Let’s be honest. Nevadans are a unique type of people. We’re tough and passionate, but slightly kooky inside as well. Every Nevadan is different but there is one thing that brings us all together: an undying love for Nevada. Additionally, there are certain experiences that almost every Nevadan has probably done at some point. If you haven’t, you’ll want to make sure you do. After all, these 10 rites of passage prove that you’re a real Nevadan. How many have you done?
- A long drive on the world-famous Extraterrestrial Highway.
Mrs Airwolfhound/Flickr Nevada is famous for all sorts of wacky attractions but the Extraterrestrial Highway may be the wackiest. If you live in Nevada but have yet to traverse this famous highway, you’ll want to plan a trip pronto. Check out some of our state’s best alien-spotting destinations and try your best to not get abducted!
- An ice-cold dip in the glorious waters of Lake Tahoe.
Elias Schewel/Flickr We may share it with another state, but Lake Tahoe is one of Nevada’s greatest wonders. In fact, we love it so much that we are more than willing to brave an icy dip in its notably cold waters. Some would say that a visit to Tahoe just isn’t complete without it.
- Eating at a Las Vegas buffet…and going back for seconds.
Anna Irene/Flickr If Nevada had a state food, it would probably be “buffets”. It’s what we’re known for, and we do it well. Real Nevadans know how to sniff out a good buffet and aren’t afraid to go back for seconds…and thirds…and fourths. Hey, you gotta get your money’s worth.
- Going for a hike in the driest, hottest summer weather.
Adam Bautz/Flickr This is something that all Nevadans do at some point. It’s the middle of summer and the temperatures are soaring, but we convince ourselves it’s “just a dry heat” and we decide to go out on a hike anyway! A little heat couldn’t hurt, right? But every Nevadan knows to bring plenty of water, as well.
- Getting wild at Burning Man.
stuartlchambers/Flickr It’s one of the world’s kookiest festivals and there’s nothing else like it on this planet. Seeing it for yourself is a must for any Nevadan. ‘Nuff said.
- Spotting a wild mustang in their natural habitat.
Ed/Flickr Nevadans love wildlife and seeing it always sparks something magical in our souls. Especially if it’s one of Nevada’s famous wild mustangs. Seeing one of these beautiful creatures is definitely a rite of passage. Once you spot one, you’ll never forget the feeling.
- Soak in a natural hot springs. Bonus points if you skinny dip!
Clark Weber/Flickr When your state is loaded with amazing hot springs, it could be considered a crime to go your whole life without soaking in one. You just haven’t experienced the true beauty of Nevada until you’ve spent the day soaking in a spring and taking it all in.
- Go stargazing at Great Basin National Park.
Kurt Johnson/Flickr Another notable feature of Nevada is our famous dark skies. There’s no better place on earth to look up at the night sky so every Nevadan should make it their duty to take advantage of this fact every once in a while. Great Basin National Park is a great place to do it considering they boast some of the darkest skies in the Silver State.
- Photograph the Valley of Fire.
H. Michael Miley/Flickr We’re pretty sure it’s a requirement for every Nevadan to have at least a few photos of Valley of Fire on their phone or camera at all times. It’s just so photogenic!
- Celebrating Nevada’s birthday on the anniversary of its statehood.
Rick Cooper/Flickr Nevada may be the one state that actually celebrates its “birthday”. Every year, Nevadans take part in festivities on Nevada Day—the day that Nevada gained its statehood. Parades and festivals are known to take place on this day, and taking part in the celebrations is simply a must for any Nevada lover.
How many of these rites of passage have you accomplished? What else would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments! If you enjoyed this list, be sure to check out 15 Strange Habits Every Nevadan Will Defend To The Death.
Mrs Airwolfhound/Flickr
Nevada is famous for all sorts of wacky attractions but the Extraterrestrial Highway may be the wackiest. If you live in Nevada but have yet to traverse this famous highway, you’ll want to plan a trip pronto. Check out some of our state’s best alien-spotting destinations and try your best to not get abducted!
Elias Schewel/Flickr
We may share it with another state, but Lake Tahoe is one of Nevada’s greatest wonders. In fact, we love it so much that we are more than willing to brave an icy dip in its notably cold waters. Some would say that a visit to Tahoe just isn’t complete without it.
Anna Irene/Flickr
If Nevada had a state food, it would probably be “buffets”. It’s what we’re known for, and we do it well. Real Nevadans know how to sniff out a good buffet and aren’t afraid to go back for seconds…and thirds…and fourths. Hey, you gotta get your money’s worth.
Adam Bautz/Flickr
This is something that all Nevadans do at some point. It’s the middle of summer and the temperatures are soaring, but we convince ourselves it’s “just a dry heat” and we decide to go out on a hike anyway! A little heat couldn’t hurt, right? But every Nevadan knows to bring plenty of water, as well.
stuartlchambers/Flickr
It’s one of the world’s kookiest festivals and there’s nothing else like it on this planet. Seeing it for yourself is a must for any Nevadan. ‘Nuff said.
Ed/Flickr
Nevadans love wildlife and seeing it always sparks something magical in our souls. Especially if it’s one of Nevada’s famous wild mustangs. Seeing one of these beautiful creatures is definitely a rite of passage. Once you spot one, you’ll never forget the feeling.
Clark Weber/Flickr
When your state is loaded with amazing hot springs, it could be considered a crime to go your whole life without soaking in one. You just haven’t experienced the true beauty of Nevada until you’ve spent the day soaking in a spring and taking it all in.
Kurt Johnson/Flickr
Another notable feature of Nevada is our famous dark skies. There’s no better place on earth to look up at the night sky so every Nevadan should make it their duty to take advantage of this fact every once in a while. Great Basin National Park is a great place to do it considering they boast some of the darkest skies in the Silver State.
H. Michael Miley/Flickr
We’re pretty sure it’s a requirement for every Nevadan to have at least a few photos of Valley of Fire on their phone or camera at all times. It’s just so photogenic!
Rick Cooper/Flickr
Nevada may be the one state that actually celebrates its “birthday”. Every year, Nevadans take part in festivities on Nevada Day—the day that Nevada gained its statehood. Parades and festivals are known to take place on this day, and taking part in the celebrations is simply a must for any Nevada lover.
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