International Car Forest of the Last Church

Alongside tailing piles from the “Last Great Gold Camp,” get to know this desert forest one rusted out, perfectly teetering, partially buried vehicle at a time. Take the detour off US 95—also known as the Free-Range Art Highway—throw it in park, and explore this landscape of junk cars at one of the largest (and free) open-air art galleries in Nevada.

Part of the Goldfield scene for years, the International Car Forest was created by longtime resident Mark Rippie, whose vision was to break the Guinness World Record for the world’s biggest car forest. Joined by artists Chad Sort and Zak Sargent, the three set to work, burying the noses of more than 40 cars, vans, trucks, and buses. Outdoor car exhibits are found in other states (like Texas’ Cadillac Ranch or Nebraska’s Carhenge, for example), but Goldfield’s International Car Forest of the Last Church is, in fact, the largest in the country.

Today, visitors and Nevadans alike can explore this free, one-of-a-kind gallery with constantly changing artwork commissioned by artists near and far. Some cars are forcefully driven into the ground or clawing toward the sky, while others are carefully balanced atop each other. Sign the visitor log at the Car Forest’s entrance, where you can hit the restroom and stock up on Goldfield resources about things to see and do in the region.

Looking to keep the weird and wild vibes rolling? Head back into Goldfield to discover more artwork like Rocket Bob’s Art Cars, an array of local art of sold at shops across town, and the lowdown on more Weird Nevada greats right in the heart of this historic gold mining town.