As a former Nevada resident, I know firsthand that there are plenty of weird, bizarre, fun, and unique things to do in Nevada. However, now it’s officially a thing, as Travel Nevada (the official tourism board) just announced their inaugural “Seven Weirdest Wonders” list. Read on to see what is weird enough to make the list, but don’t say we didn’t warn you.
Travelers looking for a super strange or off-the-beaten-path trip idea, look no further. Travel Nevada just released its inaugural list of the state’s Seven Weirdest Wonders.
Just like the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World are proof of humanity’s ingenuity, Nevada’s Seven Weirdest Wonders are definitive proof that the Silver State is filled with abundant unique places. However, these locations aren’t just fun to see and talk about – experiences like these can transform vacationers by opening their eyes to things they never imagined.
The list was curated by the Travel Nevada team of experts who have traveled to every corner of the state. It includes historic, man-made, and natural places that have to be visited to be believed.
Fun things to do in Nevada: Seven Weirdest Wonders List
International Car Forest of the Last Church
Rethink any preconceived notions of a typical forest with trees and greens. This open-air gallery comprises more than 40 graffitied cars, each a unique masterpiece. The “forest” has no artist statement or bulletin, so visitors are free to interpret the surrounding art in limitless ways.
Photo Credit: Sydney Martinez. Supplied by Travel Nevada. Used with Permission.
Clown Motel
If you haven’t stayed in a hotel since… well, who can even remember? Make the first overnight stay one you’ll never forget.
The Clown Motel in Tonopah is the perfect place to get over your fear of clowns — or maybe make it worse? We’ll let you decide.
No matter your goal, this motel has arguably the largest private collection of clown-themed memorabilia and is a landmark that makes Nevada unique.
Oh, and did we mention it’s situated right next to a historic (allegedly haunted) cemetery? Of course, it is!
Photo Credit: Sydney Martinez. Supplied by Travel Nevada. Used with Permission.
Goldwell Open Air Museum
Some of the world’s most distinctive pieces of experiential art are at the Goldwell Open Air Museum. More an “experience” than a “museum,” Goldwell boasts seven colossal structures, including a ghostly life-size version of Leonardo Da Vinci’s painting of the Last Supper; a 25-foot pink woman constructed of cinder blocks; and a gleaming tangle of chrome car accessories.
Forget the velvet ropes of a traditional museum – visitors are encouraged to step right into these pieces of art.
Photo Credit: Sydney Martinez. Supplied by Travel Nevada. Used with Permission.
Garnet Hill
Think semi-precious gemstone treasure hunt meets extinct volcano. This incredible public recreation area has drawn national attention for its beautifully rich, dark red garnets, which were scattered after a volcano erupted 32-40 million years ago.
While these garnets may not be the kind you find in your favorite jewelry store (with a correspondingly hefty price tag), the chance to hand-pick gems scattered atop high-desert dirt makes for fun memories — and free souvenirs!
Photo Credit: Sydney Martinez. Supplied by Travel Nevada. Used with Permission.
Alien Research Center
Almost everyone has heard of Area 51. While you definitely can’t storm it (seriously, you’ll be arrested before you can say “ET”), you can go inside the Alien Research Center and get a feel for what those little green creatures might have found after crash-landing in the area.
As the gateway to the world-famous Extraterrestrial Highway, the Alien Research Center is the perfect way to start your own alien hunt. Extraterrestrial enthusiasts and skeptics alike won’t want to miss stopping at the gift shop to stock up on various alien-related knick-knacks at this one-of-a-kind Nevada experience.
Photo supplied by Travel Nevada. Used with Permission.
Fly Geyser
Imagine digging a hole in the middle of the desert and suddenly getting sprayed by hot water as if you hit a pipe. You walk away, only to learn that years later, that hole is still spewing, but is now a 12-foot geyser with a rainbow of colored rocks surrounding it.
That’s essentially how Fly Geyser came to be, and, after more than 100 years since the first “pipe” was hit, people can still come to see this ever-spewing natural fountain in all its beauty.
Photo Credit: Sydney Martinez. Supplied by Travel Nevada. Used with Permission.
Republic of Molossia
Just a few minutes east of Nevada’s capital (Carson City), Molossia has been an official, independent, sovereign country inside of Nevada for more than 40 years. With 6.3 acres, Molossia has its own bizarre laws, as well as currency that’s tied to the value of cookie dough. Visitors can even have their passport stamped, as it’s recognized as a micronation.
Photo supplied by Travel Nevada. Used with Permission.
