Exploring Nevada: Hidden Gems and Unique Destinations

Formally known as the Silver State, Nevada is a dry state located in the southwestern region of the United States.
It shares borders with Oregon, Idaho, California, Arizona, and Utah, and is also referred to as the ‘Battle Born State’
due to its admission to the Union during the American Civil War.

The term ‘Nevada’ comes from the Spanish word nevada, which translates to “snow-covered.” This name was
bestowed by the early European settlers who were captivated by the state’s wintery, snow-capped mountains.

As the driest state in the country, Nevada gained prominence in 1859 following the discovery of a significant lode
of silver ore at the Comstock Lode in Virginia City—often regarded as one of the most haunted towns in America.

Interestingly, approximately 86% of Nevada’s land is under the ownership of the U.S. federal government.

Las Vegas, the most populous city in Nevada, is famously known as the ‘entertainment capital of the world.’ This city
attracts tourists globally due to its vibrant nightlife, renowned casinos, and luxurious hotels and resorts.
It is recognized as the most visited tourist destination worldwide.

Despite its rich history connected to silver mining and a thriving tourism sector, Nevada is home to many enigmatic
locations that have remained well-kept secrets. Let us delve into some of Nevada’s hidden gems and discover what
this intriguing state has to offer to adventurous travelers.

1. Santa Fe Saloon, Goldfield

For an authentic taste of America’s legendary Wild West, an authentic local saloon is unmatched. Santa Fe Saloon,
located in Goldfield, Nevada, is not just another typical Wild West saloon; it has been in operation since 1905
and holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating business in the state.

This rustic one-story establishment, featuring a hand-painted welcome sign, offers a nostalgic journey through
history. Elements such as old wooden spokes lining the walls, natural floorboards, and the original Brunswick bar, alongside
artifacts like Julia Bullet’s bathtub and figures depicting notable townsfolk, including Wyatt Earp, transport visitors
back in time to an era long past.

During the early 20th century, Goldfield was Nevada’s largest city, drawing prospectors worldwide eager to
partake in the gold rush. Despite the passage of time since that vibrant era, Santa Fe Saloon continues to attract numerous
visitors, which has prompted the addition of an attached motel.

2. Clown Motel, Tonopah

Coulrophobia—defined as the fear of clowns—is real for many. Approximately 22 years prior, Bob Perchetti
conceived a themed motel in the town of Tonopah, Nevada, situated on the periphery of the Nevada desert. Serving
its usual clientele of bikers, truckers, and adventurous travelers, the motel provides a respite for those seeking a
quiet night’s sleep and a warm shower.

All would be well, except for the unsettling possibility of awakening in the night to find a clown
figurine suspended from the ceiling above your bed. Such a whimsical—but for some, alarming—experience leaves
much to the imagination.

Interestingly, there aren’t many urban legends or horror stories linked to the motel, despite its proximity to
an abandoned cemetery. Perhaps the mysteries surrounding the Clown Motel derive from its extensive collection of
(unsettling) glass-eyed clown dolls, contributing to its reputation as “the scariest motel in America,” as
noted by Roadtrippers.

3. Atomic Survival Town, Nye County

In 1955, the U.S. Army executed 14 nuclear detonation tests at the Nevada Test Site at Yucca Flat, conducted under
the auspices of “Operation Teacup.” The intensity of these explosions ranged from 1.2 to 43 kilotons (for reference, the
nuclear bomb dropped on Hiroshima was approximately 12 kilotons).

In anticipation of these tests, the Army had previously commissioned the creation of “Survival Town,” a nearly
complete residential community filled with structures, stores, homes, and even mannequins. This was to assess the
nuclear explosions’ effects on architectural forms and simulated human presence.

On May 5, 1955, a 31-kiloton nuclear blast rocked Survival Town, witnessed by 6,000 attendees from six miles away.
Currently, only the remnants of some buildings and mannequins (if any survive) remain. Public tours of the site are available.

