There’s definitely not a shortage of weird sights and attractions here in Nevada. In fact, you’ll come across some of the most absurd spots in the state where you’d least expect them—like a golf course of all places. At first, Silver Oak Golf Course looks like your typical place to knock around a few golf balls. However, it isn’t long before you see that this place takes the term “driving range” to heart. The Cadillac driving range is certainly a bizarre sight, but the story behind its creation makes it all the more fascinating.
You may have heard of Texas' famous Cadillac Ranch, but did you know that Nevada is home to its own? The Cadillac Driving Range at Carson City's Silver Oak Golf Course is one of the most bizarre sights in the state, and believe us, that's saying a LOT.
Although it may appear as a typical golf course at first, Silver Oak has proven itself as anything but ordinary. After all, it's not very often you come across a driving range that's full of half-buried vintage Cadillacs.
When you see the bizarre sight of ten vintage cars sticking out of the ground, the first thought that comes to your mind may simply be "Why?" Garth Richards, a developer at Silver Oak and the man behind this unique attraction, has a simple answer. It turns out golfers just like hitting things with golf balls!
It all started in 1974 when Garth began collecting old cars along with any type of vintage roadside memorabilia he could get his hands on. That was also the year Texas' Cadillac Ranch came to be. Garth decided to follow suit by burying his collection of junker Cadillacs in 2017.
The cars themselves were funky enough, but they were given whole new meaning in 2018 when an art teacher, Gina Cifonelli, and her students took on the task of painting the cars—each with a different Nevada-inspired theme. Upon taking a closer look at the cars, you'll spot familiar sights like the V&T Railroad or even the state's Capitol.
However, the vintage treasures don't end on the driving range. Take a look inside of Silver Oak's golf shop and you'll find yourself immersed in 1950s and 1960s memorabilia. It's like a museum of all-things-Americana, and it's definitely a nice surprise for golfers.
Silver Oak is a public golf course, so stop on by, pick up a bucket of golf balls, and try your hand at hitting one of these vintage Cadillacs yourself. It may be a little wacky, but that's exactly what we love about it! Learn more about Silver Oak Golf Course here.
