9 Of The Most Eccentric Towns In Nevada

Nevada is synonymous with casino life, desert landscapes, and the vibrant Vegas Strip. But there is more to the Silver State worth exploring outside the hustle and bustle of Sin City. Being the 7th largest state in the country, there is so much diversity to see across the region, from the historic settlements and ghost towns to the mining communities. However, some of these places stand out for their odd attractions and unusual traditions, granting travelers a novel experience.

These eccentric towns in Nevada allow you to step outside the conventional tourist itinerary to discover a whole other side of the Battle Born State. From hunting ghosts in Tonopah to half-buried cars in Goldfield, these Nevada destinations will bring out your love for the weird and unorthodox.

Goldfield

Goldfield is an off-beat town in Esmeralda County with a handful of sites that will leave you scratching your head. It is particularly known for the International Car Forest of the Last Church, an unusual outdoor gallery featuring half-buried junk cars. This colorful maze of rusted cars in the Mojave Desert provides a unique artistic encounter. You can discover more eccentric car art at the Goldfield Art Car Park Gallery, where various old cars are covered with odd objects, oozing a twisted sense of creativity.

Another notable site to check out in the area is Goldfield Cemetery. This infamous old west burial ground is known for its paranormal activity, with haunting enthusiasts attracted to the unusual happenings after dark. It is also home to the grave of the "Unknown Library Paste Man."

Beatty

This small town in Nye County provides access to the ghost town of Rhyolite, which traces its beginnings to the early 1900s when gold was discovered in the area. Once a bustling community of almost 12,000 at its peak, it is a shadow of its former self, yet draws visitors with its bizarre outdoor sculptures. The Goldwell Open Air Museum houses a striking collection of sculptures, including a ghostly depiction of the "Last Supper." Beatty is also home to Tom Kelly's Bottle House, a unique home from the Gold Rush period built by stacking over 50,000 beer bottles and mud.

Those who favor experiences around nature can head to Torrance Ranch Preserve. Spread across 130 acres, this adorable conservancy boasts lush surroundings with a thriving bird population. Guests can walk along the wetland Boardwalk Trail to stake out the different species.

Baker

This isolated village in White Pine County is a gateway to the Great Basin National Park and harbors numerous outdoor riches that draw adventurers from across the state. It is famous for hosting Lehman Caves, a mysterious network of caves with unusual crystalline formations that have enchanted tourists since the 1800s. The Baker Archaeological Site is another notable location on the outskirts of the town. It preserves relics of a Fremont Indian Village believed to date back to the 1220s.

Baker is surrounded by open spaces, and numerous hiking trails invite hikers to explore the great outdoors. One such trail is the Baker Creek Loop Trail, which stretches around three miles.

Tonopah

This historic mining town earned the moniker "Queen of the Silver Camps" for its once bustling mining industry. Today, visitors come to explore its golden past at numerous historical markers and sites remaining across the town. The Tonopah Historic Mining Park provides a vivid look into the heydays using a collection of period structures, mine shafts, artifacts, and other exhibits from the formative years.

However, fans of the strange and unorthodox visit Tonopah for the World-Famous The Clown Motel. Dubbed "America's scariest motel," the establishment is full of clown-themed memorabilia. But it gets its "scariest" from its proximity to the Old Tonopah Cemetery. The historic burial ground has a reputation for being haunted, with ghosts straying into the nearby motel to terrorize people as they sleep.

Alamo

Alamo's proximity to Area 51 makes it an enticing point of interest for anyone seeking the most unusual towns in Nevada. This secluded town is shrouded in mystery, just like its infamous neighbor, and conspirators come to witness the Black Mailbox. This is a renowned meeting point for UFO devotees along the Extraterrestrial Highway. It is also the closest site the public can get to Area 51.

While there are no guarantees of spotting an alien in Alamo, guests can expect to witness wildlife at the Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge. This 5,000-acre wilderness is a sanctuary for hundreds of songbird and waterfowl species and harbors numerous walking trails for hikers interested in exploring. It also lies on the relaxed shores of the Upper Pahranagat Lake, offering access to paddleboarding, fishing, and boating activities.

Austin

Austin is a desolate town in Lander County with a rich mining heritage that lives on through a fair collection of related relics and sites. Newcomers are quick to spot the Stokes Castle, which towers above the town's skyline with a dilapidated appearance. The building was built in the late 1800s and is a remnant of the area's once lucrative silver mining expeditions. The Gridley Store also offers a blast from the past inside a rustic structure built in 1863.

Meanwhile, Austin's eccentricism comes from the US Route 50, which passes directly through the town. Popularly known as the "Loneliest Road in America," driving on this highway feels like traveling into another world. There is nothing to see or do except stare into the open skies and vast fields.

Laughlin

Laughlin is a vibrant community in Clark County, situated about 90 miles from Las Vegas. While it is home to a lineup of world-class attractions, it draws curious travelers with the Laughlin Labyrinths. These nine stone mazes, each arranged in different shapes and patterns, were created to relax the soul and hence are a popular stop for anyone seeking calmness and meditation. Laughlin hosts the Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area, a 2,100-acre public playground offering a variety of aquatic fun.

There are numerous outfitters on site, and the Laughlin River Tours take guests on remarkable cruises on the calm waters of the Colorado River. The gentle sail delivers some of the best views of the water and the surrounding desert landscapes.

Fallon

This small town in Churchill County is recognized for its numerous outdoor opportunities year-round. It attracts extroverted tourists looking to get lost in the vast expanse of Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge. This 80,000-acre natural area boasts a diversity of landscapes and habitats, providing a sanctuary for over 400 wildlife species. The space is also a gathering spot for hikers, boaters, wildlife viewers, and nature photographers.

While in the great outdoors, you will also want to visit the Grimes Point Archaeological Area. This unique site is made up of hundreds of boulders with caves where you will find ancient Native American petroglyphs and carvings. But if you want a change of scenery, Fallon has a thriving casino culture with plenty of establishments to try your luck, including Depot Casino.

Boulder City

Boulder City's claim to fame is being home to the landmark Hoover Dam. Upon completion of its construction in 1936, it was the world's largest hydroelectric station, becoming a Depression-era engineering milestone. Today, visitors tour the facility to witness American ingenuity. More information about the dam is available at the Boulder City-Hoover Dam Museum, which displays a wide selection of old photographs, memorabilia, building plans, artifacts, and manuscripts related to its construction.

Away from the dam, those seeking oddities in Boulder City can make their way to Tom Devlin's Monster Museum. This quirky museum exhibits curious costumes, makeup, masks, collectibles, and mementos related to monsters in movie history.

These eccentric towns in Nevada prove that going against the grain sometimes leads to unforgettable holiday memories. From alien-themed pit stops in Alamo to haunted motels in Tonopah, these places showcase the wildly diverse spirit of the Silver State. Whether you are in it for the mystery, the oddball charm, or looking for a great story to tell, each of these towns offers a glimpse into a quirky side of Nevada that few travelers ever see in the United States.