Why UFOs and giant bulldozers top the list of the strangest Nevada gems

Nevada is often reduced to the neon glow of the Las Vegas Strip, but the Silver State is actually a rough landscape of high-desert weirdnesses, Wild West relics, and fierce subcultures. Whether you’re looking to spy a top-secret military base or visit a country that technically doesn’t exist, Nevada offers experiences that feel like they’ve been plucked straight from a cult film. Here are 10 of the most extravagant things you can do in Nevada.

In 1986, Life magazine warned travelers never to drive Highway 50 through Nevada without minimum survival skills. They called it the "loneliest road in America". Stretching 287 miles through the heart of the state, the road crosses mountain ranges and vast sagebrush valleys with almost no signs of civilization. Nowadays, the state offers a "Survival Guide" passport that you can get stamped at tiny outposts along the way to prove you made it through the void.

Traveler’s tip: If you’re heading to the Loneliest Road, ensure your spare tire is in good shape and your gas tank is full. In central Nevada, "Next Gas: 80 Miles" is a literal warning, not a suggestion.

Located in Goodsprings, the Pioneer Saloon has stood since 1913. It is famous for its stamped-tin walls, which still bear bullet holes from a poker game gone wrong over a century ago. It’s also where Clark Gable waited for three days for news of his wife, Carole Lombard, after her plane crashed in nearby Potosi Mountain. If you like history and memorabilia, this is the place to go.

The Clown Motel in Tonopah might be a nightmare for many people. Yet, if you are one of the few people who love clowns, you’ll like it here. The lobby of this motel is packed with over 2,000 clown figurines, and the rooms are themed with portraits of famous jesters. If that isn’t enough, the motel is located immediately next to the Old Tonopah Cemetery, where miners from a 1911 fire are buried. It is frequently cited as one of the most haunted—and definitely the creepiest—lodging options in the country.

Near Dayton, Nevada, lies the Republic of Molossia, a self-declared sovereign micronation. Led by President Kevin Baugh, Molossia has its own currency (pegged to the value of chocolate chip cookie dough), its own time zone, and its own navy, which consists of inflatable boats. While the U.S. government doesn’t officially recognize it, Molossia is a fully functioning country on 1.1 acres. Tours must be booked in advance, and yes, they will stamp your passport upon entry.

Since Area 51 is a restricted zone, you can’t just drive up to the gate. However, Tikaboo Peak is the last remaining legal vantage point where you can see the base. It’s a grueling hike and a 26-mile distance from the facility, meaning you’ll need high-powered telescopes or telephoto lenses to see anything. Yet, it’s the only way for civilians to catch a glimpse of the most secret military installation on Earth.

On Highway 375—also known as the Extraterrestrial Highway—stands a lone mailbox. While it was originally a normal mailbox for a local rancher, UFO enthusiasts became convinced it was a drop point for Area 51 secrets. Over the years, "The Black Mailbox"—which is now white, since the original was stolen—has become a shrine where visitors leave letters, tokens, and messages for extraterrestrials. What would you leave for a potential cosmic pen pal?

In Las Vegas, "playing in the dirt" isn’t just for kids. At a park called Dig This, you can rent 15-ton excavators and 20-ton bulldozers. After a brief safety orientation, you’re given a headset and a personal instructor who guides you through digging massive trenches, stacking 2,000-pound tires. It’s an oddly therapeutic way to release stress by moving literal tons of earth.

Nevada is home to a unique geographical record: the spot in the contiguous United States that is the farthest from any McDonald’s. Located in the northwestern desert near the Oregon border, you would have to travel roughly 120 miles to find a Big Mac. It is the ultimate destination for those seeking a true escape from corporations and a taste of the raw, untouched American West.

In 1997, as a marketing stunt for The Simpsons, a contest was set to give away a real-life, 2,200-square-foot replica of 742 Evergreen Terrace in Henderson, Nevada. The builders watched over 100 episodes to get the details right, from the corn curtains in the kitchen to the dent in the wall. While the winner opted for a cash price instead of the house, and the exterior has since been repainted to blend into the neighborhood, fans still flock to the curb to see the architectural skeleton of the world’s most famous cartoon home.

In the desert, just an hour outside of Las Vegas, there is a modern megalithic structure that functions as a Solar Calendar. Inspired by ancient sites like Stonehenge, these pillars are aligned to track the summer and winter solstices and the equinoxes. It serves as a quiet, spiritual reminder of the passage of time in a state that often feels like it’s stuck in a perpetual neon night.

Disney World rides ranked from gentle to extreme

The ultimate guide to Disney World attractions by thrill level

Planning a Disney World trip but worried about which rides are right for you? Whether you're traveling with grandkids, reliving childhood memories, or simply looking for some magic without the motion sickness, we've got you covered. Let's break down the best attractions by thrill level so you can plan the perfect day without surprises.

