Red Rock Canyon.
  7. Lake Mead National Recreation Area. 
  8. Valley of Fire State Park.
  9. Lake Tahoe.
  10. Las Vegas.

Famous People from Nevada

  • Tana Mongeau –is a famous YouTuber or Vlogger.
  • Andrea Agassi –was a famous Tennis player.
  • Jenna Jameson– is an adult film actress.
  • Sunny Ozell–is a singer and songwriter.
  • Ryback–is a professional wrestler.
  • Pat Nixon–was President Richard Nixon’s wife and US First Lady.

Common Misconceptions About Nevada

Most of the people who have never been to the Battle Born State have some misleading perceptions about this state. Let’s take a look at a few of the misconceptions.

Nevada people can’t count

This Nevada misconception meme came during the 2020 presidential election. When the entire US was waiting for the result to come out from Nevada.

It’s always hot in Nevada

No, it rains in Nevada. The higher altitude areas receive a little snow.

There are freebies in Las Vegas, Nevada

This belief is a lie. You won’t see any freebies in the city’s casinos.

Las Vegas is an excellent place to hide from the police

No, it is not. Watch TV news, and you’ll see the number of people apprehended in Las Vegas after attempting to hide.

Weird Laws in Nevada

Many of the laws below were passed a long time ago, but they still exist in many Nevada cities, but many of them go unenforced. It is easier to pass laws than to revoke them, so some very strange laws remain on the books. Read the Craziest Laws in the United States, if you want more.

Here are some of our favorites.

  1. Everyone walking the streets is required to wear a mask.
  2. It is illegal to drive a camel on the highway.
  3. You can bet on any sports team except The University of Nevada at Las Vegas.
  4. It’s against the law to pawn your dentures.
  5. Swearing is banned on the streets of the city.
  6. Mustache smooches are illegal
  7. No chairs on the sidewalks
  8. It’s illegal to sell your dentures, or false teeth 
It’s illegal to sell your dentures or false teeth in Nevada. Image: Forbes

Final Thoughts

You’ve seen the Silver state’s rich history, diverse wildlife, and world-class hotel services in Las Vegas. 

This state may be the driest in the US, but the unique experience it delivers makes it a top tourist destination. 

There are so many interesting facts about Nevada. Do you know many of the Nevada old town mines are uninhabited because they are haunted towns?

Click this video to learn more fun and basic facts about Nevada.

Nevada Facts And Stats

CapitalCarson City
Population2021 (3,185,786)
GovernorSteve Sisolak (Democratic Party )
Date Of Admission31 October 1864
US Senators Catherine  Cortez Masto (D)Jacky Rosen (D)
US House of Representatives4 (of 435 Seats) 
State NicknameThe Silver tate Battle Born StateSagebrush State
State MottoAll for Our Country
State SongHome Means Nevada by Bertha Rafetto
State FlowerBig Sagebrush
State FishLahontan Cutthroat Trout
State BirdMountain BlueBird
State TreeBristlecone PineSingle-leaf Pinyon
State MammalDesert Bighorn Sheep
State SportSkiing
State MetalSilver
State GemOpal
State FossilIchthyosaurs
Neighbor StatesUtah Oregon Arizona California Idaho

Frequently Asked Questions About Nevada

Why do they call it Nevada?

The Spanish called it the “Sierra Nevada,” meaning a place of snow-covered mountains. That’s the origin of its name.

What’s Nevada famous for?

  • Nevada is the entertainment and gambling capital of the US.
  • Only South Africa produces more gold than Nevada.
  • The Comstock lode discovered in Nevada was the richest silver deposit ever in the US.

What are the 5 interesting things about Nevada?

  • Las Vegas has the highest number of hotel rooms of any other city globally.
  • Las Vegas has 15 hotel rooms in the top 25 largest hotel rooms globally.
  • Nevada state ratified the 15th Amendment before any other state did.
  • Nevada State houses the highest number of mountain ranges in the country.
  • Nevada ranks seventh in the country in terms of area.

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Editor
Sabrina is a former campaign manager who has decided to focus her effort to help people contact senators and get help. She leads our Editorial Team with Ronald and Lawrence to curate content and resources that help us navigate the system.

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