Cities and Towns in Mineral County, Nevada
Founded in 1911, Mineral County is one of 16 counties in the state of Nevada. Historically, Mineral County was formed from Esmeralda County. The city of Hawthorne is the county seat. With FIPS code of 21, Mineral County has a population of 4,586 and area of 3,757 square miles (9,731 km²).
List of all cities in Mineral County, NV alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Babbitt, NV | 89415 | 775 |
| Hawthorne, NV | 89415 | 775 |
| Hawthorne Army Ammunition Place, NV | 89415 | 775 |
| Luning, NV | 89420 | 775 |
| Mina, NV | 89422 | 775 |
| Schurz, NV | 89427 | 775 |
| Sheelite, NV | 89427 | 775 |
| Thorne, NV | 89415 | 775 |
| Walker Lake, NV | 89415 | 775 |
| Whiskey Flats, NV | 89415 | 775 |
Major Cities and Towns in Mineral County, Nevada
Mineral County, located in western Nevada, is known for its beautiful landscapes, rich mining history, and remote communities. The county is home to several small towns and cities, each with its own unique story and attractions. The towns of Hawthorne, Mina, and Luning are key locations in Mineral County, offering a glimpse into Nevada’s past while providing modern-day opportunities for outdoor recreation and historical exploration. Below are detailed descriptions of these major towns.
Hawthorne
Location and History
Hawthorne is the largest town and the county seat of Mineral County, located along the shores of Walker Lake in western Nevada, about 140 miles southeast of Reno. The town’s history dates back to the 1860s when it was established as a military supply depot during the Indian Wars. In 1881, it became a mining town after the discovery of silver in the nearby hills, and Hawthorne grew rapidly due to the silver boom. Over the years, the town became known for its strategic location, serving as a transportation hub for travelers, miners, and military personnel. During the 20th century, the town’s population fluctuated as the local mining industry went through periods of boom and bust. Today, Hawthorne is known as the “Gateway to the Eastern Sierra” and serves as a commercial and recreational center for the surrounding area. Its population remains small, but the town is an important base for outdoor enthusiasts visiting the nearby national forests and desert landscapes.
Major Schools
Hawthorne is served by the Mineral County School District, which includes Hawthorne Elementary School and Mineral County High School. The district provides K-12 education for the children of Hawthorne, with both schools offering various extracurricular activities. Higher education opportunities are more limited in Hawthorne, but residents can travel to Reno for access to larger colleges and universities, such as the University of Nevada, Reno.
Major Landmarks
Hawthorne is home to several notable landmarks, including the Hawthorne Ordnance Museum, which highlights the town’s military history, particularly its role as a munitions storage site during World War II. The Walker Lake State Recreation Area is another key landmark, providing opportunities for fishing, boating, and camping along the lake’s shores. Nearby, Nellis Air Force Base provides an additional point of interest, though it is a restricted area. The Mineral County Courthouse, located in the town center, is a historic building that adds character to the town’s downtown area. Hawthorne also serves as a gateway to Berlin-Ichthyosaur State Park, an area known for its ancient fossilized marine reptiles and mining ghost town, offering visitors a unique blend of nature and history.
City Stats:
- Area: 5.3 square miles
- Population: 3,000 (estimated, 2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 89415
- Latitude: 38.5331° N
- Longitude: 118.6345° W
Mina
Location and History
Mina is a small, unincorporated community located in the northern part of Mineral County, about 30 miles north of Hawthorne along U.S. Highway 95. Mina’s history is closely tied to mining, particularly the discovery of silver in the late 19th century. The town was founded in 1905 after rich silver deposits were discovered, and it quickly became a bustling mining hub. The mines in the region attracted hundreds of workers, and the town grew rapidly, with businesses, homes, and even a short-lived railroad to support the mining operations. However, as the mines played out and the silver veins were exhausted, the town’s population dwindled. Today, Mina remains a small, quiet community with a population of just a few hundred people, but it still serves as a waypoint for travelers passing through the remote desert landscapes of western Nevada.
Major Schools
Mina is served by the Mineral County School District, with the town’s primary educational institution being the Mina Elementary School. This small school offers K-8 education, and the children of Mina often attend high school in nearby Hawthorne. Due to the small size of the community, higher education options are limited, and many students travel to larger cities for post-secondary education.
Major Landmarks
Mina’s most prominent landmark is its mining history, which can be explored through the remnants of old mining equipment and structures in the surrounding desert. Although the town itself does not have many developed landmarks, it is located near Hawthorne’s Walker Lake, where visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities. The Mina Cemetery provides a glimpse into the town’s past, with headstones marking the resting places of early settlers and miners. The surrounding desert offers excellent opportunities for off-road driving, hiking, and stargazing. Additionally, the nearby Esmeralda County is home to several ghost towns, making the Mina area a destination for those interested in Nevada’s mining history and ghost town tourism.
City Stats:
- Area: 0.5 square miles
- Population: 150 (estimated)
- Zip Codes: 89422
- Latitude: 38.0777° N
- Longitude: 118.5814° W
Luning
Location and History
Luning is a small town located in the southwestern part of Mineral County, about 25 miles south of Hawthorne. The town was established as a railroad stop in the late 19th century, serving the Central Pacific Railroad. Like many other small towns in Nevada, Luning’s early economy was based on mining and agriculture, with the surrounding area providing natural resources for local industries. The town’s location along the railroad made it a critical point of transportation for both goods and people traveling across the region. Although Luning never experienced the same level of prosperity as some of the larger mining towns, it remained an important service center for travelers and nearby ranching communities. Today, Luning remains a very small community, with few residents, but it serves as a quiet, off-the-beaten-path stop for travelers exploring the Nevada desert.
Major Schools
Luning is part of the Mineral County School District, but it has no dedicated schools within the town. Students from Luning generally attend schools in Hawthorne, including Mineral County High School and Hawthorne Elementary School. Given the town’s small size, educational facilities are limited, and residents typically commute to Hawthorne for schooling.
Major Landmarks
Luning is best known for its location along the historic Central Pacific Railroad route. Although the town itself doesn’t feature many major tourist attractions, the surrounding desert landscapes offer excellent opportunities for off-road vehicle enthusiasts and hikers. The nearby Walker River and its associated recreation areas are ideal for fishing, boating, and camping. The nearby Walker Lake, located north of Luning, also serves as a major recreational destination. While Luning may not be known for extensive landmarks, its quiet desert environment and proximity to outdoor activities make it an appealing stop for nature lovers and those interested in the history of Nevada’s railroad and mining industries.
City Stats:
- Area: 0.3 square miles
- Population: 20 (estimated)
- Zip Codes: 89419
- Latitude: 38.3850° N
- Longitude: 118.5876° W
