Nevada's 'Extraterrestrial Highway' Offers the Closest Access to Area 51

Numerous reports of UFO sightings along State Route 375, a serene road in southern Nevada, led the government to officially rename it in 1996, honoring its purported extraterrestrial visitors. Last June, Allie Leepson and Jesse McClary traveled the 98-mile stretch, exploring alien-themed attractions in tiny towns like Rachel — the nearest community to Area 51.

"American culture is deeply intrigued by alien imagery," says McClary. "Our journey coincided with the CIA's long-awaited release of their UFO-related files." We want to believe.

"The Alien Research Center proudly calls itself the 'Gateway to the E.T. Highway.' While it's primarily a gift shop, it features exhibits on the history of Area 51. From the road, you can spot this impressive two-story alien sculpture made from sheet metal."

"The Mizpah Hotel first opened its doors in 1907 as a social hub for the thriving silver-mining community of Tonopah. Today, it offers 52 rooms, a complete bar, a restaurant, and slot machines. We appreciated the contrast of the old Western wallpaper."

"We grabbed Alien Burgers at the Little A'Le'Inn, a combination inn, bar, and restaurant. The UFO illustrations on top of the hutch were a delightful touch."

"A visit to E.T. Fresh Jerky in Hiko was essential. They offer a variety of jerky flavors: beef, of course, but also gator, ahi tuna, elk, wild boar, and buffalo. Inside the store, a modified Zoltar fortune-teller machine amusingly mimicked Trump's voice."

"This is the infamous Black Mailbox located in Rachel. It was once a real postal box used by a rancher living near Area 51. Over time, before the advent of the Internet, it transformed into a gathering spot for UFO enthusiasts to exchange information about potential sightings — and even to connect with extraterrestrials."

This story originally appeared in the July 2022 edition of Dinogo with the headline "Stranger Things."