Education & Programs
Inspiring Curiosity Through Art, History, and Discovery
At the Northeastern Nevada Museum in Elko, Nevada, we believe learning should be an experience that inspires curiosity and creativity. Our educational programs invite students, teachers, and families to explore the people, wildlife, and stories that make our region unique. From interactive exhibits and guided tours to special workshops and family activities, the museum offers opportunities for all ages to connect with the art, history, and culture of Northeastern Nevada.
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School Tours & Educational Visits
The museum welcomes school and youth groups throughout the year for hands-on learning experiences. Guided tours are tailored to grade level and subject focus, connecting students with classroom topics such as Nevada history, wildlife, Native American heritage, and the development of the American West. Our goal is to help students see history come alive through the art and artifacts that shaped life in Elko and the rest of Northeastern Nevada.
Teachers must schedule tours at least 3 weeks in advance to ensure a personalized and enriching experience. Our education coordinator is happy to work with educators to align visits with curriculum goals or special projects. Please contact our Education Coordinator HERE to plan your classroom or homeschool fieldtrip. The field trip agreement form can be downloaded HERE.
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Community Programs
The Northeastern Nevada Museum is more than a museum—it’s a community space where families can learn and grow together. Throughout the year, we host events and workshops designed to engage visitors of all ages. From free children’s programs and storytelling to cultural films and lectures connected to local traditions like cowboy poetry, our programs celebrate the spirit of discovery that defines Elko and the Northeastern Nevada region.
Families visiting the museum can also enjoy exploring our permanent exhibits, which highlight local wildlife, mining history, Western art, and the vibrant culture that makes Elko one our state’s most fascinating destinations.
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Educational Partnerships & Resources
We are proud to collaborate with community organizations like Nevada Gold Mines, Nevada Outdoor School, and MyBrary to support STEAM education. Our staff works closely with partners to provide free resources, field trip support, and opportunities for creative projects.
By fostering these connections, the Northeastern Nevada Museum continues to serve as the region’s cultural cornerstone—a place where learning is alive, creativity is encouraged, and every visitor is part of Elko County’s ongoing story.
Second Saturday for Kids
On the second Saturday of each month at 10AM, children ages 3-10 (all-ages welcome) and their families meet in the Museum Theater for a short introduction with a story or video before beginning a craft designed by our Education Coordinator. The Second Saturday programs generally deal with something pertaining to Northeastern Nevada or an upcoming national holiday. History, science, art, and culture are major themes behind the activities. The program lasts until noon, and families are encouraged to explore the museum afterward.
FREE TO PUBLIC. Please contact our Education Coordinator for information about the next Second Saturday event at education@museumelko.org.
Gold Fever
Gold Fever is a fourth-grade educational program presented each spring by Nevada Gold Mines in partnership with the Northeastern Nevada Museum. This hands-on outreach experience introduces students to both historic mining traditions and modern mining practices through interactive presentations and exploration activities. The event offers students a chance to learn what mining is all about and why it's so vital in our everyday lives, including how gold is used worldwide. As a community initiative, Gold Fever aims to spark curiosity, inspire future careers in mining, and highlight the lasting legacy of the Gold Rush. Over 900 students from Elko, Lander, and Humboldt Counties participate in our annual Gold Fever event.
Teachers who are interested in arranging a field trip during Gold Fever must contact Nevada Gold Mines’ Main Office in Elko, NV to schedule a date and time.
Plan a Visit or Schedule a Tour
To learn more about educational opportunities or to schedule a group visit, please contact the museum directly at education@museumelko.org or call (775) 738-3418 to speak to our Education Coordinator. All field trips to the Museum must be scheduled at least three weeks in advance. Field trips are available throughout the year on a first come first serve basis. The field trip agreement form can be downloaded here.
American Indian Baskets
American mastodon and fossils
Pioneer life
Pony Express
Transcontinental Railroad
Silver the Bald Eagle
Gold Fever: Sponsored by Nevada Gold Mines and hosted by the Northeastern Nevada Museum, this annual program allows all fourth-grade students in Elko County to learn about mining in a hands-on environment.
Available Field Trip Programs:
Explore the history, art, wildlife and stories of Northeastern Nevada at the Northeastern Nevada Museum in Elko, NV. As one of the leading museums in Elko NV, we feature exhibits and programs representing communities, landscapes, and cultures from across the region. Locals and visitors alike can discover rotating exhibits, upcoming Elko events, educational programs and meaningful things to do in Elko, all in one place.
Whether you’re learning more about the area or sharing it with visiting friends and family, the museum offers a deeper connection to Northeastern Nevada.
