The Humboldt Museum houses three turn-of-the-century buildings featuring various antique autos, farm collection and Native American exhibits detailing various aspects of the region?s history. It is one of the best places to learn about Winnemucca?s role in the development of Nevada. Located just north of downtown Winnemucca, the Humboldt Museum was established in 1970s and hosts nearly 8,000 visitors annually.

The museum?s centerpiece is the historic St. Mary?s Episcopal Church, a quaint whitewashed, one-room church built in 1907. It is one of the oldest churches in Winnemucca and houses a myriad of exhibits ranging from historic Native American objects to vintage furniture. Visitors will find a large collection of arrowheads and spear points from the area dating back some 5,000 years ago. There is also a display describing the Lovelock Cave, an archaeological site that has yielded hundreds of prehistoric Indian artifacts including net fragments, shells and duck decoys made from tule reeds. Also exhibited are details regarding the last Indian battle in the U.S., which occurred north of Winnemucca in January 1911.

Behind the church building is a modern brick structure that houses the museum?s vintage automobile collection. Among the vehicles on display is a red 1901 Merry Oldsmobile, the first auto in Humboldt County. Other cars in the collection include a 1911 Fearless Cycle Car, a compact car made with a motorcycle engine, 1907 Schacht and a 1910 Brush truck. There is also a large black horse buggy, which dates to the 1860s. Other historical items on display include the first organ in Humboldt County, which was manufactured in the mid-1860s, and an antique Melodian, which was the first musical instrument in the old mining camp of Unionville.

A picturesque 19th century grain shop, which was the first store in the community, can also be found in the museum grounds. The Humboldt County Historic Museum is open Monday through Friday, 9AM to 4PM. There is no admission charge but donations are accepted.