This Nevada attraction is the most bucket list-worthy in the state, HGTV says

Nevada is full of unique experiences you can’t find anywhere else. From visiting the bright lights of Las Vegas and Reno to the starry skies and unique plant and animal life in the Great Basin, the Silver State has several destinations people across the country want to see before they die.

Home & Garden Television put out its list of the essential activities and sites in each state to visit before you “kick the bucket.” Some attractions and activities are below the radar, and some are the popular must-dos in every state.

What is Nevada’s most bucket list-worthy attraction? The answer may surprise you.

The most bucket list-worthy adventure in Nevada

The Extraterrestrial Highway, or State Route 375, near Rachel, was named Nevada’s most bucket list-worthy attraction by HGTV.

Though you can’t enter the heavily guarded military installation (or fly a drone over it), the “UFO Capital of the World” in Rachel has multiple attractions, including alien murals to pose with, unique souvenirs and even food at the Little A’Le’Inn where tourists can grab a Saucer Burger, stay the night and explore the gift shop.

HGTV reminded readers: “Do not attempt to enter Area 51. Even accidental trespassing incurs large fines and/or confinement.”

Why is Area 51 so protected? Why is Area 51 a no-fly zone?

Area 51 is a top-secret military base in Nevada used by the federal government for testing and development. Its operations are highly classified for national security reasons. Over the years, it has been tied to nuclear testing, stealth aircraft and likely other undisclosed military technologies.

People who trespass into Area 51 can be arrested and face fines starting at $1,000, according to the BBC.

What is Rachel, Nevada famous for?

Rachel is known for its proximity to Nellis Air Force Base and Area 51. The town of about 19 people markets this proximity with alien-themed attractions and souvenirs.

Why is it called Area 51?

The name “Area 51” originates from the area’s designation on Atomic Energy Commission maps when the base was first created for nuclear testing purposes.

Bucket list adventures in all 50 states

• Alabama: Adult Space Academy
• Alaska: Northern lights
• Arizona: Grand Canyon
• Arkansas: Anthony Chapel in Garvan Woodland Gardens
• California: Joshua Tree National Park
• Colorado: Royal Gorge Cloudscraper
• Connecticut: Winvian Farm Treehouse in Litchfield
• Delaware: Parasailing over Dewey Beach
• Florida: Drive along the Overseas Highway
• Georgia: Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island
• Hawaii: Kilauea Volcano
• Idaho: Hot springs
• Illinois: The Skydeck Chicago
• Indiana: Indy 500
• Iowa: American Gothic House
• Kansas: Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Site
• Kentucky: Corvette Museum in Bowling Green
• Louisiana: New Orleans’ historic Hotel Monteleone
• Maine: Sail on a historic windjammer
• Maryland: Check out the wild ponies on Assateague Island
• Massachusetts: Fenway Park
• Michigan: Sleeping Bear National Seashore sand dunes
• Minnesota: Fat biking on the snow
• Mississippi: Swamp tour
• Missouri: Bonne Terre Mine
• Montana: Glacier National Park
• Nebraska: Catch the sandhill crane migration on the Platte River valley
• Nevada: Extraterrestrial Highway, a 92-mile stretch of State Route 375 near Area 51
• New Hampshire: Fall foliage
• New Jersey: Ocean City boardwalk
• New Mexico: White Sands National Dunes
• New York: Marathon
• North Carolina: Fly in a replica of the Wright Brothers’ 1902 glider
• North Dakota: Theodore Roosevelt National Park
• Ohio: Cedar Point
• Oklahoma: Route 66 Museum
• Oregon: Cannon Beach
• Pennsylvania: Fallingwater, a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home
• Rhode Island: Newport’s Cliff Walk
• South Carolina: Bulls Island
• South Dakota: Badlands National Park
• Tennessee: Live music in Nashville
• Texas: Caddo Lake, the only natural lake in the state
• Utah: Arches National Park
• Vermont: Bike along Kingdom Trails
• Virginia: Mount Vernon, former residence and plantation of George Washington
• Washington: Orca whale watching
• West Virginia: Raft Gauley River
• Wisconsin: Ice caves at Apostle Islands
• Wyoming: Eaton’s Family Ranch in Wolf, the nation’s first dude ranch
• Washington, DC: Monument night tour

Arizona Republic contributor Roger Naylor and reporters Michael Salerno and Shelby Slade contributed to this article.

This article originally appeared on Reno Gazette Journal: This Nevada attraction is the most bucket list-worthy in the state, HGTV says

Reporting by Carly Sauvageau and Olivia Rose, USA TODAY NETWORK / Reno Gazette Journal

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Related: Gone but not forgotten: 5 Las Vegas attractions that no longer exist