Las Vegas boasts a rich history, and the city offers up plenty of opportunities to step back in time. Throughout the years, Las Vegas has undergone several shifts in identity leaving traces of each change behind. From the Wild West era to mobster playground, and now a gambling mecca, Las Vegas is more than just neon lights and craps tables. If you’re looking to experience something a little different next time you visit, here are 5 pieces of Las Vegas history sure to change the way you think about the city.

Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort

Serving as the very first permanent structure in the valley, the Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort was built in 1855, strategically located near a spring fed creek.  The original structure was a 150-foot adobe fort intended to serve as a mid-point regrouping area on the trail from Salt Lake City to Los Angeles. Today, a small portion of the original structure still remains just east of Las Vegas Boulevard. Make sure to take some time to check out the visitor center of the state park for great details about this historic place.

Railroad Cottage District

The rail services in the area helped Las Vegas develop into the city it is today. In order to provide housing for those building the rails, the San Pedro, Los Angeles & Salt Lake Railroad built a total of 64 cottages in what is now Downtown Las Vegas. Although only a handful of cottages remain in the original district, the area remains on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and is sure to bring you back in time.

Famous Neon

Vegas Vic is the unofficial name for the famous neon cowboy located outside of a souvenir shop that was formerly The Pioneer Club. This staple of Downtown Las Vegas since 1951 measures in at 40 feet, and can wave and talk. Located directly across Fremont Street is another famous piece of Downtown neon known as Vegas Vickie. She is a seated cowgirl with a leg kicked over Fremont, erected in 1980, who now sits over the Glitter Gulch Neon Sign. In 1984, Vic and Vickie were married in a fun ceremony covered by local news. For more pieces of Vegas neon history, be sure to check out the Neon Boneyard.

The Bellagio Fountains

Since their first show over 15 years ago, the fountains at Bellagio have become an award winning staple of Las Vegas. This amazing (and free) fountain show takes place at regular time intervals every day and featured over 30 different combinations of water movements carefully choreographed to a variety of popular songs. The fountains are located on an 8-acre manmade lake and feature over 4 thousand lights and over a thousand nozzles. For another amazing free show, make sure to head down to The Mirage for the famous volcano show!

Hoover Dam

One of the most well-known manmade landmarks resides just outside of Las Vegas on the border of Nevada and Arizona. The Hoover Dam, completed in 1935 to control flooding and irrigation along the Colorado River, was built from 5 million barrels of cement and 45 million pounds of reinforced steel. This amazing artificial wonder of the world created Lake Mead, the largest manmade reservoir in the U.S., now a mecca for outdoor activities in the area. Make sure to take some time to check out some of these amazing historic sites next time you find yourself looking for something different to experience Downtown.

Source: Vegasseven.com

Downtown Las Vegas is one of the most unique areas in the city. Over the past couple of years, and still continuing today, the area has undergone a massive transformation to make it a truly captivating destination for locals and visitors alike. One of the many things making Downtown so unique is the one-of-a-kind shopping presented by the wide array of boutiques located throughout the district. Whether you are looking for a special Vegas-themed antique, the perfect book for the gambler back at home or a highly coveted record, the shops in Downtown Las Vegas have you covered.

11^Th Street Records

The perfect stop for the music lover in your group, 11^th Street Records is dedicated to buying, selling, trading, and even recording records. The store boasts vinyl listening parties, in-store parties and performances, live streaming webcasts of these performances and much more. Stop in and do your part to help support the music industry and community today.

The Writer’s Block

The Writer’s Block is the only independent bookstore in the entire city and is much more than just that. The shop boasts not only an amazing selection of unique books, but also books from larger publishers, a collection of children’s books, apparel, collectibles and a book machine that prints, binds and trims paperback books in 5 minutes.

Retro Vegas

Just up the street from the Plaza, Retro Vegas is the place to go if you are looking for one-of-a-kind Vegas antiques. This massive shop is full of both Las Vegas themed collectibles and general mid-century antiques, and enough variety to fit into any price point. While you are there make sure to check out the famous pink kitchen. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, simply saunter up Main Street for over 10 more different antique shops to peruse.

The Gamblers General Store & Book Club

For the widest variety of gambling related products, including books, The Gamblers General Store is your go-to in Downtown Las Vegas. For over three decades, this Downtown staple has specialized in providing all your gambling needs including personalized chips, high-quality cards, dice, poker tables, memorabilia and much more. If you are searching for a book about gambling, check out the over 3,000 gambling books available at Gamblers Book Club.

Container Park

What good would an article about shopping in Downtown be without a mention of the amazing Container Park? This one-of-a-kind open-air shopping area is made entirely from shipping containers and contains enough activity to keep everyone in your group (especially the kids) occupied and entertained for hours. No matter what you are looking for, you are sure to find it here. Don’t forget to check out some of the mouth-watering food and drink options while you are here. No matter what you are looking to buy or do, Downtown Las Vegas has it all.  So make sure to give yourself ample time to explore this district the next time you are in town!

