Place: The Clown Motel
Location: 521 N. Main Street, Tonopah, NV 89049
Phone: +1 775 624-9098
Hours: Open 24 hours
Admission: Room rates vary; contact directly for current pricing
Website: theclownmotelusa.com
History: Established in 1985 by siblings Leona and Leroy David, The Clown Motel was created to honor their late father, Clarence David, a clown enthusiast who perished in a mine fire in 1942. They chose a location adjacent to the Old Tonopah Cemetery, where their father was buried, and showcased his collection of 150 clown figurines in the motel’s lobby.
In 1995, Bob Perchetti acquired the motel, maintaining and expanding its clown-themed decor. The Mehar family took ownership in 2019, further enhancing the collection to over 5,000 clown items and renovating the premises to include themed rooms inspired by horror classics like “The Exorcist,” “Halloween,” and “Friday the 13th.”
Hauntings: The Clown Motel’s proximity to the Old Tonopah Cemetery, established in 1901 and the final resting place for many who succumbed to mining accidents and epidemics, has fueled numerous reports of paranormal activity.
Guests and staff have recounted hearing unexplained footsteps, disembodied voices, and witnessing apparitions both within the motel and the neighboring graveyard. Room 108 is particularly noted for unusual occurrences, with visitors reporting items moving on their own and unsettling noises.
Some believe that the clown figurines themselves may serve as vessels for spirits, adding to the eerie ambiance.
Personal Experiences: Travelers have shared varied experiences at The Clown Motel. Some have reported eerie sensations and unexplained phenomena, while others found the atmosphere kitschy and entertaining.
One guest mentioned, “I went last March and brought a clown to donate.
I find clowns more kitschy than scary, so I didn’t find it to be creepy.
“ Another recounted, “We attempted to stay this summer… it was absolutely disgusting and run down… That said it’s still really neat to see and the owner is incredibly nice.”
Paranormal Activity Rating: Medium (Regular activity)
For a firsthand look into the experience of staying at The Clown Motel, you might find this video insightful: