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Photo: Mx. Granger, CC0 via Wikimedia Commons
Left behind by the evaporation of a prehistoric lake, the Bonneville Salt Flats are one of the most striking desert landscapes in a region famous for them. The flats are visible on both sides of the freeway at any point within 40 miles east of Wendover, and the western portion closest to Wendover happens to be the most visually impressive part. Two of the best viewing areas are the rest stop near mile marker 9 and the entrance to Bonneville Speedway (north at Exit 4, then drive until the pavement ends). The area is open to the public at no charge when there are no organized events going on. If you drive out onto the flats, remember that you are offroading in the middle of the desert and take the appropriate emergency supplies. Also remember to rinse your car off afterwards, including the underside, or the salt residue will eventually begin corroding the metal.
The Bonneville Salt Flats are a densely packed salt pan in Tooele County in northwestern Utah, United States. A remnant of the Pleistocene Lake Bonneville, it is the largest of many salt flats west of the Great Salt Lake. It is public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and is known for land speed records at the Bonneville Speedway. The flats are open to the public.
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While Wendover Airport is still in use for general aviation and charter flights, a large portion of the grounds consist of the semi-abandoned remains of one of the most important Air Force bases from World War II. The small museum in the operations building displays a mix of authentic artifacts from the war and elaborate models of the base as it existed in the 1940s. (The museum can be hard to find, but it's in the blue-and-white building right next to the much more noticeable control tower.) Also on the property are several hangars that have been around since the war, including the prep site of possibly the most important warplane in world history: the Enola Gay B-29 bomber that ushered in the nuclear era with the bombing of Hiroshima, Japan in 1945. The Enola Gay Hangar has been restored to look historically accurate from three sides, while the east wall, interior, and most of the roof are original construction from the war. Other sights at the airfield include filming locations from the movies Independence Day and Con Air, the building where the revolutionary Norden bombsight was kept under armed guard, and a handful of old structures that were once used to experiment with the wireless transfer of electricity.
The closest thing Wendover has to a luxury resort. Sports a Caribbean theme that permeates everything from the decor to the dining options—surf and turf such as the Oceano Buffet and the Paradise Grill.
Remodeled from the old Stateline Casino that built Wendover into what it is today. The Nugget is more popular for its gaming floor than hotel space these days, but features a nice atrium with tropical greenery. The bars and eateries are plentiful, including a mini-food court area with Trino's Tacos, Dreyer's Ice Cream, and Starbucks.
Centrally located for the west side of town. The Peppermill is the hub of Wendover's music scene, hosting the concert hall on its grounds and Cabaret entertainment in the casino every night from 7PM–2AM.
Low minimum bets, an indoor pool open year-round, and a highly regarded buffet. Features live music from 7PM–2AM like the Peppermill, except not on Mondays.
Mostly known for being the budget option in town, the Red Garter is basically a motel and an added-on casino with an old mining town theme. The $3.99 breakfast deal at the Prospector Cafe is widely enjoyed. Across the street from the Greyhound terminal.