4. Alien Cathouse, Amargosa Valley

Nevada stands out as the only state in the United States permitting legalized prostitution. Yet, the exclusivity
of this practice doesn’t preclude creativity or imagination. Alien Cathouse in Amargosa Valley is noted as the
nation’s inaugural themed brothel. The concept ties in seamlessly with the area’s extraterrestrial lore, most notably
surrounding Area 51.

Managed by proprietors of the renowned Bunny Ranch, this establishment caters specifically to individuals with a
unique “alien” interest. Visitors can avail themselves of full-service offerings within this specified environment,
which is designed to mirror an extraterrestrial domain.

Rooms feature intriguing names such as “Holodeck” and “Atlantis Fantasy,” while the primary curiosity remains
the “Alien Abduction and Probing Room,” outfitted with numerous innuendo-laden contrivances as if taken from a
genuine spacecraft.

5. Nelson Ghost Town, Nelson

Situated within the El Dorado Canyon of the El Dorado Mountains, the town originally known as El Dorado was
discovered in 1775 by Spanish explorers. Once a highly prosperous gold mining location, Nelson now stands in
abandonment as a ghost town.

Located a few miles from the Colorado River, historically, Nelson was rich in precious metals such as gold,
silver, lead, and copper. It is also famous for the Techatticup Mine, which, infamously, is known not merely for
its mineral wealth but for its tumultuous feuds, ownership conflicts, and the violence they entailed.

The mining operations were active from 1858 until 1945; in September 1974, a devastating flash flood decimated
the township and took several lives.

Today, the site serves as a remarkable location for photography, often attracting filmmakers and music video
directors.

6. Lonnie Hammargren’s House, Las Vegas

Lonnie Lee Hammargren, a retired neurosurgeon, politician, and the former 31st Lieutenant Governor of
Nevada, is renowned for his eclectic array of artifacts and memorabilia amassed over his lifetime.

Since 1971, Hammargren has resided in his home, which functions as a museum of sorts, and continues to add
to his collection nearly every day. The Hammargren Home of Nevada History features a treasure trove including
the original vault from Genoa Courthouse, a Winnie the Pooh collection, one of the mock-ups of the Apollo
space capsule, a mini Taj Mahal, and even an indoor Barbershop Brothel.

In the basement of his home, Hammargren has constructed an Egyptian burial chamber intended to serve as his
final resting place.

The residence opens its doors to visitors annually on October 31st, coinciding with Nevada Day.

7. Fly Geyser, Gerlach

A century ago, a human endeavor met with nature amidst attempts to harness its resources, resulting in the
Fly Geyser—a manmade phenomenon born out of an accident!

In 1917, while seeking irrigation water, a well was drilled on the border of the Black Rock Desert,
only to reveal that the steaming geothermal water was unsuitable for agricultural needs. Consequently, the
well was left untended.

In 1964, a geothermal energy enterprise revisited the Fly Ranch property to assess the geysers’ potential;
yet this time, no geothermal functionality was detected, prompting their departure after resealing the geyser.
Apparent miscalculations resulted in a new geyser emerging approximately 100 yards from the original, consequently
diminishing its water pressure.

Over the last four decades, the Fly Geyser, also referred to as the Fly Ranch Geyser, has experienced
significant growth, characterized by multiple outlets that eject water and steam several feet into the air.
Its unique greenish-reddish hues are primarily attributed to the presence of thermophilic algae.

8. International Car Forest of the Last Church, Goldfield

Be not deceived by the title of this artistic installation, as it bears no resemblance to any form of religious
establishment. Instead, the International Car Forest of the Last Church genuinely encompasses a large area
featuring forty painted and graffiti-decorated vehicles arranged in peculiar formats.

This art installation was founded by Mark Rippie, who initiated the project in 2002. It garnered the attention
of Chad Sorg, celebrated for Reno’s NadaDada Motel, upon his passage through Goldfield in 2004. By 2011, Sorg
relocated to Goldfield and commenced working alongside Rippie.