Where to see these weird things to do in Nevada
Spread out across the state, here’s where to find each of the destinations above. Some are easier to get to than others. The Goldwell Open Air Museum is closest to Las Vegas or Hoover Dam, while the Republic of Molossia is closest to both Lake Tahoe and Carson City, the capital of Nevada.
Final thoughts on these things to do in Nevada
Whether visitors experience one or all seven of Nevada’s Weirdest Wonders, they’ll leave with a travel story that will forever remind them of the Silver State’s unanticipated allure. Remember to bring a camera or a charged phone to take photographic evidence of what you will see and encounter.
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Which of these weird things to do in Nevada are calling to you?
Other weird and unique places you might enjoy discovering …
- Chapel of Bones Evora and Other World Ossuaries
- Haunted St Augustine: Ghosts in America’s Oldest City
- One Day Xian Itinerary: Terracotta Army, City Wall, Pagoda
- Things to Do in Oamaru: Discover a Victorian Era, Steampunk & Penguins
- And don’t miss these 11 Day Trips from Las Vegas
Disclaimer: Written in conjunction withTravel Nevada (the Nevada Division of Tourism) is part of the Nevada Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs. Visit their official website for moreWeird Nevada experiences
Go Wander Wild
This Nevada guide is incredibly helpful. You’ve really thought through everything you need to know before planning a trip. Thank you for this helpful resource. Saving this guide for later!
Photo Cache
I like to visit a couple of these sights.
Michelle
What a unique list of activities. I haven’t thought about doing most of these activities. Now I want to book a trip and try some of your suggestions.
Lydia C. Lee
We have one of those micro nations here – not with a currency based on cookie dough tho. How odd. #WWOT
Denise
Only in Nevada! I enjoyed reading this so much! How could I not know about Molossia?!
Hannah
I love these weird things to do in Nevada! I love finding unique things to do when I visit places and it looks like Nevada has plenty of unique attractions! International Car Forest of the Last Church looks so cool, but the clown motel looks like my worst nightmares! I think I’ll be giving that one a miss! Thanks for the great guide!
Lily
Alien research center yes. Clown Hotel is a nope nope nope
Gloria
Now that’s a list you don’t see every day. I especially like the clown motel 😉
Travel Addicted Unicorn
Omg, this was so interesting!! The Goldwell open air museum is something I saw on TikTok where the guy zooms in with Google Earth and finds those statues!! Now I know what it is called! Kinda spooky not gonna lie. Would go to all of those attractions in a heartbeat! Thank you for sharing!
Bea
The clown hotel would have me freaked out! Why are they so scary? Some great suggestions, thank you!
April
Great listing! The Car Forest is a must see and Goldwell-been to both- go before it;s Summer.
Great list for those wanting to get off the beaten path- take plenty of water and a paper map, sometimes Cell phone coverage is spotty in some of these destinations.
Krista
The open air museum looks really fun to visit. I always like going to unique places when I travel so thanks for the tips!
camnob
This is a very nice collection. I’ve only seen those videos from movie. Hence this is good collection and a memory for me.
anatureescape
That car forest is so interesting! I love art that is always changing, it would be cool to go back there a few times a year and photograph it to see if it changes. Super cool post!
Aarika
Ooooh! I love this post! There are so many cool things to see in Nevada and many that I’ve never heard of before. That Car Forest is quirky and rad. I have added all to my list of places to visit except the clown motel. hahaha
Kate
This is a very cool post! I never knew that there were so many unique things to see in Nevada! I want to check out Fly Geyser and Molossia!
Linda (LD Holland)
I must admit that we have not spent a lot of time exploring Nevada outside of Las Vegas. These are definitely some fun things to do. Although I might find the Clown Motel a little freaky. Maybe I would get lucky searching for garnets.
kmf
I think all of these weird things in Nevada are calling my name. Love checking out the quirky experiences!
Alex J. Cavanaugh
Knew about the car park, but a tiny country within Nevada? That wins for weird.
LOURAINE
Wow, really weird and crazy stuff. Thanks for sharing.
Chad
I just love how unusual and super fun all these experiences are, a clown motel omg i gotta try this.
Bea
Oooh, the Alien Research Center sounds like something I need to try next time I’m in Nevada.
Stephanie
I’d do all of these except the clown hotel. Nope, not happening. But I’d love to go to the Area 51 place. And I’ve been to Reno and had no idea there was a “micronation” so close by!
Roamy
Although I have vacationed in the US in the past, I never got a chance to visit Nevada but reading your post, I realize I missed out so this is in my next trip a must do.
Thanks for sharing
Rosey
I want to see the car graffiti museum. I’m thinking 70s vibe (I don’t know why) but am going to research it to see! The air museum tho… I dunno if I’m stepping into that art shown. It’s a cool concept but something about it weirds me out.