There Is A Unique Man-Made Wonder Hiding In This Small Town In Nevada
By Christy Articola|Published December 06, 2023
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Christy Articola
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Christy Articola has lived in Colorado since 2013 and considers herself a Centennial State enthusiast and expert through and through. She's based in Denver metro, but over the past decade, she has traveled to every corner, river, village, park, town, and city in the state and continues to explore it deeper and further whenever she can. Christy simply can't get enough of Colorado, and loves sharing all her adventures with you through Only In Your State! She graduated with a degree in journalism from Fordham University and is thrilled to be working as a full time travel writer for this and other sites - she finally found her perfect niche - and is so grateful for that.
The United States is full of interesting destinations and attractions. Some of us are drawn to the most unique and unusual among them and seek them out wherever they may be. One very unique and unusual attraction in Nevada is Thunder Mountain Monument. This collection of works of art, all by one man, is found on the side of Interstate 80 between Winnamucca and Lovelock, and it was designated a State of Nevada Historic Site in 1992. Read on to learn more about this interesting man-made wonder in Nevada.
Thunder Mountain Monument is one of the most interesting collections of art by one artist in Nevada. Some might even say that it's one of the most interesting in the entire United States.
It was declared a Nevada State Historic Site in 1992. Today, it's a State of Nevada Historic Site Restoration Project, and it is under the care of the artists' grown children.
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So who built this massive, five-acre art exhibition on the side of I-80, anyway - and why?
Frank Van Zant was a Native American WWII veteran from Oklahoma. In 1969, he had an epiphany and believed he needed to build shelters for the impending apocalypse on this land in Nevada.
Thunder Mountain Monument is a very unique and special place. Rest in peace, Mr. Van Zant, and thank you for this beautiful and moving collection of art.
Thunder Mountain Monument is unique and unusual, but beautiful. When you visit, you’ll be amazed at the effect it has on you, and you’ll likely take quite a few photos. There’s nothing else quite like it in our nation or in the world – thank goodness for Frank Van Zandt, his creativity and hard work on this, and the fact that Thunder Mountain Monument has been protected for posterity. This is a very cool part of what makes Nevada, well, Nevada. Don’t miss it.
Taking a road trip to Thunder Mountain Monument? Don’t forget to pack some snacks!
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