The pair gathered cars, buses, trucks, and vans, exhibiting them in upright positions or stacked upon one
another in eccentric, abstract configurations. Additionally, the junked vehicles are elaborately painted in
vibrant colors, adorned with skulls, caricatures of various politicians, and more.

Unfortunately, the two artists parted ways due to a dispute; Rippie is currently incarcerated while Sorg
has returned to Reno. However, the abandoned artful junkyard remains, inviting passersby to explore.

9. St. Valentine’s Day Massacre Wall, Las Vegas

The Mob Museum in Las Vegas is a three-story facility dedicated to preserving and chronicling the history of
organized crime in America. Among its notable exhibits is the infamous wall known as the St. Valentine’s Day
Massacre Wall.

During the protracted rivalry between Al Capone, the leader of the South Side Italians, and Bugs Moran,
leader of the North Side Gang, there were ongoing conflicts over territory and illicit resources, instilling
fear in the local population of being caught in the crossfire. An unsuccessful ambush by Moran against a
South Side member led to the tragic deaths of several North Side associates.

McGurn, after aligning with Capone, schemed to lure Moran and his entourage to a warehouse under the pretense
of acquiring fine whiskey at low prices. On February 14, 1929, seven North Side affiliates assembled in
anticipation of the deal. Instead, they were confronted by a squad of men posing as law enforcement who ordered
them to face the wall, hands raised—essentially, a scripted raid. Fortunately, Moran was delayed, spotting the squad
car prior to entering the warehouse, but this delay did not prevent the ensuing bloodbath that is now referred
to as the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre.

Although the wall had initially been demolished, it has since been retrieved by the Mob Museum and now
serves as a captured relic of one of the most notorious massacres in American history.

10. Old Tonopah Cemetery, Tonopah

Situated adjacent to the well-known Clown Motel, the Old Tonopah Cemetery itself elicits an eerie ambiance.
Though it has remained abandoned since 1911, the cemetery is located in Tonopah, a site with a population just over
1,000—not officially classified as a ghost town.

The cemetery’s inception began with the burial of John Randel Weeks, recognized as the first individual laid to
rest there. Approximately three hundred individuals are documented as having been interred from 1901 to 1911 until
the grounds reached capacity, necessitating the relocation of the deceased.

Among the buried comprise several notable townsfolk who succumbed to the inexplicable Tonopah Plague of 1902,
along with 14 miners who perished during the Tonopah-Belmont Mine fire in 1911.

Many local residents believe the cemetery is haunted; however, some assert that the nearby Mizpah Hotel and
Silver Rim Elementary School may be even more spectral than this ancient burial site.

11. Akhob, Las Vegas

Affluence and grandeur epitomize the quintessential lifestyle in Las Vegas, prompting various businesses to meet
the demands of high rollers frequenting the city.

In an artistic venture in 2013, Louis Vuitton, the globally recognized luxury retail brand, commissioned
renowned artist James Turrell to create a permanent art installation occupying a concealed space on the store’s
fourth level.

The term “Akhob” translates to “pure water,” originating from Egypt’s Amarna period. This installation, referred
to as a “Ganzfield,” consists of several circular openings leading into two expansive chambers adorned with
oscillating, slowly changing lights. With no visible wall edges or corners, visitors may find themselves
disoriented, struggling to locate the entryway they originally utilized—an ode to the brilliance of Turrell’s
lightworks.

While admission is complimentary, prior arrangements for appointments are advisable to ensure entry.

12. The Republic of Molossia, Dayton

The Republic of Molossia claims to be a micro-nation within Nevada’s borders, established on December 3,
1999. Kevin Baugh, an individual with a remarkable vision, had the ambition to transform his imaginative concept
of creating a micro-nation into reality.

Initially known as the Grand Republic of Vuldstein throughout the 1990s, the name was officially
modified to the Republic of Molossia in 1999, with Baugh taking on the role of President. The capital,
Baughston (originally named Espera and renamed in honor of the President on his 51st birthday), spans over an
acre of land, including the President’s residence, where he lives with his family and pets.

