The Republic of Molossia: Nevada’s Quirky Micronation
Anyone who has spent an extended amount of time in the most remote stretches of the desert in the Western United States can tell you that the arid, desolate corners of America attract some pretty quirky characters. It is no surprise that military man and lofty dreamer Kevin Baugh decided to found his very own micronation—equipped with a miniature navy, bank, and railroad—in the outer reaches of Nevada’s bone dry Great Basin.
Kevin Baugh first dreamt of founding his own micronation in the late 1970s. Over the years, Baugh’s plan came to fruition. In the late 1990s, Baugh purchased some land in rural Dayton, Nevada which ultimately became the Republic of Molossia. The inhabitants of Molossia are Baugh’s wife, children, and dogs.
Baugh can often be found wearing a military uniform adorned with several medals of unknown origin. Baugh refers to himself on Molossia’s website as “His Excellency President Grand Admiral Colonel Doctor Kevin Baugh.” It is unclear if Baugh is having a good laugh, taking himself far too seriously—or something in-between.
Those who are curious about the Republic of Molossia can set up a tour of the micronation by contacting His Excellency Kevin Baugh. A large sign alerts visitors that they are entering “an independent, sovereign nation.” It is important to note that the state of Nevada does not recognize the Republic of Molossia’s sovereignty, even though Molossia has its own currency which is linked to the price of a popular cookie dough.
As long as His Excellency President Grand Admiral Colonel Doctor Kevin Baugh keeps paying taxes to Uncle Sam with green dollars bills, he and his subjects will surely be free to fly the tri-colored Molossian Flag. Fans of the Republic of Molossia can buy Molossia-themed merchandise from the Republic’s official website. Purchasing a Molossian-themed thong is a great way to help Molossia thrive.
UnusualPlaces Field Notes
- Location
- Republic of Molossia, 226 Mary Lane, Dayton, Nevada, USA (private home; visit only by confirmed escorted tour; no map pin)
- Access
- Molossia is the hosts’ private home. Never arrive unannounced or tour independently. Send an RSVP and visit only on a date the hosts confirm, with their escort. The official schedule currently lists 2027 dates mostly as TBD; the listed May 22, 2027 Founder’s Day event is 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Confirm directly before making travel plans.
- Admission
- No standard admission fee for ordinary escorted visitors is published by the hosts or Nevada’s official tourism listing; confirm any terms when RSVPing. The separately listed US$100 media visa is for media/social-media filming and is not an ordinary visitor ticket.
- Time needed
- The hosts recommend about one hour. Nevada’s official tourism site gives the same estimate. Allow about an hour for the escorted tour; confirm when arranging your visit.
- Best season
- The hosts’ stated tourist season is April 15–October 15. A visit still requires a confirmed tour date and escort; a seasonal window does not guarantee entry.
- Opening hours
- No walk-ins: RSVP is required and all visits are escorted. The official 2027 schedule lists April (first tour), June, July, August, September and October (last tour) with dates marked TBD; May 22 is listed for Founder’s Day, 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. The hosts state a tourist season of April 15–October 15, which does not guarantee any tour date. Confirm with the hosts before travel.
- Facts checked
- 2026-11-01
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