International Car Forest of the Last Church

Alongside the tailing piles of the “Last Great Gold Camp”, get to know this open air art gallery one rusted out, perfectly teetering, partially buried junk car at a time. Part of the Goldfield scene for years, the International Car Forest of the Last Church was created by longtime Goldfield resident Mark Rippie, whose vision was to break the Guinness World Record for the world’s biggest car forest. Joined by artists Chad Sort and Zak Sargent, the three set to work, burying the noses of more than 40 vehicles. Take the speedy detour off US 95, throw it in park, and explore this forest of junk cars at one of the largest (and free!) open air galleries in Nevada.

While other outdoor car exhibits are found in other states (Like Texas’ Cadillac Ranch, or Nebraska’s Carhenge, for example) Goldfield’s International Car Forest of the Last Church is, in fact, the largest in the country. So what’s behind the name, anyway? The International Car Forest of the Last Church, which has no artists statement or informational bulletin, is a combination of two ideas: a national forest that people could openly visit, and a nod to Rippie’s website called the Last Church—which details religious theories that want nothing to do with organized religion.

Today, visitors and Nevadans alike can explore this free, one-of-a-kind gallery comprised of over 40 cars, each a unique masterpiece of its own, with constantly changing artwork commissioned by artists near and far. While some cars are forcefully driven into the ground clawing toward the sky, others are carefully balanced atop each other, as though they could topple over at any minute. Be sure to sign the visitors log at the Car Forest’s entrance, where you can hit the restroom, and stock up on Goldfield resources about things to see and do in the region.

Looking to keep the weird and wild vibes rolling? Head back into Goldfield to discover more open air artwork like Rocket Bob’s Art Cars, the array of local art of all mediums sold at shops across town, and the lowdown on more Weird Nevada greats right in the heart of this historic gold mining town.