Astonishingly, this micro-nation operates outside of American jurisdiction, does not pay taxes, and has its
own currency, printed on poker chips. It does not welcome new citizens and offers stamps to those who carry
their passports.

Pre-arranged tours are conducted by President Baugh, who is notably proud to don his distinctive Molossian
uniform while sharing the history of his “nation.”

13. Devil’s Hole, Amargosa Valley

Amargosa Valley is recognized as one of the hottest and driest locations in the Western Hemisphere,
containing an extensive network of subterranean water-filled caves that nourish various species of ancient fish.
Devil’s Hole, a heavily protected fissure, serves as a primary access point to this water-filling cave system.

As a detached component of Death Valley National Monument, Devil’s Hole achieved designation as a National
Wildlife Refuge in 1984, serving as a sanctuary for the Pupfish, a species anciently traced back over 25,000
years, found solely in the waters of this geological feature.

Although the precise depth and extent of these geothermal waters have yet to be uniformly recorded, numerous
researchers have sacrificed their lives in the quest for knowledge!

Additionally, Devil’s Hole possesses the ability to monitor worldwide seismic activity, detecting
happenings even thousands of miles away.

14. Lost City Museum, Overton

The Lost City Museum ranks among the seven state museums in Nevada, dedicated prominently to conservatively
preserving the region’s history that might have otherwise been obscured by the establishment of Lake Mead.

Originally called the Boulder Dam Park Museum upon its establishment in 1935, it is now maintained by the
state. The museum’s exhibits originate from as far back as 8000 CE, particularly from the Pueblo Grande de
Nevada, a site largely inundated by Lake Mead.

Currently, the Lost City Museum showcases artifacts unearthed from the remnants of the Pueblo Grande de
Nevada site, as well as objects salvaged post-flooding. Among its most cherished items is a replica Anasazi
pueblo cluster found during excavations.

15. Burlesque Hall of Fame, Las Vegas

The Burlesque Hall of Fame is not a museum that families would typically frequent, especially with minors,
as it stands as one of the only museums globally dedicated to the art of risqué dancing.

Established and curated by Dixie Evans, the Burlesque Hall of Fame in Las Vegas was previously known as
Exotic World. It houses an extensive collection of costumes, props, and memorabilia that narrate the evolution
of this seductive dance form. The museum aims to preserve the legacy of American burlesque while supporting
aging performers in the industry.

Originally based in California, Evans relocated the museum to Las Vegas in 2006. Exotic World began as a
private collection of retired exotic dancer Jennie Lee, which Evans later acquired and curated, having herself
been a former burlesque performer.

The Burlesque Hall of Fame showcases thousands of vintage stage costumes, photographs, props, and personal
belongings of artists associated with this provocative art form.

16. Lehman Caves, Baker

Located within Great Basin National Park, the Lehman Caves offer a stunning cave system boasting over
300 unique rock formations, shields, various fauna and flora, alongside an abundance of stalagmites,
stalactites, and helictites. Also residing within the caves is a rare species of pseudoscorpion that is confined
solely to the national park ecosystem.

Inside the caves, remarkable geological features that extend from the ceilings and emerge from the ground
present splendid vistas. First designated as a National Monument in 1922, the caves were incorporated into
Great Basin National Park in 1986.

Reportedly, cave exploration began in the 1880s; it’s presumed that they may have served as burial grounds
for indigenous tribes prior to their discovery.

Guided tours of the caves are available year-round, excluding major holidays.

17. The Simpsons House, Henderson

Who doesn’t recognize the iconic Simpsons? Although the family is entirely fictional and animated, they have left an
indelible mark on culture while growing up. As part of a collaborative promotional venture, Fox and Pepsi commissioned
the construction of ‘The Simpsons House’ in Henderson, Nevada.

This full-sized replica emulates the actual home depicted in the cartoon, complete with a sizable garage, bay windows,
and an arch-shaped front door. Though the chimney serves as a visual display, it is unnecessary for property situated in
a desert.

Notably, the reception of the house did not match the expectations of its developers; the actual contest winner eventually
opted to exchange the house for $75,000 in cash.

