Are you looking for Divided Cities in the US? Do you like towns that are divided between regions or time zones? Welcome to Wendover, UT/West Wendover, NV!
On paper, it’s the only place in Nevada that is on Mountain Time. However, locals will tell you the time zone line between Mountain Time and Pacific Time runs right through the town division.
In this post, we talk about the history, tourist activities, how the town is divided, as well as some pro tips if you are travelling through it. Don’t miss this exciting post about Divided Cities in the US.
A Brief History:
The history of how the two towns split is fascinating and makes for some great questions about whether Wendover will join Nevada. Unfortunately, Wendover can only join Nevada with approval from both state and US Congress.
There was a process to unite them, but it got stalled in 2002. It’s unclear whether Wendover will still join Nevada.
The town started out as a railroad stop for the Western Pacific Railroad in 1908. In the 1930s and 40s when gambling became legal in Nevada, the town split.
West Wendover was kept on Mountain Time because of its joint economy with Wendover. Nearby communities in Nevada unofficially observe Mountain Time, but locals in West Wendover would say they unofficially observe Mountain time as well.
You can learn far more about this when you visit the town! So, do yourself a favour and visit one of the most exciting Divided Cities in the US!
How the Town is Divided:
There is a visible difference between Wendover, UT and West Wendover, NV. Wendover looks like a regular town, but West Wendover is wall-to-wall with casinos!
Wendover Boulevard is the only main road and it goes through both towns. That’s where you can find accommodation, gas stations and places to get a bite to eat.
You can see the lights from the casinos in West Wendover from Wendover if you stand on Wendover Boulevard at night.
Nevada Tourist Tax:
No post about travel in Nevada would be complete without mentioning the tourist tax. Accommodation in Nevada has a “resort fee”. It’s a $100 USD deposit that you pay when you check-in.
Some places will keep a portion of your deposit and some of them will return your deposit in full after you check out. It’s important to read the fine print on this when you are booking accommodation.
Hotels.com has these fees listed when you view a hotel on their app. Plus, they have a disclaimer about the fees. If you are using any online booking services, like Expedia, review your booking before you confirm it to see if they have any notices about the “resort fees” that you have to pay at check-in.
On a personal note, I did a post about how I inadvertently stumbled on the Tourist Tax when I was stranded in Reno. I had planned a trip to avoid staying in Nevada, but then I was in a car accident. You can read about it here.
Time Zone Pro Tips:
Wendover/West Wendover locals have the incentive to keep their watches on Pacific Time if they regularly do business in Nevada. Elko County, Nevada, where West Wendover is, is the county that is split between Mountain Time and Pacific Time.
If you are spending any amount of time in Wendover/West Wendover, be aware of the one-hour time difference. Generally, your phone will say it is on Mountain Time, but if you are driving west of Elko County, switch your phone to Pacific Time.
Things for Tourists:
Of course, gambling is West Wendover’s main activity, but if that’s not your thing, there are plenty of other things to do!
You can have fun in Wendover/West Wendover and laugh about which town it’s in! Here’s a list of five things to do in Wendover and five things to do in West Wendover!
This post on Divided Cities in the US will not be complete without mentioning the top things to do in both Wendover, UT and West Wendover, NV.
Top 5 Things to Check Out in Wendover, UT:
Bonneville Salt Flats
If you race cars, or like watching race cars, check out the Bonneville Salt Flats! This is the place where Burt Munro set his world record during Speed Week, which was immortalized in the movie The World’s Fastest Indian.
Historic Wendover Airfield
There was a USAF air base in Wendover until 1969 and the museum commemorates the history of the base during WWII.
Knolls Recreation Area
A great area for a walk or a rest before heading out east on Interstate 80! Enjoy the nature views, or watch the racers on Bonneville Flats!
Tour of Danger Cave State Park Heritage Area
If you are into archaeology and ancient history, this is a great place to do a tour! Step back 12,000 years into the history of the Great Basin!
Metaphor- Tree of Utah
While you’re still east of Wendover and driving on Interstate 80, you can see this! You can’t stop to look at it, but be sure to get a photo of it before driving past!
Top 5 Things to Check Out in West Wendover, NV:
West Wendover Welcome Center
If you want to find out more about what to do in West Wendover, check out the Welcome Center! They have some short exhibits on the history of West Wendover as well.
Wendover Will
The neon statue of Wendover Will let you know when you have entered West Wendover! It’s a historic marker that has welcomed people to Nevada since 1952.
Victory Highway Monument
Another historical marker! Not much to see, except the boards that explain the history of the Victory and Lincoln highways. Still, it’s a great rest stop from driving on the Interstate and you can learn more about the history of the highways.
Peppermill Concert Hall
If you want to enjoy a concert, but don’t want to go to Las Vegas for one, it’s okay to enjoy one here! It’s a small venue, but it works!
Intermountain Guide Service
You can do some tours of the salt flats and airfield with a professional guide. If you want to explore on your own though, it’s still doable!
More Travel Tips:
- The best way to drive in Wendover/West Wendover is by Interstate 80. A lesser-known route is Highway 93. Interstate 80 has the majority of the traffic flow, and it’s the most efficient road you can use.
- Get accommodation in Wendover, UT. To avoid the Tourist Tax, make sure the address of your accommodation is truly in Utah before you book it!
- The most popular buffet in West Wendover, NV is the Oceano Buffet, but keep in mind it’s only available on weekends!
So that’s all for Wendover, UT/West Wendover, NV! Whether you are passing through, or want to check out what it has to offer, have a pleasant trip!
What do you think about this post on Divided Cities in the US? Let us know in the comment section. Also, don’t forget to check our post about Point Roberts, WA, a pene-exclave of Washington state.
I’ve been there when I was a child and this post brought back all the good memories. Thank you!
You’re very welcome!
How do people not get confused? haha
Having spent the night there, I can honestly say it takes practice. Thanks for commenting!
It looks even better than I thought it would! Great choice of photos too!