Nevada is home to plenty of bizarre, unusual, and weird attractions. Nothing can really surprise us anymore because we’ve seen it all. Take these 10 Unusual Spots In Nevada You Never Knew Existed for example. However, by far one of the most bizarre places to exist in Nevada is the Thunder Mountain Monument in Imlay. This is one of those weird attractions you have to see with your own eyes in order to appreciate it fully. Take a look.
Welcome to Thunder Mountain! Located in Imlay, this place is definitely near the top of the list when it comes to the weirdest places you can visit in Nevada. It's hard to describe what this place really is because, well, it's that weird.
Thunder Mountain is classified as a monument and was actually declared a Nevada State Historic Site in 1992. This place may look pretty odd from the outside, but it takes on a whole new meaning once you learn the history behind its creation.
The monument was created by an artist (and World War II vet) Frank Van Zant aka Chief Rolling Thunder. Rolling Thunder moved to this area of the desert with his wife and began creating his "farm", constructing each wacky structure himself.
He erected several buildings including a house and a three-story hostel, along with several intricate and bizarre sculptures. The site became popular among hippie artsy types during the '60s and '70s and even acted as a sort of commune for some time.
One by one, people began to leave. At one point, even Van Zant's wife and children left the farm. Rolling Thunder was left alone with his sculptures and struggling with depression. He would eventually commit suicide on January 5th, 1989.
The monument remained deserted for awhile but it eventually got turned over to Rolling Thunder's son, Dan Van Zant. To this day, visitors are welcome to see the strange monument for themselves.
Much of the monument's original sculptures and structures have been destroyed over the years, but there is still plenty to see. Putting in the work and time to construct this place by hand was a truly impressive feat, and seeing the monument with your own eyes lets you truly appreciate this place for what it is—art.
This is one of those places that could only exist in the remote Nevada desert, where it seems that anything is possible. Next time you find yourself near Imlay, be sure to stop at this weird attraction!
You'll find Thunder Mountain Mountain on the eastern side of Interstate 80 in the small town of Imlay. The address is 800-804 E Star Peak Rd, Imlay, NV 89418.
