67°F
weather icon Windy

Nye County destinations top state’s ‘7 Weirdest Wonders’ list

Nye County destinations have topped Travel Nevada’s inaugural “Seven Weirdest Wonders” list.

The state tourism organization says a few local sites are among those that “can transform vacationers by opening their eyes to things they never imagined.”

The list released ahead of National Plan for Vacation Day 2022, a day that encourages people to plan their well-earned time off, includes Clown Motel in Tonopah and Goldwell Open Air Museum in Beatty.

It was curated by Travel Nevada’s team of experts who traveled to every corner of the state before making their picks.

It includes historic, man-made, and natural places that have to be visited to be believed, all destinations specifically chosen for 2022 – as travel is expected to rebound to pre-pandemic levels, these locations will help visitors make up for lost time.

Also on the list are Republic of Molossia, a sovereign country just to the east of Carson City; International Car Forest of the Last Church, an open-air gallery that comprises more than 40 graffitied cars; Garnet Hill – a semi-precious gemstone treasure hunt meets extinct volcano; the gateway to the world-famous Extraterrestrial Highway, the Alien Research Center; and the Fly Geyser.

Here’s a complete list of places that made the Seven Weirdest Wonders List:

Republic of Molossia – Want to experience international travel but not ready to really travel overseas?Just a few minutes east of Nevada’s capital, 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.

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 – Located next to a historic cemetery, 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.

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-foot pink woman constructed of cinder blocks; and a gleaming tangle of chrome car accessories.

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, the chance to hand-pick gems scattered atop high-desert dirt makes for fun memories — and free souvenirs!

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.

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 in all its beauty.

“Travelers are looking to visit places that satisfy their curiosity, and this list includes attractions that are lesser known in the broader travel industry. These are places that only exist in Nevada, making them especially rare and appealing for travelers looking for great travel stories,” Tracie Barnthouse with Travel Nevada said.

Barnthouse said that Travel Nevada wanted to spotlight places that can only be found in the Silver State.

“Fortunately, there are plenty of options to choose from in Nevada, and while we couldn’t possibly include them all in one list, these seven are especially relevant to what travelers are craving in 2022 – transformative experiences and off-the-beaten-path gems,” Barnthouse said.

Travelers are reminded to bring a charged phone to take photographic evidence of what they’ve seen and encountered, according to the press release. To share stories with others who’ve experienced the Seven Weirdest Wonders, visitors can tag #WeirdNevada.

“This list includes places that span the state, which encourages visitors (and Nevada residents) to explore our unique and amazing rural towns and public lands,” Barnthouse said. “The land around many of these places provides amazing outdoor recreation opportunities, so we hope travelers will take their time and explore the town beyond the places on the list. We will continue to promote all the incredible opportunities Nevada has for travelers throughout the year via our various marketing initiatives.”

Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook.
THE LATEST
Beatty Clinic gets tons of help with new a/c

BEATTY — The Beatty Foundation, an affiliate of AngloGold-Ashanti (AGA), did tons of good at the Beatty Clinic on March 22. Nine tons, exactly.

11th Annual Chili Cook-Off brings tempting tastings and festival fun

The 11th Annual International Chili Society and Silver State Chili Cook-Off took over Petrack Park this past weekend for three days filled with savory tastings, fun and activities and of course, some intense culinary competition.

Pahrump homeschoolers dance the night away

Pahrump Valley’s homeschool youth were whisked away into the Enchanted Forest this month, with local Moose Lodge #808 hosting a night of dancing and revelry in honor of an age-old adolescent right-of-passage, prom.

Looking for some family fun for Easter? Hop over to Simkins Park

Anyone looking for a fun, family-friendly festivity to enjoy this holiday can hop on over to Simkins Park to join the Mills family as they celebrate Easter Sunday with worship music, free food and an enormous 14,000-egg hunt that is sure to bring a smile to hundreds of faces.

Campground fees to increase at Death Valley National Park

DEATH VALLEY, Calif. — Visitors to Death Valley National Park can expect a slight increase in entrance fees for various campgrounds beginning on May 1.

Clerk staffer Cori Freidhof appointed interim leader

Nye County Clerk Mark Kampf’s time in office officially comes to a close on March 31 and deputy clerk Cori Freidhof has now been selected to assume that vacated seat. Freidhof will take over the office as of Monday, April 1 and fulfill the unexpired term ending Jan. 1, 2027.

Gaming can have impact on us

When does gaming cross the line from recreational relaxation to problematic behavior? How do video games and gambling relate? What resources are available for those who find themselves struggling to control their relationship with video games and gambling?

County eyeing impact fee increases

The cost to develop in Pahrump could go up, with a public hearing on a proposal to raise local impact fees set for next month.

Here’s who filed as political candidates in Nye County

Locals have filed their political candidacy as of March 15 and this year two major offices in Nye County will be up for grabs in the general election. Nye County residents have to first narrow down their preferred party candidate on June 11 in the primary and then vote in November to support their preferred candidates.