Nevada State Museum, Carson City

This building was originally erected in 1870 as the U.S. Mint, which coined more than $49,000,000 until 1893. Now a museum, it hosts about 250,000 visitors each year and has become famous for exhibits such as The Chinese Experience, the Dat So La Lee Washoe Indian baskets and Coin Press No. 1. Nevada's wildlife is also featured, namely the ubiquitous coyote, elusive mountain lion, majestic golden eagle, bothersome badger and the mischievous black bear. The silver dining service from the USS Nevada battleship, fashioned with silver from the Tonopah mine and gold from Goldfield, is also on display. Admission costs $3 for adults and $2.50 for seniors. Children under 18 are free.