Quirky Nevada – Roadside Oddities & Attractions
Nevada, the Silver State, is a land of vast deserts, towering mountains, and shimmering cityscapes. But beyond the well-trodden tourist paths, a world of quirky roadside oddities and attractions awaits discovery. From bottle houses to alien encounters and candy extravaganzas, Nevada offers a unique blend of the bizarre and the beautiful, promising unforgettable experiences for the adventurous traveler. This exploration of quirky Nevada delves into some of the state’s most intriguing hidden gems, inviting you to embrace the unexpected and create lasting memories.
This article will guide you through some of Nevada’s more unusual attractions, destinations that go beyond the glitz and glamour of the Las Vegas Strip and reveal the state’s eccentric soul. Get ready to explore the quirky Nevada that few tourists ever see.
Rhyolite Bottle Building: A Testament to Ingenuity
Deep in the Nevada desert, near the ghost town of Rhyolite, stands a remarkable structure: the Rhyolite Bottle Building. Constructed in 1906 by Tom Kelly, a resourceful saloon owner, this unique house is a testament to human ingenuity and adaptation in the face of adversity. Lumber was scarce in the harsh desert environment, so Kelly turned to an unconventional building material: bottles.
Reportedly, Kelly used approximately 50,000 beer, whiskey, soda, and medicine bottles to construct his unusual dwelling. Imagine the sheer volume of glass, shimmering in the desert sun! Each bottle, carefully placed and mortared together, formed the walls of a surprisingly sturdy and aesthetically pleasing home. At the time of construction, Mr. Kelley was 76 years old, and the construction took him nearly six months to complete.
The history of the Bottle Building is as fascinating as its construction. In 1925, Paramount Pictures recognized its unique appeal and restored the structure for use as a movie set. Following its cinematic debut, the building was gifted to the Beatty Improvement Association, ensuring its preservation as a historical landmark.
Over the years, the Bottle Building has served various purposes. Louis J. Murphy leased the building and, along with Bessie Stratton Moffat, maintained it as a museum until his passing in 1956. Later, Mr. and Mrs. Tommy Thompson took up residence, running both a museum and a relic shop from the premises. Tommy, a musician with ties to Rhyolite’s boomtown past, would often play his accordion in the building. Evan Thompson, their son, was the last known resident, maintaining the property for a time before relocating to Pioneer, Nevada.
Today, the Rhyolite Bottle Building stands as a captivating reminder of the past. Adjacent to the house, visitors can explore a "garden" of sculptures crafted from broken glass. Miniature houses, bottle ropes, and other glass creations add to the site’s whimsical charm. This fascinating attraction is a must-see for those seeking the unusual in quirky Nevada.
Goldwell Open Air Museum: Art Amidst the Desert Sands
Just a stone’s throw from the Rhyolite Bottle Building, as you approach the old townsite of Rhyolite, another unexpected treasure awaits: the Goldwell Open Air Museum. This outdoor art installation is a surreal and thought-provoking collection of large-scale sculptures set against the backdrop of the vast Mojave Desert.
In the late 1980s, a group of Belgian artists, led by Charles Albert Szukalski, chose this desolate landscape as their canvas. The result is a collection of seven striking sculptures that challenge perceptions and ignite the imagination. Perhaps the most famous piece is Szukalski’s ghostly interpretation of "The Last Supper." These figures, draped in white fabric, stand silently against the desert sky, a haunting and unforgettable image.
Other notable works include a towering 25-foot-high pink woman constructed from cinder blocks, a 24-foot-high steel prospector accompanied by an incongruous penguin, a tangled mass of gleaming chrome car parts, and an exquisitely carved winged woman reaching towards the sun from atop a wooden pillar.
The Goldwell Open Air Museum is more than just a collection of sculptures; it’s an experience. The stark beauty of the desert landscape combined with the thought-provoking nature of the art creates a unique and memorable encounter. The museum is free and open to the public, offering a chance to contemplate art and nature in perfect harmony. This is another prime example of the quirky Nevada that awaits exploration.
M&M’s World: A Sweet Escape in Las Vegas
Leaving the stark beauty of the desert behind, our journey into quirky Nevada takes us to the dazzling lights of Las Vegas. Here, amidst the casinos and entertainment venues, lies a sugary paradise: M&M’s World. Located in the Showcase Mall on the Las Vegas Strip, this multi-story attraction is a vibrant celebration of the iconic candy.
Step inside, and you’ll be greeted by a riot of color and a symphony of sweet aromas. Life-size M&M’s characters, each with their own personality and style, hawk everything from t-shirts and souvenirs to an overwhelming assortment of M&M’s in every color imaginable – including silver and gold!
A tour of M&M’s World is an immersive experience. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, personalize their own M&M’s, and even catch a 3-D movie featuring the beloved Red and Yellow M&M’s on a hilarious adventure in Las Vegas. The film follows Red and Yellow’s quest to retrieve Red’s missing "M" from the land of the lost after he loses it at a poker table. Viewers are rewarded with a surprise treat upon exiting the theatre.
The exterior of M&M’s World is just as eye-catching as the interior. A massive 3D M&M’s bag, shaking out candy, dominates the Strip skyline. Three colossal M&M’s characters, standing 15 to 19 feet tall, beckon passersby to enter the sweet wonderland. One see-through wall on the second floor is filled floor-to-ceiling with M&M’s, creating a breathtaking visual spectacle.
M&M’s World is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the Las Vegas Strip. Whether you’re a candy lover, a souvenir hunter, or simply seeking a fun and whimsical experience, M&M’s World offers a sweet treat for everyone. Hours are 9 am-11 pm, Sunday-Thursday and 9 am-12 am Friday-Saturday.
Alien Research Center: Exploring the Extraterrestrial Highway
Venture out of Las Vegas, and you will find more evidence of quirky Nevada. Nevada’s allure extends beyond the terrestrial, delving into the realm of the extraterrestrial. The state is famous for Area 51, a highly classified United States Air Force facility, and the Extraterrestrial Highway, also known as Nevada State Route 375. Along this lonely stretch of road, you’ll find the Alien Research Center near Crystal Springs.
This roadside attraction is a must-see for UFO enthusiasts and anyone with a curiosity about the unknown. The Alien Research Center is more than just a gift shop; it’s a gateway to a world of conspiracy theories, alien sightings, and government secrets. You’ll find a quirky collection of alien-themed merchandise, including t-shirts, posters, books, and novelty items.
The real draw of the Alien Research Center is its atmosphere. The surrounding landscape is desolate and otherworldly, adding to the sense of mystery and intrigue. Many visitors report feeling a strange energy in the area, fueling the belief that this is a hotspot for extraterrestrial activity. Whether you’re a true believer or a skeptic, a visit to the Alien Research Center is sure to be a memorable experience.
Nevada: A State of Surprises
From the Rhyolite Bottle Building to the Goldwell Open Air Museum, M&M’s World, and the Alien Research Center, Nevada is a state full of surprises. These quirky roadside oddities and attractions offer a glimpse into the state’s unique character and provide unforgettable experiences for those willing to venture off the beaten path. So, the next time you find yourself in Nevada, be sure to explore beyond the bright lights and discover the quirky Nevada that awaits.
Nevada’s charm lies not just in its shimmering casinos and sprawling desert landscapes but also in these unexpected treasures that dot its highways and byways. Embrace the unusual, the whimsical, and the bizarre, and you’ll discover a side of Nevada that few tourists ever see. The Silver State is ready to surprise you with its unique blend of art, history, and just plain oddity. Go explore quirky Nevada!