Crazy Facts We Never Knew About Downtown Vegas

Birthplace of Las Vegas

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Las Vegas is one of the most popular tourist locations within the US, and there is a range of activities to explore. Downtown Las Vegas is a section of Las Vegas that is often looked over, but there are some interesting facts regarding this place. This specific area is actually where Las Vegas was founded, during 1905.

The Fremont Street Experience

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Fremont Street is at the main thoroughfare within downtown Las Vegas, and it is mostly known for its range of exciting activities and elements. There is one element of this area that is particularly famous, which is its LED light canopy. The canopy displays mesmerizing light shows in the evening.

Neon Boneyard

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Las Vegas is well-known for its array of dazzling neon lights and signs across the location. Downtown Las Vegas is home to the 'Neon Boneyard', which is commonly known as 'The Neon Museum'. The museum contains some of Las Vegas' most iconic neon signs, from different parts of the area's history e.g. Stardust and Sahara Casinos.

First Hotel and Casino

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Casinos are the biggest part of Las Vegas, and its downtown area is home to its first hotel and casino. The Golden Gate Hotel and Casino was originally opened during 1906, and it is still in operation today! It is a great place to visit, to experience a piece of Las Vegas history.

Atomic testing

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During the 1950's, people were able to witness nuclear bomb testing from downtown Las Vegas. The majority of locals and tourists would climb onto the rooftops of certain buildings, so they could (safely) watch the mushroom clouds forming in the distant desert.

Container Park

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Downtown Container Park is unique shopping and entertainment district, consisting of repurposed shipping containers. It features a variety of boutique shops, restaurants and art installations. One of these installations is a giant praying mantis sculpture, which has the ability to shoot fire!

SlotZilla Zip Line

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The Slotzilla Zip Line is a great attraction for any thrill-seeking adrenaline junkies. It begins at the top of Fremont Street, and travels the length of the iconic area. The zip line also features two different levels, one of which being the 'zoom line', where you can fly like a superhero.

The Mob Museum

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Downtown Vegas is also home to The Mob Museum, which focuses on the history of organized crime within America. It is an interactive museum that provides a detailed insight into the most prolific criminals within America e.g. Al Capone. This is a great place to entertain the whole family.

Largest slot machine

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As mentioned previously, casinos make up a big percentage of Las Vegas, and this means there are a lot of slot machines. Downtown Vegas is actually home to the world's biggest slot machine! It is known as the 'Goldie', is over eight feet tall and weighs over 2000 pounds!

Vegas Vic

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Vegas Vic is a famous neon cowboy light, which stands within Fremont Street. This particular light was erected during 1951, and has become the area's most iconic neon light. Due to its iconic nature, it seems that Vegas Vic has a long way to go, before he finds a spot in the 'Neon Boneyard'.

Heart Attack Grill

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Heart Attack Grill is an extremely popular tourist attraction within Vegas, and this is due to its shock factor. It is well-known for its outrageous menu items, including the 'Quadruple Bypass Burger'. The portions are ridiculously large, and many people struggle to finish the food they order. Customers that weigh over 350 pounds eat for free!

Atomic Liquors

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Atomic Liquors claims to be the oldest free standing bar within downtown Vegas. Its name comes from the fact that it became a popular viewing spot for the atomic tests, during the 50's. It is another historical attraction, and is a great way to explore the roots of the area.

The El Cortez

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The El Cortez is a hotel and casino, which has been in operation since 1941. This makes it one of the city's oldest casinos. If you're looking for a unique casino/hotel experience, rooted within Vegas history, The El Cortez is definitely a great choice.

The Neon Boneyard wedding chapel

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The 'Neon Boneyard' (Neon Museum) isn't just home to some of the city's most iconic signs/lighting, it also provides a wedding service. The museum's wedding service allows you to get married amidst vintage neon lighting, within its unique wedding chapel.

Oscar Goodman

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Oscar Goodman, also known as 'The Happiest Mayor In The Universe', is a former mob lawyer and served as the Mayor of Las Vegas (from 1999 to 2011). This is definitely another key part of this city's weird and wacky history, and adds to its vibrant character.

