Let this year be the one you explore the most magnificent hidden gems in Nevada! From the northern mountains to the desert oasis in the south, we’ll discover 12 fascinating and lesser-known epic sights right here in the Silver State. Let's go! Grab your calendar and start planning to see Nevada like never before.

1. Crescent Dunes Solar Energy Project

You might think you’re seeing a mirage in the Nevada desert when you come across these shining beacons of light! The Crescent Dunes is a massive solar energy project in Tonopah, Nevada that covers a whopping 296 acres of land. Built in 2011, the Crescent Dunes Solar Energy Project has had its share of bumps in the road and ceased operation. As recently as 2021, however, new talks of restarting the project have begun again. Visitors can expect educational information throughout and even a shaded picnic area.

2. Natural Arch Trail

The Valley of Fire State Park is one of Nevada’s most beautiful locations, and one of the best ways to see the park is by journeying the Natural Arch Trail! See stunning natural arch formations in vibrant reds. It’s all too easy to pass the Natural Arch Trailhead because there isn’t a road sign marker. However, if you know just where to look, you’ll know you’re in the right place when you find its smaller trailhead sign. Follow a map to this 4.2-mile trail through a sandy channel. You’ll be aptly rewarded with tall canyon walls, dazzling arches, and the kind of sights you could only expect to find in Nevada! Take a look at what makes this trail so magical when you watch the stunning video footage below:

3. Kings Canyon Waterfalls

Head to Nevada’s capital, Carson City, to find the Kings Canyon Waterfall! This is a short and sweet hike that rewards visitors with a 25-foot waterfall that’s sure to make you smile. To get there, take a five-minute drive from downtown Carson’s King Street, going west. There’s even a convenient parking lot as you get ready to undertake the Kings Canyon Trailhead. The stunning waterfall does not allow dogs but welcomes you to explore this pristine and gorgeous area with your human friends and family.

4. The Flamingo Wildlife Habitat

Now, we head to the bright lights of Las Vegas, not for the casinos, but for the pink hues of the Flamingo Wildlife Habitat! Located on the grounds of the Flamingo Hotel and Casino, you’ll enjoy four acres of gardens, streams, waterfalls, dozens of species of birds, and even beautiful koi fish and turtles! Come to this tranquil habitat that’s perfect for the entire family and see Chilean flamingos. It's open seven days a week and is free to enter.

5. Fly Geyser

The Fly Geyser is one of Nevada’s most photographed and sought-after scenic locations for good reason. This geothermal geyser can shoot water up to five feet in the air! Visitors are almost guaranteed to view this spectacular natural phenomenon due to the geyser’s consistency. Not only beautiful to look at, the Fly Ranch Geyser is also an incredible geological sight and one that is continuously growing. Please note that the geyser sits on private property, however, visitors can opt to take a Fly Ranch Nature Walk. Curious to learn more about the geyser? Watch this fascinating video:

6. The Simpsons House

Are you a fan of The Simpsons? The hit television show reached fans on a whole new level when an exact replica was built in Nevada in 1997! The original idea for The Simpson's House was that the house would be given away to a lucky contest winner; however, the winner chose to take home the prize money instead. Today, it is a residential home. Gone is the original paint and Bart’s treehouse, but the attention to detail is amazing enough for any diehard fan. You can find it at 712 Red Bark Ln in Henderson, although please be respectful as it is privately owned.

7. The Lost City Museum

Step back to prehistoric times in an adventurous trip to the Lost City Museum in Overton, Nevada! Learn about the ancestral Puebloans on this ancient site as part of the Boulder Dam Museum. See amazing artifacts up close and walk among reconstructed houses of the time. It is one of the most fascinating hidden gems in Nevada, filled with history that visitors of all ages will enjoy exploring. Learn more about this fascinating landmark when you watch the video below:

8. Thunder Mountain Monument

Art lovers and travelers who appreciate imaginative wonders will truly have found their happy place at Thunder Mountain Monument. This iconic Nevada art installation is a one-of-a-kind creation from Frank Van Zant, starting back in the 1960s. Peruse five acres of buildings and more than 200 sculptures! The site is so impressive, it was deemed a Nevada State Historic Site in 1992. Find Thunder Mountain Monument on Interstate 80. It is open to the public.

9. Lee Canyon

Many know Lee Canyon as a ski resort that draws large crowds each winter, but did you know that the canyon is just as magnificent every season of the year? Located only 35 miles from Las Vegas, the Spring Mountains in Clark County calls all outdoor and nature lovers to come and play. Hike among the ancient Bristlecone Pines, mountain bike through spectacular scenery, or even take a mountainside yoga class. The options are seemingly endless at Lee Canyon, one of Nevada’s most pristine hidden gems.

10. The Clown Motel

It wouldn’t be Nevada without something on the stranger side of things on the list! This motel calls itself, "America’s Scariest Motel," and it may not be far from the truth. Guests find themselves in themed rooms inspired by horror films like the Exorcist and Halloween. While the motel draws paranormal investigators, clown lovers, and even film makers, many come simply for the spectacle that is The Clown Motel. Find it in Tonopah, Nevada, and if you’re feeling brave enough, we recommend you stay a night!

11. Natural Selection

What could be stranger than a clown-themed motel? Why, a taxidermy shop, of course! Situated in Reno, Nevada, this shop of curiosities is run by a mother and daughter team set on wowing customers with their wide collection of taxidermy animals. Feel as if you’re in an exotic garden as you browse aisles of plants, preserved animals, and even fossils. Natural Selection is a unique shopping experience to say the least!

12. The Black Mailbox

And finally, we come to The Black Mailbox, one of the most secretive hidden gems in Nevada. Shrouded in mystery and lore, this Area 51 mailbox has culminated in a staunch following of believers. Famous Area 51 employee, Bob Lazar, has claimed that the location of the mailbox is perfect for reaching and communicating with alien life. What would you say to an alien if you had the chance? Visit to leave your message inside The Black Mailbox, located on the Extraterrestrial Highway. You just might receive an otherworldly reply.

Whether you're looking for off-beat attractions in Nevada, things to do in Nevada, or simply the best hidden gems in Nevada, we sure hope this list has come in handy. It's time to get excited about all the sightseeing possibilities that await in Nevada! Make it a year like no other by visiting the state’s most unique hidden gems. The only thing left to do is pack your bags!

Do you have any hidden gems in Nevada of your own that you’d like to add to this list? Feel free to share it with us in the comments -- we would love to hear from you!

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