Seven Weirdest Wonders of Nevada

Travelers seeking the weird, wonderful and seriously strange need look no further than Nevada.

Ahead of National Plan for Vacation Day 2022, Travel Nevada is releasing its inaugural list of the state’s Seven Weirdest Wonders.

These bizarre attractions 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 will open your eyes to things you never imagined.

The list was curated by the Travel Nevada experts covering historic, man-made, and natural places that have to be seen to be believed.

• Republic of Molossia – Remarkably, the Republic of Molossia has been an 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.

• International Car Forest of the Last Church –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.

• Clown Motel –The Clown Motel in Tonopah is the perfect place to get over your fear of clowns — or maybe make it worse? This motel has arguably the largest private collection of clown-themed memorabilia, and is a landmark that makes Nevada unique. Just for good measure, it’s situated right next to a historic (allegedly haunted) cemetery!

• Goldwell Open Air Museum – Among some of the world’s most distinctive pieces of experiential art is 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-feet pink woman constructed of cinder blocks; and a gleaming tangle of chrome car accessories. Visitors are encouraged to step right into these bizarre pieces of art.

• Garnet Hill – 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, the chance to hand-pick gems makes for a fun scavenger hunt — and free souvenirs!

• Alien Research Center – Almost everyone has heard of Area 51. While you definitely can’t storm it you can go inside the Alien Research Center and get a feel for what those little green men 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.

• 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 see this ever-spewing natural fountain.

For more Weird Nevada experiences, visit TravelNevada.com/Weird-Nevada.