Visit the historic Elgin Schoolhouse and see what life was like for rancher’s children in early Rainbow Canyon. Built in the 1920s by Rueben Bradshaw, the Elgin Schoolhouse served ranchers’ families and other locals who had settled in the area after the San Pedro, Los Angeles & Salt Lake Railroad was built in 1903. The one-room schoolhouse served as an educational outpost for generations of students grades 1-8, who all learned alongside each other. The school closed when the last student graduated in 1967, and other children began taking the bus to larger schools in Caliente and Panaca. The building was restored to its original condition — books and all — in 1998. 

History buffs will enjoy touring the old schoolhouse, which includes many of the school’s original items, as well as access to the teacher’s quarters.  The historic site is located south of Caliente on a paved, 20-mile stretch of NV-317 that offers stunning views of Rainbow Canyon. Make a day of it and visit Finlay Crack, a favorite rock-climbing destination a few miles south of the schoolhouse. 

Tours of Elgin Schoolhouse are available the first Saturday of every month from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., or by appointment. 

Book a tour: 775-726-3564 
Admission: $3.00

Learn more: https://parks.nv.gov/parks/elgin-schoolhouse