If you’re traveling along U.S. Highway 50, “The Loneliest Road in America,” a must-see stop is Austin, almost exactly in the center of the state. Highway 50 received its ominous moniker from Life Magazine more than 20 years ago when a reporter described the Nevada highway as so remote, so desolate, so lonely that one should be prepared with survival skills before testing their fate in Nevada. The towns along the highway, including Austin, decided they liked that description and since then have challenged travelers to survive “The Loneliest Road in America.” Before you set out on your journey, download a Highway 50 Survival Guide, and be sure to get it stamped in each town and receive an “I Survived” certificate signed by Nevada’s governor.

Founded during a silver rush in the 1860s, Austin stands as testament to “the way it was.” During the mid-1800s, Austin was the second-largest city in Nevada with more than 5,000 residents and another 5,000 in the surrounding areas. By 1887, however, silver production ended and the city began to decline to its current 290 residents.

Today you can whet your whistle at the International Café and Bar, a saloon with as much history as the town itself, and be sure to bring along a dollar bill to add to the hundreds of other bills signed and stapled to the walls.

One of the most photographed sites in this quiet Nevada town is Stokes Castle, just a few miles west of town. This three-story stone structure, built of hand-hewn granite, was the summer home of a wealthy family in the 1890s and is a fascinating example of dry-masonry construction. Visitors can drive up to the old stone castle, or find it by exploring the area’s maze of mountain-bike trails. These trails offer breathtaking views of the valley below town, and in the spring the hillsides are lavish with miles of vibrant wildflowers.

On Main Street, there are several antique and gem shops where visitors can browse jewelry made from locally mined turquoise and silver. Towering above Main Street is the privately owned St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, the oldest Catholic church in Nevada. The church is currently undergoing restoration and will reopen as a cultural center. Stop in at Main Street Shops to find out more about the church.

Lodging in Austin includes a B&B (Union Street Lodging) as well as several motels and RV parks throughout town.