The tiny town of Searchlight may today have fewer than 1,000 permanent residents, but this historic mining town was at one time larger than Las Vegas. Gold ore was first discovered here in 1897 and the town began its boom five years later. By 1907, Searchlight had reached its peak and in the years to come, as production costs rose and ore quality dropped, it would see its population dwindle.

Today, the community of Searchlight is known as the hometown of U.S. Senator Harry Reid. A mix of miners, ranchers, artists, small business owners and retirees reside in this unassuming little town, which features such small town amenities as a historic museum, senior citizens center, post office, elementary school and two churches. Of greater note to visitors is Searchlight’s prime location, which establishes it as the gateway to the popular Lake Mojave in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Just 14 miles from town is Cottonwood Cove, which is known as one of the West’s best largemouth bass fisheries. Camping and other lake activities are equally popular.