City in Utah, United States
Photo: Thatotherperson, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Wendover is a resort town of about 6,700 people (2012) straddling the border that divides the American states of Utah and Nevada, 120 miles due west of Salt Lake City. The location on the state border makes Wendover the nearest legalized gambling for millions of people, which has led to the construction of large, extravagant casino resorts despite the town being otherwise very small and remote. This, in turn, has made Wendover sort of a quieter, more laid-back alternative to Las Vegas even for those who don't live in the region. Wendover is also the destination of choice for those attending land speed racing events at Bonneville Speedway, just east of town on the Bonneville Salt Flats.
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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.
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.
This 63-foot-tall mechanical cowboy stood at the state border for over 50 years, inviting motorists passing on the highway to stop and gamble. He can now be found in the median of Wendover Boulevard on the far west end of town.
Hotel guests of the Rainbow, Peppermill, and Montego Bay can purchase an 18-hole golf pass for $40 at their hotel desk.
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.
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.
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.
Ultra-marathon is held in late April every year. The 100-mile course starts and ends at the Bonneville Speedway and in between covers the wildly varied terrain of both the salt flats and the Silver Island mountain range. This is a grueling endurance run with unpredictable weather and two different five-mile stretches where the elevation increase is more than 1,000 feet, but anyone can register if you feel like you're up for it. There's also a 50-mile course for those who are only in extremely fit condition with just one extremely. Registration costs $65-175 depending on which distance you sign up for and how far in advance you register.
Casual diner out on the Salt Flats featuring large portions, low prices, and walls plastered with land speed racing memorabilia. Dinner entrees are mostly Mexican food platters; breakfast and lunch menus are split between Mexican and American food. Cash only.
Indian food.
Laid-back diner with the typical array of American food. Popular breakfast spot.
High-end Mexican place loved for its atmosphere and service. Advertises $3 margaritas, but not a true budget option for a full meal.
Upscale Italian fare secluded away from the gambling floor. Several California wines and a few foreign options as well.
No-frills motel. Unlikely to win any awards, but the rooms are big and have the standard amenities. Free wifi and continental breakfast. The blankets are thin and the sheets aren't especially well fitted, but it'll get the job done as a stop on a road trip or a place to crash after a night at the casino.
RV sites, tent sites, and cabins available.
The city's largest store by far, and the only major grocer (being owned by Kroger). Has a pharmacy and a bank.
By car
Interstate 80 connects Wendover to Salt Lake City 120 miles to the east, and is the most commonly traveled route into town.
By bus
Greyhound offers bus service to Wendover, using the Pilot truck stop at 1200 W Wendover Blvd as a station.
By plane
Public transit
Public transportation in Wendover is sparse and provided only by private companies.
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