Downtown Las Vegas may not be the first thing you think of when you think of Vegas, but in recent years it has done a fabulous job of rebranding itself. Instead of competing with the circus of the strip, downtown Las Vegas has worked hard to create an image that embraces art, music, and culture in a world-class destination. If you’re wondering why you should consider a stay in downtown Las Vegas, here are five must-visit spots that showcase the best of the downtown revival.

Mob Museum

Located in the heart of downtown, the Mob Museum shares the thrilling story of organized crime in Las Vegas. The mob scene played a huge role in the shaping of modern Las Vegas – helping it evolve and to become the “Entertainment Capital of the World.” At the Mob Museum, you’ll explore high-tech theater presentations, unique artifacts, and awesome interactive exhibits that tell both sides of the story; that of the mobs and that of the law’s. This intriguing presentation of Las Vegass’ colorful history will surprise and enthrall you. A must see.

Smith Center for the Performing Arts

From Broadway shows, to jazz, ballet, and the Las Vegas Philharmonic, there is always something happening at the Smith Center. This thriving cultural complex has enabled southern Nevada to take its place on the international stage, and the sprawling campus has become a mecca for world-class culture, art, and musical events. In fact, the Smith Center is an exhibit in-and-of itself, with unique architecture, outdoor sculptures, and beautifully landscaped grounds. A picnic in Symphony Park is almost as exciting as the first-rate performances.

Downtown Container Park

Downtown Container Park is a truly unique experience, unlike anything in Las Vegas. A Fremont Street destination built entirely of shipping containers, this urban gathering area features nightly music, boutique shopping, world-class cuisine, and a kids’ play area, complete with a 30-foot slide and water-play attraction. There’s always something going on at this hip, downtown destination.

The Neon Museum

Founded in 1996, the spectacular Neon Museum is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and displaying the iconic Las Vegas signs that used to tower over Sin City. Indoor and outdoor display areas, with more than 150 rescued signs, chronicle the changes and trends in sign design and technology from the 1930s to the present day. This uniquely Las Vegas museum is located downtown on Las Vegas Boulevard.

Discovery Children’s Museum

Located in Symphony Park, adjacent to the Smith Center, the Discovery Children’s Museum has helped redefine downtown Las Vegas as a cultural and artistic destination. This huge, interactive and educational play space provides a vibrant and engaging experience for kids of all ages. The 58,000-square foot building has nine exhibition halls spread across three stories. Science, art, technology, music, and theater: It’s all here, just waiting for your family to discover. Over the years, Las Vegas has become so much more than an opulent gambling destination. Thanks to a modern revival, Downtown Las Vegas is now an attraction in its own right, helping to define Vegas as a culturally diverse and internationally renowned urban center.    

Downtown Container Park

Everyone knows Vegas is one of the best cities to shop ’til you drop.  Whether it’s high end couture, beautiful boutiques or fantastic outlets, there are tons of places and a variety of ways to shop in Sin City.  Those who like to find special pieces that no one else will have should explore Downtown Container Park. It’s only a short walk from Plaza and has beautiful boutiques and a quirky design. And foor the bargain mavens there is Las Vegas North Premium Outlets, which offer an unparalleled combination of quality and great deals and are also located close to Plaza. Holiday shopping doesn’t have to be stressful or just a task to cross off your to-do list. It can be quality, relaxing alone time or a destination event for the whole family. Container Park has an amazing array of stores (art, apparel, décor, toys), dining options (BBQ, Mexican, extravagant hot dogs, whiskey bar, wine bar) and activities (treehouse and play area for kids and adults, live music). You can bring the fun back to holiday shopping with a visit to this popular Downtown Las Vegas destination. It’s a fresh urban landscape and more than a collection of stores. The area is constructed from shipping containers stacked on one another and was created as a place everyone can enjoy. Spend the day perusing the boutiques, sampling the different food options and having fun in the park. While you can pay top dollar for anything you want in Las Vegas, you also can find amazing brand name goods at bargain prices if you visit the Las Vegas North Premium Outlets. Tell everyone you picked a little something up for them in Vegas – just don’t tell them you bought designer wear for less than designer costs! With 150 stores, the outlets offer all of the high end designers you’d find at malls and destination shopping venues.  Come visit Las Vegas and shop it up – you’ll love what you find!

Downtown Las Vegas is a vibrant area that speaks to both a great past and promising future. The Life is Beautiful festival, which returns to Downtown Las Vegas on Friday, is a testament of this. The festival will bring some of today’s greatest musicians, chefs, artists and speakers to the art district for a three day inspirational social platform. The Plaza Hotel and Casino has defined Downtown Las Vegas throughout its historic past. Today, as the area continues to undergo substantial change and growth we continue to create the perfect combination of comfort and sophistication. The effort put forth by the Life is Beautiful team is something we admire. And as a fellow Downtown Las Vegas business we certainly appreciate the buzz it creates for our community. Adjacent to the arts district, the Plaza was a hub for those who attended last year’s inaugural Life is Beautiful festival and we be one this year as well. Whether you need a room to rest between days, something to eat or drink or just some help with directions, we are here to help make your Life is Beautiful experience as enjoyable and empowering as possible. For the full festival lineup, please visit lifeisbeautiful.com.