For many Australian families, an RV road trip across the USA is a dream come true. And for those who love quirky attractions, uncrowded roads, and a bit of mystery, Nevada’s ET Highway is an adventure not to miss. While technically, this trip can be done in a single day, where’s the fun in that? With so many strange and wonderful stops along the way, you’ll want to take your time, enjoy the alien-themed kitsch, and make plenty of family memories.
Whether your kids are sci-fi buffs or just love a good laugh, this adventure offers an abundance of photo ops, kitschy stops, and cheesy alien-themed fun. So, grab your camera, pack up the kids, and hit the road for an out-of-this-world family experience.
Psst. Scroll down the bottom if you’d prefer to watch our YouTube video on the ET Highway instead!
The ET Highway
- Starts: E.T. Fresh Jerky, Hiko, Nevada
- Finishes: Tonopah, Nevada
- Highways: 375 and 6
- Distance: 240km (149 miles)
Now, let’s dive into the must-see stops along the way.
#1. ET Fresh Jerky, Hiko
Your ET Highway adventure in Nevada kicks off at ET Fresh Jerky in Hiko, a quirky pitstop full of alien-themed treats. You might’ve had jerky before, but you’ve probably never tried alien jerky! If masticating dried meat isn’t your thing, don’t worry; there are plenty of other alien-themed snacks to try, like Martian-Poop soft drink and jalapeño pistachios. All ages will love the novelty flavours, and it’s a great chance to grab some road trip snacks.
The real showstopper here, though, is the Alien Trump fortune teller. Feed it a dollar, and you’ll get a wildly “profound” message—plus a ticket as a souvenir of your interaction with this strange relic of political commentary.
Before you leave, don’t forget to take a bathroom break. The shop proudly boasts the “cleanest restrooms in Area 51,” and you’ll appreciate stopping here as restrooms are few and far between along the ET Highway in Nevada. Outside, snap some pics with the alien-themed mural and a mock UFO crash site. Yes, the mural might be a little cheesy, but that’s part of the charm of this alien adventure.
#2. ET Highway sign, Hiko
A minute’s drive from ET Fresh Jerky, you’ll find the ET Highway sign, a must for that iconic Nevada road trip selfie. It marks the point where you’ll veer off onto Highway 375, the official Nevada ET Highway. Keep a spare sticker handy to join the many travellers before you who’ve left their mark on the signpost.
#3. Alien Research Centre, Hiko
A couple of minutes further along Nevada’s ET Highway, a towering silver alien gleams in the desert sun, guiding you to the Alien Research Centre. Despite the name, this isn’t a scientific facility but rather a giant, silver Quonset hut filled with—you guessed it—alien souvenirs.
Inside, you’ll find an abundance of alien-themed trinkets and road trip essentials. The kids will love browsing the quirky merchandise, and if anyone’s curious about UFOs or Area 51, the staff are happy to chat. Just don’t expect them to reveal any top-secret alien knowledge!
#4. The Black Mailbox
About 30km (18.5 miles) past the Alien Research Centre on the ET Highway in Nevada, you’ll come across the Black Mailbox, a seemingly ordinary spot with an extraordinary backstory. For decades, it’s been a gathering place for UFO enthusiasts who believe this remote mailbox is a hub for extraterrestrial sightings. Owned by rancher Steve Medlin, who has yet to see any aliens himself, the original mailbox was moved after too many incidents of vandalism, but this iconic replica remains.
Take a peek inside the box—it’s full of letters and presents that visitors have left behind for our ET friends. On our visit, we found a half-eaten meat stick, some Cheetos, and plenty of messages for potential alien visitors. Feel free to leave your note or slap on another sticker.
#5. Area 51 (from afar)
While you can’t officially visit Area 51, no trip along the ET Highway in Nevada is complete without acknowledging this top-secret site. With countless UFO sightings and conspiracy theories, Area 51 has been at the centre of alien lore for decades.
Though trespassing is strictly prohibited, and the base is guarded by tight security, the mysterious aura surrounding it is undeniable. If you’re curious, you can check out Google Maps for an approximate location, but be warned—you won’t get too close, and trying to sneak a photo near the boundary is definitely not advised. As Travel Nevada puts it: “When it comes to Area 51 – don’t be a space invader!”
#6. Little A’Le’Inn, Rachel
About 32km (20 miles) further along the highway, you’ll reach the Little A’Le’Inn in Rachel, the town closest to Area 51. This roadside diner along the ET Highway in Nevada is also a motel and a hub for alien enthusiasts – you might recognise it from the 2011 film Paul.
Grab a bite to eat, browse the quirky UFO memorabilia, and chat with the friendly locals about UFO sightings. This spot is perfect for snapping photos of quirky signs and artifacts. Inside, you’ll find great burgers, a vintage arcade Pacman game (not a vintage replica) and firsthand accounts of UFO encounters lining the walls.
#7. Clown Motel, Tonopah
Your final stop on Nevada’s ET Highway is the famous (and very creepy) Clown Motel in Tonopah, known as “America’s Scariest Hotel.” Even if you don’t plan to stay the night, it’s worth visiting to check out the vast collection of clown figurines and memorabilia. If you’re into horror, the themed rooms—complete with Pennywise from Stephen King’s It—will give you goosebumps.
Rumour has it some rooms are haunted, and the motel’s location beside the old Tonopah Cemetery only adds to the eerie atmosphere. It’s a memorable, if slightly spooky, way to end your family’s ET Highway adventure!
Where to stay along the ET Highway
While you could technically complete the ET Highway in Nevada in a day, it’s much more fun to take your time. Here are some overnight options for families:
- Little A’Le’Inn, Rachel: Park your RV here for $30 USD per night or rent one of their motel rooms. You’ll have access to water and power (though no sewer hookups), and it’s the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the quirky surroundings.
- Tonopah RV Park: For $35 USD per night, you can park your RV in Tonopah with full hookups, WiFi, clean laundry, and shower facilities.
- Clown Motel, Tonopah: Stay here if you dare. But if you do, rest assured if you have young kids, they’ll be back to sleeping in your bed for the next 12 months.
RV hire and road conditions in Nevada
We rented our RV from Cruise America in Las Vegas and grabbed the largest in the lot. While a 30ft RV might seem huge in Australia (where we flew in from), you’ll find it’s often the smallest on Nevada’s roads. Local campgrounds are filled with massive American RVs.
Roads in Nevada are built for road trips, and the ET Highway is no exception, with smooth driving the entire way. And while driving on the right side of the road takes a bit of getting used to, the wide open highways and excellent road conditions make this a stress-free family road trip.
Final thoughts on the ET Highway in Nevada
The ET Highway in Nevada is perfect for families who love quirky adventures and a good laugh. Whether you’re stocking up on alien jerky, searching the sky for UFOs, or just enjoying the vast desert landscapes, this road trip offers something for everyone. So pack up the kids, embrace the cheesiness, and get ready for an unforgettable family adventure in Nevada!
Watch the highlights of the ET Highway on YouTube
Where to next?
Nevada
- Nevada family travel guide
- The Venetian in Las Vegas: a family-friendly oasis with views of The Sphere
Anaheim
- Things to do in Anaheim with kids
- Howard Johnson Anaheim Hotel (review): A family-friendly stay minutes from Disneyland
Thailand
- Exploring Bangkok with kids: a family-friendly travel guide
- We went on a 4WD tour in northern Thailand and it was EPIC
Let me know what you think!