The US state of Nevada is seeking to expand its appeal to tourists beyond gambling.

Las Vegas is the home of American gaming attracting millions of visitors every year and is far and away the most famous venue in Nevada.

But state officials are keen to broaden their horizons and take advantage of their natural assets.

"Gaming alone is no longer enough to bring people from around the world to Nevada," Chris Chrystal of the Nevada Commission on Tourism told the Associated Press.

"Stretches of the river are excellent for recreational boating, and it flows through some extraordinarily beautiful landscape as it makes its way from California through Douglas County, Carson City and Lyon County."

The project will draw on a $200 million state bond. Planning is already underway to ensure that the natural environment is protected.