The History Buff’s List of Las Vegas Landmarks
For most people, Las Vegas is all about glittering casinos and electrifying high-energy entertainment. But beneath the neon lies history to be discovered. Let’s explore some must-see Las Vegas landmarks that tell the story of this incredible city’s past.
See “Old School” Vegas at These Historic Sites
To really get a feel for old Las Vegas, walk through some of its iconic casinos. For just one example, visit the Golden Gate Hotel & Casino — it’s been open since 1906, making it the oldest hotel in Las Vegas. Sure, it’s been updated over the years, but if you’re curious, you can still book one of the ten original rooms for a real-deal experience. Even if you don’t want to stay, pop in and have a peek at the vintage slot machines in the lobby or the two-way surveillance mirror on the casino ceiling.
For even more vintage Vegas, head to the El Cortez Hotel and Casino. Opened in 1941, this downtown hotel has been updated, but it still has much of its vintage mid-century charm. You can’t miss its Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, which certainly stands out from the newer buildings. Today, the hotel is on the National Register of Historic Places, taking its deserving place as a true Las Vegas landmark.
Get Into Vintage Vegas at The Neon Museum
No voyage through Las Vegas history would be complete without a quick visit to The Neon Museum. This outdoor collection of incredible signs is essentially a neon graveyard. It’s an interesting look back at how the visual landscape of Vegas has changed over the years — and a colorful way to learn about Las Vegas’s most famous casinos and businesses.
Say Howdy to an Icon on Fremont Street
Remember to visit Vegas Vic, the legendary neon cowboy who’s been watching over Fremont Street since 1951. The animated sign no longer waves or yells out “Howdy, partner” like he used to, but there’s no denying that the 40-foot-tall Vic is still an icon — and one of the biggest reminders of Vegas’ Wild West heritage. You’ll find him at 25 E Fremont Street, watching over a souvenir shop.
Explore Notorious History at The Mob Museum
Located in a former federal courthouse, the Mob Museum explores the city’s complicated history with organized crime. Have a seat in the actual courtroom used for the 1950s Kefauver hearings on organized crime, step into a Prohibition-era speakeasy, or even try your hand at a firearms training simulator.
Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort Is a Trip Through Time
Did you know Las Vegas’s history dates back to the mid-19th century? Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park, built in 1855, is the oldest permanent structure in the city — a remarkable adobe fort that lets you look into the past life of the Las Vegas Valley.
Check out the visitor center to see historical artifacts, photos, and exhibits that illustrate the history of the site. Or head outside to see the remains of the original fort and some fascinating 19th-century artifacts.
Get Your Vegas Fix
Las Vegas is a city that’s always looking to the future. However, these landmarks prove that Vegas hasn’t forgotten its past. Check them out — you might just find the story of how Las Vegas came to be is just as cool as anything happening on the Strip today.