Alien Research Center - A Silver Sentinel at the Gate

Stop on Area 51, a free self-guided tour.

A two-story metal alien stands guard outside a plain metal dome, and you know you have arrived. The Alien Research Center calls itself the gateway to the Extraterrestrial Highway, and it earns the claim: Nevada State Route 375 starts its 98-mile run northwest toward Warm Springs near here. Inside you will find alien-themed souvenirs and plenty of Storm Area 51 memorabilia from the 2019 internet dare that pointed the world at this corner of Lincoln County.

There is real history under the kitsch. The nearby community of Hiko was settled in 1853 and served as the Lincoln County seat from 1867 to 1871, when the county government moved to Pioche.

Take the obligatory photo beside the alien, then check your daylight. From here the road is long, the sky is huge, and cell service is not guaranteed.

Getting here: From Alamo, follow US-93 north about ten miles to the Crystal Springs area, then turn onto State Route 375, the Extraterrestrial Highway. The alien is impossible to miss.

Trivia: Hiko was the Lincoln County seat until 1871. Which town became the county seat next?

Nearby: Gift shop on site, listed as open roughly 9 to 4 daily, so confirm before counting on it. Alamo behind you is the dependable place for gas and food.