Since 2001, ownership has transitioned to a private individual, and many alterations have been made, such as repainting
the exterior in beige (contrasting from the vibrant colors seen on the animated series). While entry into the house is
restricted, external observation remains permissible.

18. U.S. Route 50, Austin

Commonly dubbed the “loneliest road in America,” U.S. Route 50 spans a picturesque stretch originating from
Sacramento, California, and ending in Ocean City, Maryland, encompassing Austin, Nevada.

This designation arises from the absence of tourist attractions along the route, historically deemed the loneliest
roadway until the state’s tourism board began capitalizing on this notion by advertising it as a primary reason to
explore this isolated stretch. The board even erected signage throughout the route and produced “survival guides”
for daring travelers.

To enhance the journey, visitors can obtain a “I survived the loneliest road in America” passport book from
local suppliers and collect various stamps throughout the adventure. Despite its solitude, the route offers some of
the most breathtaking landscapes across the nation.

19. Goldfield Hotel, Goldfield

Located in Goldfield—a town synonymous with the gold rush that drew countless entrepreneurs worldwide—the
Goldfield Hotel was constructed in 1908 after two predecessors of the same name were destroyed by fire.

The newly erected Goldfield Hotel showcases a Classical Revival architectural style and was built at a cost
ranging from $300,000 to $400,000. The property features 150 guest rooms, all designed with an outward-facing
arrangement to permit natural light.

Numerous ghost stories circulate regarding the property, but the most infamous relates to George Wingfield,
a mining magnate accused of chaining a young girl in Room 109, insisting she bore his child. The girl remained
bound until childbirth—after which either she was killed by Wingfield or perished during labor. Allegedly,
Wingfield disposed of the infant down a mineshaft situated beneath the hotel.

Consequently, lore suggests that Room 109 remains inexplicably cold, with echoes of a baby’s cries resonating
from the depths of the mineshaft.

Regardless of veracity, the Goldfield Hotel has attracted numerous (unauthorized) ghost hunters and urban
exploration enthusiasts.

20. Comstock Cemeteries, Virginia City

As previously stated, Nevada earned its moniker as the Silver State due to the discovery of silver at the
Comstock Lode in Virginia City in 1859.

In addition to its illustrious past, Virginia City functions as the final resting place for numerous intriguing
cemeteries, which may seem odd at first glance. Within the confines of the city lie several adjacent
cemeteries, designated as a National Historic Landmark, serving as the burial grounds for countless miners
who labored there during the silver rush.

These cemeteries are organized by various societal classifications including ethnicity, profession, and religion,
mirroring the structure of the society of that era.

Once recognized for their well-tended Victorian gardens amid Nevada’s arid landscape, the Comstock Cemeteries now
lie partially decayed, suffering from both natural and human-induced deterioration.

21. Pyramid Lake, Reno

Pyramid Lake is recognized for its distinctively shaped pyramid rock formations that protrude above the water’s
surface, establishing it as one of the most recognizable sights globally (much like the images you may have as your
device’s background). This lake’s iconic features are also known to provide a habitat for a rare species of pelican.
Yet the true intrigue lies beneath the surface of Pyramid Lake.

Legend has it that during the time of the Paiute tribe, malformed or unwanted newborns were disposed of in
the lake to ensure only the strongest members survived. Another compelling story narrates of a Paiute tribesman
who fell in love with a mermaid/serpent, who was subsequently rejected by his tribe. Infuriated, the serpent
cursed the lake, following which another serpent disguised as an infant assaulted a woman who attempted to feed it.
The creature spared her life, provided that the tribe granted it permission to inhabit Pyramid Lake permanently.

Whether the ominous tales of serpents or spectral infants are true, Pyramid Lake has established a grim legacy
by claiming the lives of a few fishermen annually.

22. St. Thomas, Clark County

St. Thomas is a small town in Clark County, Nevada, originally founded by Mormon settlers in 1865. However,
it eventually succumbed to flooding from the Colorado River.

At its peak, St. Thomas housed approximately 500 Mormon settlers who believed they had established their
community in Utah. However, later surveys clarified that the settlement was indeed in Nevada, necessitating
settlers to pay taxes, both previously and presently due. The inability to meet these sudden financial obligations
led to the abandonment of St. Thomas in 1871.

New settlers arrived after a period, but their efforts coincided with the construction of Hoover Dam, which
caused the Colorado River to swell, situating the town in uninhabitable conditions. By 1938, the entire locality
was submerged beneath Lake Meade.

Presently, following a significant drop in water levels, fragments of St. Thomas have reappeared, sparking
speculation about its potential revival as a settlement in the near future (if it remains dry enough).

23. Albert Szukalski’s Last Supper, Beatty

Located near the ghost town of Rhyolite, Albert Szukalski’s Last Supper features a collection of twelve
hooded plaster figures that create an eerie silhouette against the hillside below Daylight Pass, reminiscent
of Death itself.

Named after the artist who sculpted this installation in 1984, The Last Supper provides a surreal depiction—
an amalgamation of the desert’s unforgiving climate and a hint of satanic rituals. The inspiration behind
these figures is attributed to da Vinci’s masterpiece of Christ’s Last Supper.

The figures appear as hollow white cloaks devoid of apparent human forms, resting on the grounds of the
Goldwell Open Air Museum. Upon its creation, the collection received considerable acclaim; however, following
a powerful windstorm in 2007 that partially destroyed exhibits, The Last Supper now stands quietly on the hillside,
awaiting curious visitors with an intriguingly haunting allure.

24. Techatticup Mine, Nelson

Nevada’s rich mining heritage is widely recognized; yet, within this once-thriving industry, a dark history of
envy, violence, and bloodshed permeated the atmosphere. The Techatticup Mine, nestled in Nelson, Nevada, has
often been at the center of this notorious narrative.

As early as the 1700s, valuable metals like gold and silver were discovered, yet extensive excavations did
not begin until the mid-1800s, when eager prospectors flocked to the area. Word traveled quickly, prompting
traders from all corners of the globe to drill tunnels and excavate the abundant region.

The tunnels eventually became a refuge for deserters during the Civil War, who sought shelter from pursuit
and harsh desert conditions. With wealth came inevitable disputes over land ownership, igniting violent conflicts
that left a tragic legacy of fatalities.

Eventually, the Techatticup Mine was left abandoned after its resources were depleted. In subsequent years,
the Werly family acquired the land and initiated restoration projects on the dilapidated structures and tunnels.

Currently, guided tours of the area are provided, with the family eager to share the story of the former
mine as well as the unexploited mineral veins of gold and silver still hidden beneath the surface.

25. Complex City, Hiko

Initiated in 1972 by contemporary artist Michael Heizer, Complex City stands at an impressive 80 feet high,
extending a quarter mile wide and a quarter and a half mile long—making it one of the largest art installations
globally. It boasts an estimated size nearly equivalent to that of the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

This monumental sculpture has been meticulously fabricated from concrete, dirt, and rock, exhibiting precise
artistic craftsmanship. Costing millions of dollars, the project has spanned over 45 years. While the City is
deemed not for sale, Heizer intends for it to endure for thousands of years post-completion.

Reportedly, an energy department conducting aerial surveys mistakenly identified the massive installation as a
military operation, showcasing its monumental scale.

Visitor access is currently limited due to ongoing construction, yet special permissions can be sought from
the artist for those interested.

26. Hand of Faith Gold Nugget, Las Vegas

Regarded as the second largest intact gold nugget globally, the Hand of Faith Gold Nugget can be elusive given
the perplexing layout of the Golden Nugget Casino.

Designed to entrap guests, casinos worldwide employ tactics to encourage visitors to linger as long as possible—
from inviting cocktails to mirror-clad hallways, engaging game stations, and the absence of clocks—allowing
patrons to retreat into the boundless thrill.

Wade through blinding illumination, incessant chimes of slot machines, and captivating siren songs until you
finally locate the historic piece of gold discreetly positioned in an unremarkable hallway.

