Fabulous Las Vegas Sign | Welcoming Visitors Since 1959

by Denise Marie

The Fabulous Las Vegas Sign welcomes visitors into the Las Vegas Strip. This iconic neon sign is a popular stopping point for anyone who’d like to take some memorable photos in Sin City.

History, Fun Facts and Experience

Architect Betty Willis designed the Fabulous Las Vegas Sign in the late 1950’s. She was commissioned by businessman Ted Rogich to create a unique installation to welcome visitors to the rapidly growing city. Rogich was fascinated by the array of neon signs that were installed on the city’s signature casinos, nightclubs and other venues that thrived at night. The generous Willis donated the sign to the city, so she never filed for any copyright claims. Rogich paid Willis approximately $4,000 for the project that would eventually become a local landmark.

Today, the Young Electric Sign Company claims official ownership of this signature neon sign. However, Clark County leases the sign from the YESC. In 2008, local municipal leaders approved the opening of a parking lot near this attraction, which was fairly inaccessible off the busy Las Vegas Boulevard. Since then, the paved walkways and parking lot have allowed visitors to spend lots of time near the sign without significant queues or crowding.

The Fabulous Las Vegas Sign has a vertical height of approximately 25 feet, and it measures about 40 feet in width. Traditional incandescent light bulbs illuminate the edges of the sign at night. Facing southbound traffic, the back end of the sign reads “Drive Carefully Come Back Soon” in red and blue. Tall palm trees, resorts on The Strip and airplanes at McCarran International Airport create great backgrounds for photos that are taken near the sign.

Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada Sign

Click for more details on the Fabulous Las Vegas Sign

Location and How to Get There

The Fabulous Las Vegas Sign stands on a median that divides the northbound and southbound lanes of Las Vegas Boulevard South. This famous landmark unofficially marks the southern tip of the Strip. Connecting The Strip with the Downtown district, the SDX and DUECE bus routes stop near this signature sign. You may also take the 104 bus line to this iconic installation.

Notable resorts that are within walking distance from the sign include the Four Seasons and Mandalay Bay. If you’re driving by car, follow Interstate 15 to exit 36, which leads to Russell Road. The attraction is located near the corner of this road and South Las Vegas Boulevard South. Free parking is accessible from the southbound lanes of the busy boulevard.

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

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