Who goes to Vegas to walk around museums?
History fans (and nerds) like me, for one. I spend a lot of time in Las Vegas, so I have more freedom than most to do what interests me, which leads us first to the National Atomic Testing Museum, located on East Flamingo Road just past Paradise.
If you’re curious about Las Vegas’ non-gaming history, this museum is definitely worth a visit. It relates the entire story of the southern Nevada’s time as a testing ground for the U.S. government’s weapons program during the Cold War. It also explores the development of atomic weapons in general. There are many interactive exhibits and if you can get past the idea that you’re giving up a couple of hours of valuable Vegas time, it’s actually quite fascinating.
It’s a 20- to 30-minute walk or super-quick cab ride from mid-Strip. Tickets are $22 and because of the pandemic, they’re currently being sold only online with a time-window reservation to control capacity.
For Titanic buffs, or even just fans of the movie, the exhibit on the second level of Luxor is a must-see. Where else can you view actual artifacts from the doomed ship? That’s really all you need to know. The exhibit is open Thursday-Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is located at Luxor. Tickets are a bit steep at $32, but various discounts are available if you look hard enough.
Finally, it’s no longer there, but about five years ago, the Tropicana hosted a touring exhibit from the John F. Kennedy Museum. I’m a big JFK buff, so that was my favorite “museum” in Las Vegas. There were replicas of the Oval Office and Air Force One, in addition to many personal items that had belonged to John and Jackie Kennedy.
All in all, I encourage you to give some of Las Vegas’s culture a try.
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We did the Titanic and Bodies exhibits at the Luxor. We also checked out the Natural History Museum that was north of Fremont Street, along with the Lied’s Children’s Museum over that way as well. Our son loved the Children’s Museum with the interactive exhibits. So much so, that when we did a big family vacation in Vegas about 10 years ago, we took all the nieces and nephews and they had a blast.
Have always wanted to check out the Atomic Testing Museum, but the wife isn’t all that keen on it. Guess I will need to do that one solo while she plays at the casino on our next visit. Thanks for the great writeup, Dan.
I meant Dave. Oops.
I just moved to the LV area near the beginning of the year and i found an enjoyable museum about 1 hr. away from Vegas by car in the town of Overton, NV If you have a rental car this is a small town near the northern point of Lake Mead.
when they were planning the Dam and what was going to happen to the area the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) built a museum then blah, blah, blah a lot of changing of ownership of this between the state and the feds but the museum is very well done and tells you a lot about the recent and very old history of the natives and the area
It was a very interesting 1/2 day stop for out of the ordinary learning about the area.
I spend winters in Las Vegas, so I also have time to explore more “locals” places.
One of the best bargains in town is the Clark County Museum on Boulder Highway in Henderson (ok, not in Vegas itself but close enough). In addition to some very interesting exhibits in the museum itself, they have several houses from different periods on the property. Each building is furnished as it would have been when it was built and housed local families.
The best thing is the price of admission: only $2, $1 for kids and seniors!
Oh, and you may run into a familiar figure there: Mark-Hall Patton, the history expert/consultant seen on Pawn Stars. He is the museum’s curator. 🙂
While maybe not technically a museum the Pinball Hall Of Fame is a fun stop if so inclined. Not sure how they could be open right now with all the touching of buttons, etc. I enjoy stopping in and seeing/playing so many games from decades ago.
What do you know, the PHOF is open. Masks are required.
The Showgirl Museum was well worth the time and $26 – Grant Philipo does a fantastic job talking and walking you through the big productions as your personal guide – when I went in October 2020 it was just me and another couple – fascinating and job well done by Grant!
The Springs Preserve and Nevada State Museum on the same property are well worth the time – plan on a half day at least there. Did it October just after they reopened to the public.
I second this! One of Las Vegas’ greatest resources, IMO.