It is noteworthy to mention that the Gold Nugget wasn’t unearthed in Las Vegas or any locality in the
United States; instead, it was discovered by Kevin Hillier in Wedderburn, Australia and sold to the casino
for over a million dollars.

27. The Bristlecone Pines of the Great Basin, Baker

The Bristlecone Pines of the Great Basin are remarkable for two defining traits—their extraordinary age and
incredible resilience against the most brutal weather phenomena. However, these living organisms capable of
surviving freezing temperatures and powerful winds are remarkably vulnerable to human interference.

Deep within Great Basin National Park stand two Bristlecone pine trees, known as the longest living
non-clonal organisms globally—one declared dead, the other alive. The deceased tree, named Prometheus,
underwent examination by researchers, leading to its demise when part of a drilling tool broke off inside it.
This unfortunate decision unveiled data revealing Prometheus to be about 4,862 years old.

Methuselah, the living counterpart, is estimated at roughly 4,850 years old and is presently safeguarded within
the national park.

Although the bristlecone pines are of medium stature, they appear enfeebled. While they can endure unfriendly
weather conditions, they remain extremely susceptible to fires.

28. Coffin It Up, Pahrump

Coffin It Up, situated in Pahrump, Nevada, stands as an unusual graveyard of coffins and headstones stemming
from one of the globe’s most unconventional coffin-manufacturing studios.

While modern caskets and urns have long supplanted traditional coffins, the surrounding cemetery, Coffinwood,
is committed to preserving the artistry of creating obsidian coffins as best as possible. This unique collection
includes both functional and multi-purpose coffins alongside coffin-themed furniture ranging from tables to CD
cases and more.

Moreover, the studio crafts coffin-themed accessories, such as handbags, jewelry, luggage, and even cat beds.

This cemetery adds a quirky flair; it features several headstones, skeletons, real pet burial sites, and likely
the world’s only coffin-shaped greenhouse.

Each year, the creator, Bryan Schoening, takes a unique approach by burying a coffin in memory of the “passing
of the previous year.”

29. Humboldt Museum, Winnemucca

The Humboldt Museum is dedicated primarily to the rich history of the region, showcasing an engaging array of
artifacts that depict Winnemucca’s timeline. This includes period clothing, vintage automobiles, antique furniture,
and the skeleton of an impressive Columbian Mammoth discovered nearby.

Beyond the main two-story museum structure, the Humboldt Museum encompasses the 1907 St. Mary’s Episcopal
Church, the 1899 Richardson-Sanders House, and the 1880s Greinstein Building.

Historically, the museum housed several remains of Paiute and Shoshone tribal individuals, displayed upon
special request. However, these remains have since been relocated to an undisclosed site since 2014.

Additionally, the museum has acquired various buildings dating back to the pre-1920s, focusing on their
occupancy and purposes beyond mere architectural design. Exhibits not only underline the structures in context,
but also highlight the lives of those who lived or worked within them alongside the associated history.

The Humboldt Museum welcomes visitors from Wednesday to Friday every week.

30. Dig This, Las Vegas

Designed specifically for adults, Dig This is an atypical theme park that distinguishes itself from the
traditional casinos and resort venues prevalent in the entertainment capital. As one of the newest attractions
in Las Vegas, the park is construction-themed, granting adults the opportunity to operate heavy machinery and
engage in various skill challenges.

Founded in 2007 by New Zealand-based artist Ed Mumm, Dig This stemmed from the realization that adults could
find excitement in manipulating heavy construction equipment.

For several hundred dollars, a sum trivial for the high-rolling visitors to Las Vegas, Dig This occupies a
sprawling five-acre lot and offers access to machinery such as Caterpillar D5 track-type bulldozers and
Caterpillar 315CL hydraulic excavators.

The site additionally features a gift shop and offers a half-hour orientation session, after which visitors
can dig and explore for several hours. Guests can also participate in entertaining skill evaluations that
include tasks such as skillfully plucking basketballs off various safety cones.