When it comes to roadside attractions, Nevada certainly has its share of them – ranging from artistic to humorous to downright bizarre – and some get far more attention than others, either because of their heavily-trafficked location or due to word of mouth. I think it’s fascinating to see the results of people’s creativity, even when it is a bit out there. There is one roadside attraction in Pahrump, Nevada, that has drawn a great deal of attention, and calling it quirky might be a bit of an understatement.
Coffinwood is what the owners of this home call their property here in Pahrump, and the name is entirely appropriate. Nearly everything behind these gates is coffin or grave-related.
The owners, Brian and Dusty, opened Coffinwood in 2005. They also own a business called “Coffin It Up,” which is far more than a coffin manufacturer. You can buy handmade coffins for both human and pet burial, coffin-shaped purses, jewelry, blades, display cases, bookshelves, coffee and end tables, knives and blades, and far more. In fact, you can request anything you want and it will be custom-made for you. An entire kitchen made of coffin designs for a customer can be seen on the Coffin It Up website.
While the No Trespassing sign is humorous (we are pretty sure they haven’t followed through on this!), visitors are not allowed on the property without an existing reservation.
The owners will not welcome anyone who is “just passing by” or hoping to take a tour on the spot. Tours must be booked on the Coffinwood website.
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When we say everything on the property is coffin-themed, we mean it. Even the tall, beautiful flowers in the garden are growing out of coffin-shaped containers, creating a strange contrast.
A variety of tours are offered to the public, allowing visitors to learn about the history of this eccentric place and to get an up-close-and-personal look at Dusty’s hearse collection (there are 11 of them with names like “Doom,” “Reapers,” and “Mr. Frost”), the Coffin Maker’s Studio, and the Coffin Shop.
The macabre Coffinwood has become known internationally, being featured in newspapers, books, TV shows, and movies around the world.
The many coffin shapes, from the flower beds to the outbuildings can even be seen from space - exactly what the owners wanted.
The gazebo, which at first glance looks like any other, not only has dozens of coffin shapes creating the railing but is built entirely in the shape of a coffin. In fact, there are other outbuildings on the property that are coffin-shaped as well.
Bryan is also an ordained minister and started the Church of the Coffin here at Coffinwood where you can have a wedding - and vow "til death do us part" - if you find dark themes particularly romantic.
The “Night of the 13th” tour begins at sunset and is a nighttime walk through Coffinwood’s cemetery, a chance to see the “dark side” of this already dark place.
While you cannot (and should not - this is a private residence, after all) enter the property without a pre-booked tour, if you drive down Sunset Street off of North Barney Street, you really can’t help but notice this property, and you can see quite a bit from the outside.
Through the gates, you can get a look at the private pet cemetery and wildlife habitat (how’s that for irony?) and custom-made headstones, as well as the coffin “posts” along the house’s front porch.
Coffinwood is a dark and quirky property that visitors will not forget. Would you make the drive to see this eccentric attraction in Pahrump? Or have you already been here? Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments! If you decide to visit, check out another fun stop in Pahrump, a vibrant weekly swap market.
If you love discovering new things to see and do in this state, check out our huge collection of top attractions in Nevada.
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