Zappos CEO

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Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh played a significant role in revitalizing downtown Vegas. He achieved this through the Downtown Project, an initiative aimed at transforming the area into a technological and cultural hub. The project was successful, and is a great part of Tony's legacy.

Slot machine superstitions

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Every slot machine within Vegas will have its regular user, and many of the people that use them have strange superstitions. These superstitions come in a range of forms, including: rubbing certain machine screens before playing, and wearing 'lucky' clothing.

Burlesque Hall Of Fame

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Downtown Vegas is also home to the Burlesque Hall Of Fame. This building celebrates the history and artistry of Burlesque, and the contribution it has had to Vegas entertainment (spanning over decades). It is a great attraction for people that are passionate about this art form.

The Griffin

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The Griffin is a unique bar located in downtown Vegas, and is well-known for its cozy, speakeasy-style ambience. It also has a large fire-breathing statue, that is situated outside of the bar. It gives a unique glimpse into 1920's America, and the music and fashion of the time.

Wedding capital

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Las Vegas is often referred to as 'The Wedding Capital Of The World', and this is due to the number of couples that have tied the knot, within the city's range of chapels and venues. The wedding chapels and venues are mainly situated within downtown Vegas, with every one having a unique theme/style.

Dive bars

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Downtown Vegas is well-known for its dive bars, one of which being, the 'Double Down Saloon'. This particular bar is known for its infamous 'Ass Juice' cocktail...ew. If you don't particularly fancy trying that concoction, then there are a range of other dive bars you can visit.

Viva Vision light show

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The Fremont Street Experience includes the 'Viva Vision' light show, which is powered by 12.5 million LED lights, and a 550,000-watt sound system! It is an amazing part of the city's nightlife, and is able to entertain people of all ages. This is popular with tourists and locals alike.

Art installations

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This area of the city features various street art, and public installations. These features include: the 'Big Rig Jig' and 'Paintbrush Gateway'. These pieces of art are popular with tourists, and are typically illuminated when night falls, adding another dimension to their overall architecture.

The Writer's Block

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If you're not interested in casinos, dive bars or getting hitched, you can always visit 'The Writer's Block'. This is an independent bookstore, located within downtown Vegas, and hosts a range of literary events. It is also a hub for the local literary community, and provides some peace within the bustling city.

Mobster Hangouts

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Going back to the topic of historical organized crime, and mob groups, downtown Vegas was a popular hangout spot for mobsters. Mobsters such as Bugsy Siegel and Meyer Lansky, often frequented this area of the city during the 1940's and 1950's (at the height of their criminal activities).

Historic hotels

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The majority of the casinos within the city are hotels as well, and downtown Vegas is home to several historic hotels. One of the most famous hotels within this area, is 'The Plaza Hotel', which has been featured in numerous movies. You definitely won't be short of choices, when it comes to accommodation.

The World's largest golden nugget

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The Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino isn't just home to the world's largest slot machine, it is also home to the world's largest golden nugget. It is a great place to visit, if you have an interest in diamonds, gemstones and gold, and it is situated within downtown Vegas.

Luxor Sphinx

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The Luxor Hotel is well-known for its Egyptian theme, and is in the shape of pyramid. The hotel also features a replica of an Egyptian Sphinx, which is located at the front of the hotel. The Sphinx replica is actually bigger than the original statue, and is an eye-catching aspect of this unique hotel.

Population v.s slot machines

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Las Vegas has an approximate population of about 2,839,000, and for every four people within the city, there is one slot machine! This means that there are roughly 597,250 slot machines across Las Vegas. This number is set to increase, as the population increases, and more casinos and hotels are constructed.

Las Vegas strip

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Surprisingly, the famous Las Vegas Strip isn't actually located within Las Vegas. The strip is situated outside of the Vegas area, within Winchester and Paradise. Winchester and Paradise actually make up part of Clark County. However, 'Clark County Strip' doesn't quite conjure up as much excitement, as Las Vegas Strip.