Neon Museum | Las Vegas History Through Neon

by Denise Marie

Established in the 1990’s in downtown Las Vegas, NV, the Neon Museum has an extensive collection of neon signs that once illuminated the city’s casinos and other businesses. Today, the museum is also part of a public art trail that runs from downtown to the Las Vegas Strip.

Click to visit the Neon Museum website

Click to visit the Neon Museum website

Collection Highlights

The main building at the Neon Museum is part of the La Concha Motel, which was originally built in the early 1960’s along the southbound side of Las Vegas Boulevard. Having a distinct parabolic facade with futuristic elements, the motel’s innovative architecture is attributed to Paul Revere Williams. Unfortunately, the historic motel was demolished in 2005 to make way for other modern developments. The Neon Museum acquired the motel’s unique lobby and several signs before the demolition.

After exploring the La Concha lobby, visitors could check out the Neon Boneyard Main Collection. This outdoor exhibit includes more than 200 neon signs that once stood throughout Las Vegas. For example, the Neon Boneyard includes a gigantic guitar-shaped sign from the iconic Hard Rock Cafe. This section of the museum also features a neon sign of the Riviera Hotel, which stood next to the original La Concha Motel.

The North Gallery presents plenty of other signature neon signs from the city’s casinos, resorts, restaurants and other businesses. Standing above a grassy median that divides Las Vegas Boulevard, the Silver Slipper sign points towards the museum. This gigantic shoe-shaped sign was taken from the Silver Slipper Casino, which opened its doors on the Las Vegas Strip in the early 1950’s.

The museum roughly marks the northern end of the Restored Las Vegas Neon Signs Tour, which is a public arts initiative. Visitors who follow this urban tour will see nine signature signs in the downtown district and on the Strip. Most of the refurbished installations stand on Las Vegas Boulevard. The self-guided walking tour ends near the Landmark Sign at the corner of Paradise Road and Sahara Avenue.

Location and Travel Advice

Situated on Las Vegas Boulevard North in downtown Las Vegas, NV, the Neon Museum is easily accessible by car and public transportation. Bus route 113 of RTC Transit stops on the northbound and southbound sides of the busy boulevard near the museum. If the on-site parking is full, additional space is available at the adjacent Harris Avenue parking lot. Additionally, this specialty museum is within walking distance of hotels and casinos on the historic Fremont Street in the heart of downtown.

Click to visit the Neon Museum official website.

Note: This information can change without notice. Confirm all details directly with the attraction in question.

Lion Habitat Ranch | Only Minutes From The Strip!

by Denise Marie

Originally established in the late 1980’s, the Lion Habitat Ranch is home to lions, giraffes and exotic birds. Located just outside of the Las Vegas Strip, this animal sanctuary offers several exciting experiences, including feeding packages and guided tours.

Click to book your Lion Habitat Ranch admission ticket

Click to book your Lion Habitat Ranch general admission ticket

Animals and Experiences

The Behind the Scenes Tour at the Lion Habitat Ranch gives you the chance to learn about all animals on display. When you take this 90-minute guided tour, you’ll see the staff members feed and bathe the adorable residents. The experienced trainers are more than happy to talk about the popular lions living at this ranch. You’ll also see a giraffe during the Behind the Scenes Tour.

Want to get even closer to this magnificent creature? Just ask the guides about the hand-feeding programs. Hungry for a delicious meal at this ranch? Sign up for the Feast with the Beasts. This exclusive dinner package comes with memorable views of lions. Up to 20 people can enjoy the Feast with the Beasts experience, which is fulfilled by local catering services. For an additional fee, you can also feed the hungry lions after you finish your own meal.

The general admission prices for the Lion Habitat Ranch depend on residency, age and other factors. College students, military personnel, senior citizens and hotel employees with valid identification cards may receive discounts on the entrance tickets. Additionally, this attraction proudly offers free admission to members of the Wounded Warrior Project as well as their families or caregivers.

The ranch usually closes due to inclement weather, such as heavy rainfall. The staff members might need a day or two to clean up mud and other debris after a rain event. This attraction also supports various international initiatives that help wild lions. Visitors are encouraged to learn more about conservation efforts in Africa. For example, the ranch is affiliated with the Conservation International in Kenya.

Location and Getting There

The Lion Habitat Ranch is conveniently located near the intersection of Interstate 15 and St. Rose Parkway in Henderson, Nevada. Public transportation isn’t available at this animal sanctuary, so visitors will have to drive there and take advantage of free on-site parking. The outdoor parking lot is accessible from Bruner Avenue, which also leads to the neighboring Henderson Executive Airport. Owned and operated by Clark County, this small airport is used only for general aviation. A drive between the ranch and Las Vegas Strip normally takes approximately 15 minutes. McCarran International Airport is also located just a short drive away from this animal habitat.

Click to visit the Lion Habitat Ranch official website or to book your general admission ticket.

Note: This information can change without notice. Confirm all details directly with the attraction in question.

Madame Tussauds Las Vegas at The Venetian | Wax Attraction

by Denise Marie

Established in the late 1990’s, Madame Tussauds Las Vegas is the first museum of its kind in the United States of America. Located on the Las Vegas Strip, this attraction features life-size wax figures of celebrities, an interactive gallery and a bar. Visitors can pose with world-famous athletes, musicians and actors at this unique museum that’s easily accessible by public transit.

Madame Tussauds Las Vegas

Click to book your Madame Tussauds Las Vegas admission ticket

Exhibits and Highlights

The sports-themed exhibit at Madame Tussauds Las Vegas includes figures of legendary American athletes. A life-size replica of former NBA superstar Shaquille O’Neal is on display. Standing more than 7 feet tall, the charismatic Shaq wears a Lakers jersey at the gallery. You can also come face-to-face with NFL legend Joe Montana, MLB star Babe Ruth and Golf master Tiger Woods. Dare to confront a UFC champion? Check out the Chuck Liddell figure. In fact, this tough fighter won plenty of battles in Las Vegas.

Would you like to rub shoulders with some of the world’s best-selling music artists? Pose with the wax figures of Miley Cyrus, Nicki Minaj and Drake. Club Tussauds features lots of other celebrities on display, including Hollywood stars Sandra Bullock, Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio. Award-winning singer Beyonce also takes a spot in this trendy setting at the museum.

Celebrating the venue’s 20th anniversary, Oh Snap! The ’90s are Back exhibit pays tribute to the Spice Girls and other celebrities from the era. This all-new display also includes various presentations that focus on fashion, pop culture and politics of that decade. Don’t forget to check out the Hangover Experience at Madame Tussauds Las Vegas. You’ll see the main characters from the popular 2009 movie that was filmed in Las Vegas and the vicinity. A bearded Zach Galifianakis and a smiling Bradley Cooper stand in this special exhibit. You can also sip cocktails at the Hangover Bar, which revives some classic scenes from the film!

Location and How to Get There

This wax museum is located inside the Grand Canal Shoppes, a major indoor shopping mall at the iconic Venetian Hotel. The shopping center’s main entrance is conveniently situated on the northbound side of Las Vegas Boulevard South. You can ride the RTC Transit DEUCE bus to this famous attraction in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip. This busy bus route runs daily between the downtown district and the Strip. Other public transit options near the wax museum include the Las Vegas Monorail Harrah’s/The LINQ Station.

Click to visit the Madame Tussauds Las Vegas official website or to book your admission ticket.

Note: This information can change without notice. Confirm all details directly with the company in question