The One Thing To Do in Nevada Before the End of the Year

Nevada reminds me of New York in many ways. For starters, it’s home to Las Vegas, the “other” city that never sleeps—literally. Moreover, during the holidays, the state lights up with tons of festive celebrations. And while these seasonal festivities are great ways to close out the year, I prefer to check out quirky attractions that you can’t find anywhere else. 

These are the hidden gems in the quiet desert corners that people skip for more popular options. Take, for instance, the International Car Forest in Goldfield. It’s one of the wackiest attractions in Nevada, and you must see it for yourself to believe it. If you want to close out this year with something truly magical that will leave you with seriously awesome memories, spend a dreamy night under the stars at this unique year-end adventure in Nevada.

Discover Nevada’s Living Ghost Town

You might know Goldfield as the mostly abandoned ghost town in Nevada. Sandwiched between Reno and Las Vegas along US Route 95, the city gained popularity during the Gold Rush Era. Due to dwindling gold supply and multiple unfortunate disasters, Goldfield eventually became a living ghost town. Today, with only about 200 residents, the historic destination is filled with mostly abandoned buildings, each with a story to tell.

Some have even said the town is haunted, so obviously, it has attracted paranormal enthusiasts from all over. They come to experience the lingering souls at the historic Goldfield Hotel, Goldfield High School, and the courthouse. Of course, Halloween is a popular time of visit, but it’s also a wonderful destination to close out the year.

Wrap Up the Year With an Unforgettable Adventure

During the holiday season, the town of Goldfield shines with hundreds of twinkling lights. And while the Wild West town dazzles with holiday cheer, a quieter corner glows in its own magical way. On a dirt road just outside of the square is the International Car Forest, an art display unlike anything you’ve ever seen.

Imagine a wacky place where whimsical painted cars, vans, and trucks are stacked or buried nose-up/down in the desert landscape. It’s the kind of place where old, dilapidated vehicles come to find new life. On the surface, this artwork is a creative graveyard of abandoned vehicles, yet it somehow manages to capture visitors’ attention. It’s a bit creepy, it’s a bit imaginative, it’s a bit mysterious, and you’ll for sure be left wondering what you walked into.  

This Nevada oddity is the brainchild of local artists Mark Rippie and Chad Sorg. The purpose? To create a visually captivating exhibit combining nature, art, and human junk. After an argument led to a falling out, this unique creation is now managed by local artists. Depending on when you visit, the designs will change and have even been themed for the holidays.  

Since the area is open 24/7, visitors can access it at any time of the day. But for something truly spectacular, plan your trip around sunset and stay until the evening sky fills with dancing stars. On a clear night, the twinkling stars make the desert feel otherworldly. 

And with Goldfield being a dark sky area due to its low light pollution, the car forest becomes a dreamland for those seeking something different to close out the year in Nevada. Sure, Christmas lights are dreamy, too, but witnessing nature’s starry show over the desert in a creepy car graveyard is nothing short of next-level cool.  

You can spend as much time here checking out the themed vehicles. Just remember, this is an art installation, so respect the property. If you’re a photographer, have your camera ready to snap pics for your Instagram. The little ones will have a blast here, climbing inside the abandoned cars.   

Spend the Night in a Haunted Town

After a fun night of stargazing at the car forest, head back to Goldfield to check out some of the attractions in town. Go on a self-guided ghost tour or grab a bite to eat from Santa Fe Saloon and Motel. This iconic restaurant is a living museum of gold mining relics and one of the longest continually operating businesses in Nevada. While in town, the motel would be a wonderful base camp. 

You’ll want to spend the next day in Goldfield exploring all that this living ghost town has to offer. Between stargazing at the car forest and spending the night in a real haunted town, this is one year-end adventure in Nevada that you won’t forget. 

Have you ever been to Goldfield? Did you visit the car forest while you were there? Tell us on our nomination page about your favorite attraction in town. 

And when you’re feeling inspired, use Only In Your State’s itinerary planner to discover more ways to close out the year with a bang!