Hot Air for Hope – Carson Valley Balloon Festival

Looking for a double dose of adventure? Pair a picturesque hot spring soak with an awesome only-in-Nevada experience.

In honor of Nevada's birthday, we’re back with another lineup of historical figures every Nevada-lover should get to know—as well as museums, state parks, and other intriguing places you can follow in their footsteps, all around the Silver State.

We don’t bill Nevada as “The Weirdest, Wildest West” for nothing. Between multiple haunted hotels, mannequin cities built just for atomic bombing, and a little ol’ government facility by the name of Area 51, the Silver State is a hoppin’ hotbed of otherworldly experiences. Go supernatural sightseeing with this list of spooky sites, and prepare to get your paranormal on.

We sat down with Hame Anand, CEO and de facto spokesman of The Clown Motel, to chat about the world-infamous lodging destination, its resident ghosts, art, and (of course) clowns.

Know someone who’d love to get their hands on Nevada’s history and heritage? Treat devotees of days gone by to guided tours (by foot, boat, and train), museum memberships, western wear, and storied Silver State stays.

Most Renoites have visited Virginia City. But have you really experienced the place? While you may have attended some wild annual events, until you’ve hunted barroom ghosts, danced a jig with locals clad in Victorian get-ups, or explored an underground mine or two.

Marked by stunning contrasts around every bend, the Great Basin Highway blasts out of Las Vegas and winds through wide-open country to several Nevada State Parks and a couple of small towns teeming with tales. Pack all the things—this route is replete with hiking, biking, camping, fishing, and stargazing opportunities.

From Raquel Welch at the Genoa Bar, to the Rat Pack in Lake Tahoe and Bing Crosby in Elko, Nevada is full of some serious Hollywood history. #NVHistory

These backcountry destinations might mean arrival by a rough road or hike, but time it right and you could have a pristine aquatic playground practically to yourself.