Nevada is a state known for its glitzy casinos and arid deserts, but it also boasts some unique landmarks that capture the imagination.
From colorful art installations to eerie motels, these odd locations offer a glimpse into the quirky side of The Silver State. Here are seven landmarks that locals and visitors alike find fascinating.
1. Seven Magic Mountains Near Las Vegas
Just outside Las Vegas, Seven Magic Mountains is a vibrant art installation by Ugo Rondinone. Featuring seven towers of brightly colored boulders, this piece stands stark against the desert backdrop. The installation was created to bring the art of the city to the desert, and it succeeds in drawing intrigue and awe.
Visitors flock to this site for its stunning visuals and the opportunity to capture striking photographs. Each boulder stack reaches up to 35 feet high, making them unmissable from afar.
Since its debut, Seven Magic Mountains has become an Instagram favorite, with its playful colors providing a sharp contrast to the muted tones of the surrounding landscape.
2. International Car Forest of the Last Church in Goldfield
Nestled in the remote town of Goldfield, the International Car Forest of the Last Church is a testament to creativity. This open-air gallery features vehicles planted nose-first into the earth, adorned with eclectic artwork and graffiti.
The brainchild of artists Chad Sorg and Mark Rippie, the forest invites exploration and wonder. Each car tells a story, with its paintwork reflecting the personal expression of various artists.
Walking through this bizarre landscape, visitors encounter a variety of colors, shapes, and symbols. It’s a place where art and the desert collide, offering a unique experience that defies traditional art norms.
3. Extraterrestrial Highway Near Area 51
Highway 375, famously known as the Extraterrestrial Highway, stretches through the Nevada desert near the secretive Area 51. This highway is a hub for alien enthusiasts and conspiracy theorists, drawn by tales of UFO sightings and extraterrestrial encounters.
The road is dotted with alien-themed establishments, from diners to souvenir shops, all catering to those fascinated by the unknown. Visitors often stop to take pictures with the quirky alien signposts that line the highway.
Whether you’re a believer or a skeptic, the Extraterrestrial Highway offers a fascinating journey into one of Nevada’s most mysterious regions.
4. Fly Geyser in Black Rock Desert
Located on private land in the Black Rock Desert, Fly Geyser is a man-made marvel. Accidentally created by well drilling in 1964, it emits hot water, forming terraces colored by thermophilic algae.
The geyser’s vibrant hues are stunning, with reds, greens, and yellows painting a surreal picture against the desert backdrop. Its towers continue to grow, sculpted by the minerals deposited over time.
Access to Fly Geyser is limited, but guided tours offer a glimpse of its beauty. This natural wonder, with its otherworldly appearance, is a testament to the unexpected results of human intervention in nature.
5. The Clown Motel in Tonopah
Situated in the dusty town of Tonopah, the Clown Motel is a sight to behold. With a vast collection of clown memorabilia, it offers an experience that is both unsettling and fascinating. The motel is adjacent to an old cemetery, adding to its eerie allure. Inside, guests will find clown-themed rooms, each adorned with colorful, yet slightly unsettling decorations.
The Clown Motel has become a cult favorite, attracting visitors from across the globe. Its peculiar charm and mysterious atmosphere make it a must-see. Despite its creepy facade, many guests find the hospitality warm and welcoming.
Whether you love or fear clowns, this motel is a unique slice of Nevada’s eccentricity worth visiting.
6. Shoe Tree Along Highway 50
Along the “Loneliest Road in America,” Highway 50, stands the legendary Shoe Tree. This unlikely landmark, festooned with hundreds of shoes, has become a symbol of travelers passing through.
The tradition of hurling shoes into its branches is believed to bring good luck, ensuring a safe journey. The origin of this quirky practice is shrouded in mystery, adding to the tree’s charm.
Despite its remote location, the Shoe Tree draws visitors eager to contribute to its growing collection. This peculiar monument stands as a testament to human curiosity and the desire to leave a mark on the world.
7. Neon Boneyard in Las Vegas
The Neon Boneyard in Las Vegas is a graveyard of iconic signs from the city’s colorful past. This outdoor museum is home to over 200 signs, each with its own history and story.
Visitors wander among the relics, exploring the vibrant colors and artistic designs that once lit up the Strip. It’s a nostalgic journey into Las Vegas’s neon-lit heritage, where every sign has a tale to tell.
Guided tours offer insights into the craftsmanship behind these glowing giants. The boneyard preserves a piece of Las Vegas’s history, illuminating the evolution of the city’s famed aesthetic.
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