Thrill level: Low

This classic boat ride is about as gentle as they come. You'll float peacefully through colorful scenes of singing children from around the world while that famously catchy tune plays on repeat. The whole family can ride together, and there's absolutely nothing scary or jarring about it. Fair warning, though: that song may be stuck in your head for days.

Thrill level: Low

This rotating theater show has been a Disney staple since the 1964 World's Fair, and it's pure nostalgia. You'll sit comfortably in a theater that rotates around different scenes showing how American life changed throughout the 20th century. There's zero movement that will upset your stomach, and the seats are cushioned and stationary.

The whole experience lasts about 20 minutes, making it an excellent opportunity to rest your legs in air-conditioned comfort.

Thrill level: Low

Climb aboard an open-air vehicle for an African safari-style experience without leaving Florida. You'll spot real giraffes, elephants, lions, and rhinos roaming in carefully designed habitats that look just like the Serengeti. The ride does bounce a bit over dirt roads, but it's nothing too jarring, and the whole experience feels like a peaceful nature documentary come to life.

Go early in the morning or later in the afternoon, when animals are most active. Bring your camera because these photo opportunities are genuinely special.

Thrill level: Medium

This classic boat ride made Johnny Depp's movie franchise possible, and remains a must-do. You'll float through pirate battles, treasure rooms, and Caribbean towns with impressive animatronics and catchy music. There are a couple of small drops in the dark—nothing major, just enough to give you a mild thrill. The largest drop happens early, so if you handle that one, you're golden for the rest.

The ride is long enough to feel worthwhile but not so long that you'll get restless. Everything moves slowly except for those brief drops, and you're seated in a boat the whole time.

Thrill level: Medium

Don't let the spooky theme fool you—this attraction is more fun than frightening. You'll ride in a "Doom Buggy" through a mansion filled with 999 happy haunts, clever optical illusions, and genuinely funny moments. The special effects are impressive, and while there are ghosts everywhere, they're more goofy than scary. The ride moves continuously but slowly, and you never go upside down or experience any sudden drops.

One heads-up: the preshow involves standing in a room that appears to stretch, which can make some guests a bit queasy. Once you're in your Doom Buggy, though, it's smooth sailing.

Thrill level: Medium

Imagine sitting in a hang glider while soaring over famous landmarks around the world—that's Soarin'. You're lifted into the air in front of a massive curved screen that makes you feel as though you're flying over the Eiffel Tower, the Great Wall of China, and more. The motion is gentle and smooth, designed to feel like gliding rather than any sudden movements. You may even notice subtle scents, like ocean breeze or pine forest, released at the right moments.

This attraction is ideal if you want just a touch of excitement without anything too intense. Your feet dangle freely, but otherwise, it's a calm and immersive experience.

Thrill level: High

This is Disney's take on a roller coaster, which means it's thrilling but not terrifying. You'll race through an abandoned Old West mining town on a runaway mine train, with plenty of turns, small drops, and a couple of tunnels. The theming is fantastic—you really feel like you're speeding through the desert. It moves fast enough to get your adrenaline going, but doesn't have any loops, corkscrews, or those awful moments where you're hanging upside down.

If you haven't been on a roller coaster in years, this is a great way to test the waters. The ride is bumpy and fast, so hold on to loose items and maybe skip it if you have back problems.

Thrill level: High

This roller coaster takes you on a thrilling journey through the Himalayas, where you'll encounter the legendary Yeti. There's a section where the track appears broken, and you actually go backward in the dark, which catches everyone by surprise the first time. You'll also experience one significant drop along with lots of twists and turns. The theming is exceptional—the queue alone feels like you're trekking through Nepal.

This is definitely not for the faint of heart, but it's also not the most extreme coaster at Disney. If you can handle Big Thunder Mountain and want to level up, give Everest a try.

Thrill level: High

You'll design your own virtual concept car, then take it for a high-speed test drive around a track. The highlight is the outdoor portion, where you reach speeds of up to 65 miles per hour—making it one of the fastest rides at Walt Disney World. Before that, though, you'll experience some sharp turns, sudden stops, and near-collisions that simulate crash testing. It's thrilling but also fun because you're basically in a souped-up car rather than a traditional ride vehicle.

The outdoor speed portion is exhilarating, especially with the wind in your face and the Florida sunshine overhead. However, the ride can be jerky during the testing portions, so anyone with neck or back issues may want to think twice.

Thrill level: High

This indoor roller coaster shoots you through outer space in near-total darkness, which makes it feel faster and more intense than it actually is. You can't see the drops or turns coming, which can make the experience either more exciting or more terrifying, depending on your perspective. The coaster itself isn't especially extreme—no loops or major drops—but the darkness and space theme create a thrilling atmosphere. You'll twist and turn through a galaxy of stars and shooting comets.

The track is old, so expect a bumpy ride that might rattle your teeth a bit. If you have any issues with your back, neck, or motion sickness in the dark, you might want to skip this one. But if you want to feel like an astronaut on a wild adventure, it's worth experiencing at least once.