an Alien expedition
'I Drove Nevada's Extraterrestrial Highway. No One Got Abducted, But It Was One Of The Strangest Experiences Of My Life'
Agnes Groonwald is no stranger to weird road trips in her travels.
So when she heard they'd be within a short drive of Nevada's Extraterrestrial Highway on a recent trip through the state, visiting was a no-brainer.
The 98 miles of Nevada's State Route 375 have been known as the Extraterrestrial Highway since an official name change by the state's tourism commission in 1996.
[At the welcome center, we were greeted by a giant metal alien. Agnes Groonwald]
Early in the trip they hit the highway's 'welcome' center.
The Alien Research Center is a gift shop known for carrying alien-themed souvenirs like T-shirts, mugs, hats, and even tequila.
[The Black Mailbox allows visitors to leave messages for the aliens. Agnes Groonwald]
Groonwald stopped by the Black Mailbox, where visitors can leave messages for aliens.
For many, this box marks the best way to reach any aliens that have taken the Extraterrestrial Highway for a whirl.
A peek inside the box revealed the best of Americana. If aliens landed here to retrieve their mail, they'd find we love Pop-Tarts, "Rugrats" cartoons, and Jack in the Box.
[One of the two iconic Extraterrestrial Highway signs is covered in stickers. Agnes Groonwald]
Rachel, Nevada, is the closest town to Area 51. The government officially uses the base as a flight testing facility, but many alien enthusiasts believe the base holds the country's extraterrestrial secrets.
All Groonwald knows is you don't want to get anywhere near Area 51. It's manned by military personnel, and they don't offer tours.
[Groonwald found a family of aliens inside a car outside the Alien Cowpoke Gas & General Store. Agnes Groonwald]
The folks they interacted with there were all tourists trying to walk the same line they were.
Groonwald wasn't sure what she believed, but if there was anywhere in the country that would be a hub for aliens, the middle of Nevada could definitely be it.
