Alien Research Centre

Taking an RV trip in the USA is a bucket list adventure for many Australians. There’s something incredibly appealing about open roads a little different to what we’re used to – especially in Nevada, where the highways are uncrowded – and the attractions are delightfully quirky. One of my all-time favourite road trips in Nevada is the Extraterrestrial Highway. 

Quirky Stops on the Extraterrestrial Highway

The Extraterrestrial Highway isn’t just about spotting UFOs (although that would be amazing); it’s about embracing the weird, the wonderful, and the downright cheesy. On this road trip, I encountered everything from a fortune-telling Alien Trump to the iconic Black Mailbox, and stocked up on more alien-themed souvenirs than I care to admit. So, if you’re up for a bit of fun and a whole lot of kitsch, here’s what happens on the E.T. Highway in Nevada.

It all started at E.T. Fresh Jerky in Hiko. I’ve tried jerky before, but never ‘Fresh Alien Jerky’, and it seems they like it hot in Nevada, with flavours such as ‘Ring of Fire Beef Jerky’ and ‘Jalapeno Garlic Beef Jerky’. It’s not just the cows that are getting beamed up for fodder here, with packets of wild boar, buffalo and elk jerky up for grabs as well.

Not really wanting to experience the ring of fire jerky first-hand, I instead took the safe route with my jerky, and also stocked up on alien-themed lollies and souvenirs. The Martian-Poop flavoured soft drink was interesting but Jalapeno Pistachios were too much for this spice newbie.

The real highlight at E.T. Fresh Jerky is not the dried meat or lollies, nor is it the aliens dressed in onesies and cowboy hats; it’s the Alien Trump fortune teller. I popped a US dollar bill into the fortune telling machine, and sure enough, Alien Trump let me in on his secret plans, saying, “I’m going to build a wall and Mexico is going to pay for it.” The machine made an old-fashioned printing noise; and soon enough, a souvenir ticket spat out the bottom to soften the blow that I just paid one US dollar to listen to an Alien Trump. Outside, there were plenty of photo opps, with an alien-themed mural along a long brick wall and a crashed UFO, both perfectly in line with the cheesy vibe of the Extraterrestrial Highway. 

No RV road trip is complete without a selfie in front of a sign, right? Well, just a minute past E.T. Fresh Jerky on Highway 318, I found the sign where the fun begins. And one of those stickers I’d just bought a bunch of, I couldn’t resist slapping one on one of the poles. Everyone else had done it, so why not join in the fun?

A couple of minutes further down the road, I arrived at the Alien Research Centre. You can’t miss it – a gigantic silver alien stands guard over a large Quonset hut that’s more of a gift shop than a research facility. Inside, I browsed a treasure trove of even more alien-themed souvenirs and road snacks. I even tried to get some intel on where to spot a UFO and the whereabouts of Area 51, but let’s just say the answers were as mysterious as the topic itself.

Not wanting to spend too many more dollars on cheesy souvenirs, I hit the road for another 30 kilometres, where I almost missed the famous Black Mailbox. This spot has been a meeting place for UFO enthusiasts for decades, and it’s become an iconic stop on the Extraterrestrial Highway. The original owner, Steve Medlin, moved his original mailbox away from the highway after it was stolen and vandalised by E.T. enthusiasts on one too many occasions. This one’s left here for us alien hunters to plaster with stickers and leave messages for our otherworldly friends. Despite Nevada being known as an E.T. hot spot, Steve Medlin was once reported as saying that he doesn’t believe in aliens and has not seen any air traffic beyond US military flights coming and going from the nearby base.

Just as I was about to peek inside the letterbox, three men walked up and commented on my very obvious Australian accent. Turns out one of them was from Australia as well. In fact, he lives just 90 minutes down the road from where I live in Hervey Bay (in Gympie), and was here in the USA to see the eclipse. After the chit-chat was over, we all peeked inside the mailbox.

Inside was a Cheeto and a meat stick, neither of which was in a packet, a few notes to ET, and a half-eaten packet of medicated gummies. I again took the safe option, and decided not to find out if those gummies would help me spot an alien.

Clown Motel

 Unforgettable Experiences at the Little A’Le’Inn

Another 32 kilometres along the highway brought me to Rachel, home of the Little A’Le’Inn. If you’ve seen the move Paul, you’ll recognise this place. If not, stop what you’re doing and watch it – it’s a classic! However, if you’re easily offended by swear words, best not to watch it and keep reading this instead. This quirky spot is the best place to grab some grub and pick up more alien-themed souvenirs. The locals are friendly, and the walls are plastered with photos of UFOs and encounter stories. I even found an original Pac-Man arcade game that still works, as long as you’ve got some US quarters handy.

America’s Scariest Hotel: The Clown Motel

The last leg of the Extraterrestrial Highway took us to Tonopah, home of the world-famous Clown Motel and 175 kilometres further away from any chances of an alien encounter. This place is as creepy as it sounds, filled with clown figurines and memorabilia. Rumour has it, some of the rooms are haunted, and its location next to the Old Tonopah Cemetery only adds to the eerie vibe. I didn’t stay the night, but the staff were kind enough to show me some of the themed rooms – including one dedicated to Pennywise from Stephen King’s It. After visiting the lobby, which boasts one of the largest private collections of clown figurines and memorabilia around, it came as no surprise to learn that this place is also known as ‘America’s Scariest Hotel’. Visitors are welcome to call in and see the clown collection, even if you’re not staying here. Between you and me, I’d rather take my chances with the aliens. 

If you want to stay in Tonopah the night and don’t want to brave the Clown Motel, park up at Tonopah RV for $35 USD per night … where you’ll find full hookups, Wi-Fi, and clean facilities.

Clown Motel

 Did I find Area 51?

Area 51 is the stuff of legends, and while I couldn’t get close enough for a photo (those ‘no trespassing’ signs are no joke), I did do a bit of snooping while chatting with the locals along the way. The US government finally acknowledged its existence in 2013, but it’s still a no-go zone to the public. The closest you can get in a vehicle is about 24 kilometres away, and even flying a drone in the vicinity will get you in trouble. What I will say is this: If you want to get as close as legally possible, ask one of the locals at the Little A’Le’Inn, and if you have a quick peek at Google Maps, you might get an inkling of where it lies in Nevada. 

Useful information on hiring an RV in Nevada

I rented my RV from Cruise America, picking it up and dropping it off in Las Vegas. My 30-foot motorhome felt large by Aussie standards; but in Nevada, it was on the smaller side compared to the massive American rigs.

 Driving in Nevada was a breeze, even on the right-hand side of the road. The highways are in great condition, and the RVs are built for comfort. This trip was everything I’d hoped for and more – a memorable adventure in the heart of Nevada’s alien country.

Trip Details

The Extraterrestrial Highway

Starts: E.T. Fresh Jerky, Hiko, Nevada

Finishes: Tonopah, Nevada

Highways: 375 and 6

Distance: 240 kilometres (149 miles)

Crashed UFO at ET Fresh Jerky 

Category: Destinations
Written: Tue 01 Oct 2024
Printed: October, 2024
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