Flowing Art

Michael Rippie was an independent thinker who spent many years in and around Goldfield doing his own thing and sometimes making his own rules.  He had access to several patented mining claims in the mining district off Crystal Ave and by his own account decided in 2002 to create his own forest of junk cars with the cars planted vertically in the ground. He fired up his backhoe and dug the first hole and that was the start of what would eventually become the Car Forest.   Although some of the cars belonged to Rippie, others just appeared on site at various times.  Over the next few years, various people and groups worked with Rippie to create the National Junk Car Forest which eventually became known as “The International Car Forest of the Last Church.”   Rippie held several events on site and allowed artists to use the vehicles to express the artist within.  

Rippie came up with The Last Church as representation of the last church being inside each of us. To call it the International Forest was a spoof on “National Forest.”  Rippie provided the dirt, the desire, the equipment and the know how to put the vehicles in place.  He spent many years promoting Goldfield and the Car Forest.  

Michael Rippie had health issues but continued to be involved with activities  at the Car Forest until his passing in 2023. The Car Forest has come to International attention in overseas and has been featured in Movies, Reality TV shows and the Nevada State Travel Map.   

As for the International Car Forest, it lives on.  It is a continually changing tapestry of images with over 40 vehicles and more to be added.  People from all over the world come to enjoy it.  Some are artists who create inspiring images and works of art.  Others are taggers, some good-who create positive art and images, some bad-who scrawl senseless lettering over art they can never hope to create.  There are also some who plaster posters over the real art in order to advance a political message or appeal.  Fortunately, other artists come from time to time and create more inspiring images to cover the vandalism.  

Because of increasing vandalism and negative images appearing, a local person purchased the property and turned it over to a group who filed for a 501c3 which is partnering with Artists and others to find creative ways to clean up the space and bring Art and Inspiration back to the Forest.  There are opportunities for taggers to practice their unique form of expression but they are encouraged to leave the Real Art alone.       

The International Car Forest is located on

PRIVATE RECREATIONAL PROPERTY (NRS 41.510)

 Please sign in when coming on site.  This is a release of liability.

 RESPECT THE ART-RESPECT THE ARTIST. 

The International Car Forest of the Last Church is located on Highway 95, about 175 miles north of Las Vegas just east of Goldfield, Nevada.  On the south end of Goldfield, turn east on Crystal (a dirt road) and go about 4 blocks to the entrance.  Although there is NO CHARGE to visit the site, gifts/donations are used to pay the loans, taxes, fees, restroom and improvements. ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK - NO OVERNIGHT CAMPING – NO FIRES.. Please respect the No Trespassing signs.  Road not recommended for Big Rigs and other very long vehicles.  

Casual Photography is encouraged but COMMERCIAL and FOR PROFIT Images and/or usage requires a permit. Parties and Events require Permits.  For more information on Books/Shirts/Souvenirs, Tours, Permits, Filming, Events, and how you can become part of the International Car Forest Experience, Please visit us at Car Forest HQ, at Goldfield Art & BS, 306 E. Crook Ave, Goldfield, NV 89013-0711 or contact us: