A Guide to 12 Unique Roadside Attractions in Nevada

No road trip can be considered complete without a visit to at least one roadside attraction. Our list includes some of the most unique and fascinating Nevada roadside attractions you may never have the chance to see again, so it’s worth stopping to check them out. We’ll be updating the list with more places, and we welcome any suggestions you may have in the comment section below.

Stokes Castle Austin, Nevada

Built as a summer retreat in 1897 by mining baron Anson Phelps, the Castle was only used for a few weeks before being abandoned. Initially, the stone tower had three floors. Today, the inside has collapsed. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Stocks summer house is well worth a look. The Castle overlooks the town of Austin along US Highway 50, the loneliest road in America.

Junk Car Forest Goldfield Nevada

A collection of about 40 vehicles was planted into the desert floor at different angles. Each car, bus, or van is covered in graffiti art. The Junk Car Forest is a great place to take photos and wander around. The International Car Forest of the Last Church is located just outside Goldfield along Nevada Highway 95. Nearby, Goldfield has some interesting historic buildings, including the 1906 Goldfield High School, Esmeralda County Courthouse, and the Goldfield Hotel.

Clown Motel Tonopah, Nevada

The Clown Motel is a well-liked roadside attraction with a museum and gift shop for visitors. For those who are brave enough, the motel offers overnight accommodation, but one should be cautious as it is rumored to be haunted. The reason behind the ghost stories is the motel’s proximity to the historic Tonopah Cemetery.

Fly Geyser Black Rock Desert

Fly Geyser is a human-created natural wonder in northwestern Nevada. The geyser was created when a hole was drilled for a geothermal project in 1964. Minerals have accumulated around the base of the unplugged drill hole, creating a colorful mound surrounded by pools. In 2016, The Burning Man Project purchased the land where the geyser is located and plans on providing access to the geyser for donations. Location 20 miles north of Gerlach, Nevada, along with County Rd 34. You can barely see the geyser from the road.

Last Chance Joe Sparks Nevada

Last Chance Joe stood guard at Sparks Nugget Hotel for 56 years. When the Ascuaga family sold the Nugget in 2013, everyone thought that Joe had run out of chances when the 35-foot statue was set to be demolished. Lucky for Joe, the public stepped in and collected enough funds to move Joe to the Sparks Heritage Museum on Victorian Avenue, where he still stands today. Address: 814 Victorian Ave, Sparks, NV 89431. website.

 

Hard Luck Mine Castle, Nevada

Imagine No Neighbors, No noise, and Complete Privacy. It’s possible out in the middle of nowhere on 40 acres of Nevada Desert. Known as the Hard Luck Mine Castle, The four-story round castle has 22 rooms and 8,000 square feet. It’s off Highway 267, 35 miles from Goldfield, near Death Valley National Park. The Castle can be booked through Airbnb.com for groups of up to ten people. Activities include star gazing, off-roading, ghost towns, and mining camps.

Rhyolite Last Supper Statue

Goldwell Open Air Museum features unique art near the ghost town of Rhyolite, Nevada. Visitors can see Lady Desert, The Venus, Tribute to Shorty Harris, Ghost Rider, and The Last Supper. There is also a mosaic couch, a miniature town, and a giant rock labyrinth. Admission is free, and the site is open 24 hours—120 miles northwest of Las Vegas along State Route 374. 4 miles west of Beatty, Nevada.

Chocolate Nugget Factory Old Prospector

Located halfway between Carson City and Reno along Old Highway 395 is an iconic Nevada Roadside attraction called the Chocolate Nugget Candy Factory. For three generations, the Saltzwimmer family has been selling the finest homemade chocolates, gifts, and souvenirs at the exact location. The old prospector on the hill behind the store helps attract business since many travelers use Interstate 580 instead of Highway 395. Address: 611 US-395, New Washoe City, NV 89704. Website.

Thunder Mountain Monument Imlay, Nevada

Thunder Mountain Monument is adjacent to Interstate 80, about 130 miles east of Reno, Nevada. This roadside oddity was assembled from almost every object you can imagine, including old tires, sinks, typewriters, and pieces of cars. Thunder Mountain looks like a pile of junk from a distance, but you will see its natural uniqueness as you get closer.

Neon Museum Las Vegas

Las Vegas is the ultimate Nevada roadside attraction. Visitors to the Boneyard can view a six-acre collection of vintage signs from old casinos, fiberglass sculptures, and posters from long-gone business sand around Las Vegas. If you’re short on time but want to see some sparkle and glitter from old Las Vegas, a trip to the Neon Museum is a must-do. Address: 770 N Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89101. Website.

Middlegate Station Historic Roadhouse

Located in the middle of nowhere, this one-time stagecoach and pony express station is well worth a stop when traveling along the Loneliest Highway in America. Middle Gate’s claim to fame is the Monster Burger challenge these days. If you can finish the hamburger, you will get a free T-shirt. Inside and outside, historical artifacts and pictures decorate the place: address 42500 Austin Hwy, Fallon, NV 89406.

Happy Burro Chili and Beer Beatty Nevada

The Happy Burro is a small watering hole on the way to Death Valley. It is located in one of Beatty’s original buildings that used to be the assay office. This small bar serves cold beer, hot chili, burgers, and hot dogs. We suggest you stop at the Beatty Museum to learn more about Beatty Nevada and the surrounding area.

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