The Clown Motel

Welcome to The Clown Motel in Nevada

Fear Factor: Nevada Edition. Exactly what it sounds like, The Clown Motel in Tonopah boasts what’s got to be the largest private collection of clown figurines and memorabilia under the sun. If the creepy clown theme—which stretches beyond the lobby and into each room—isn’t enough to spook you, the added bonus of some resident ghosts slinking over nightly from the cemetery next door might just be the ticket. Even if you don’t stay the night, drop by the lobby, get drowned in clowns, and snap up some truly unique souvenirs from the mini gift shop in the corner. Oh, and before we forget: free clown noses, anyone?

Staying at The Clown Motel in Tonopah, NV

Aside from the name of the property and flashing bulb marquee out front, what makes The Clown Motel live up to its name? A collection of more than 2,000 clown figurines from all corners of the globe, of course. It all started in 1985 when Leona and Leroy David built this motel in memory of their father, Clarence David—a clown lover who left a collection of 150 clowns in his home. The David siblings decided to use them as the theme and focal point of their motel in memory of their father.

Guests will come face to face with thousands of clowns adorning the shelves of the motel lobby at check-in, and all 31 rooms feature two to three custom clown art pieces. If you’re looking for a possible otherworldly experience, consider requesting a stay in rooms 108, 111, 210, and 214. Spirited or not, any room you book will come complete with a TV, fridge, microwave, and AC/heat.

The Clown Motel is situated directly next to the historic Old Tonopah Cemetery, entombing many of Tonopah’s earliest silver mine workers who died in a tragic mining accident—the Belmont Mine Fire of 1911. Along with its obvious clown theme, The Clown Motel has been named “America’s Scariest Motel” due to its proximity to the Tonopah cemetery grounds and featured on Travel Channel’s “Ghost Adventures.” 

Situated almost exactly between Reno and Las Vegas, you’ll find The Clown Motel on the north end of Tonopah, a desert town brimming with mining history and steeped in stories. Free wifi and complimentary lobby coffee are offered at The Clown Motel, as are barbeque grills you can use on your patio. Pets are welcome with an additional fee, too. The place has a habit of booking up more often than not, so be sure to secure your reservation before you hit the road. 

For a welcoming night’s stay paired with a proper dose of Weird Nevada, make sure a visit to The Clown Motel is part of your next #NVRoadTrip.