Photo credit: www.travelzoo.com
Autumn is the quintessential season for celebrating the eerie and the unreal, bringing to mind spooky gatherings, haunted attractions, and the thrill of ghostly legends. Whether savoring a spiked cider at a hauntingly themed venue or wandering under the moonlight in an ancient cemetery, the atmosphere is ripe for encounters of the supernatural kind.
However, the Silver State offers a unique twist to traditional fall festivities with its renowned Extraterrestrial Highway, an array of unsettling desert art, and a wealth of abandoned towns that exceed the number of populated ones. Remarkably, Nevada boasts over 600 ghost towns, a testament to its rich and often enigmatic history.
For those daring enough to explore, grab Travel Nevada’s Paranormal Passport and embark on an unforgettable journey through the state’s spine-tingling locales. With each location you check off, you’ll earn points redeemable for unique souvenirs while accumulating haunting memories from times long past.
Here are seven highlighted destinations worth visiting:
Rhyolite
Once a flourishing gold mining boomtown, Rhyolite now stands as an evocative ghost town, adorned with the remnants of its former buildings. Located near Death Valley National Park, this historic area is perfect for day trips from Las Vegas. Highlights include the intriguing Tom Kelly Bottle House, featuring walls constructed from thousands of old bottles, as well as the impressive sculptures at the Goldwell Open Air Museum.
Visiting Rhyolite can earn you 15 points on your passport.
The Extraterrestrial Highway Sign
Approaching the tiny settlement of Rachel, known for its proximity to the secretive Area 51, the Extraterrestrial Highway sign is a must-stop for enthusiasts and the curious alike. This iconic location promises UFO sightings and various alien-themed attractions. Notable sites include The Little A’Le’Inn, famed for its Alien Burger, and the Alien Research Center.
A stop on this highway also rewards you with 15 passport points.
Gold Hill Hotel & Saloon
As the oldest hotel in Nevada, established in 1859, the Gold Hill Hotel in Virginia City invites visitors to experience its layered history as a brothel and private residence. To truly dive into the ghostly lore of this area, consider booking a room known for its ethereal residents, or stop by the saloon for a taste of history and a chance to collect 25 passport points.
Old Tonopah Cemetery and The Clown Motel
This unique pairing brings together an early 20th-century burial ground and a whimsical yet creepy motel filled with clown memorabilia. The Clown Motel, often dubbed America’s scariest hotel, is worth a visit whether you stay overnight or just stop by. Be sure to pick up a cemetery brochure to explore the stories of those laid to rest nearby, collectively offering up to 30 points for your passport.
Goldfield High School
This former educational institution in Goldfield was once the crown jewel of local wealth. Opened in 1907, it features stunning architecture and was equipped with one of the first full-size basketball courts. Despite its restoration, tales of ghostly encounters linger, especially in the boys’ bathroom. You can collect 25 points by visiting.
Tom Devlin’s Monster Museum
Located near Boulder City, this museum showcases the world of film’s most storied monsters. Tom Devlin’s Monster Museum features a collection of iconic props and costumes, alongside a retro arcade for gaming enthusiasts. It offers 10 passport points as a bonus to the macabre experience.
Washoe Club & Haunted Museum Ghost Tour
This historic club in Virginia City, established in 1875, once catered to elite guests and now offers guided tours through its hauntingly beautiful interior. Guests can explore tales of yore and possibly encounter historic spirits. The tour is open to everyone, and visitors earn 15 passport points for participating.
Source
www.travelzoo.com