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Writer's pictureDan French

Unique Las Vegas: Rare and Quirky Stories from the Strip

Las Vegas is famous for its bright lights and slot machines, but there's so much more to discover. Beyond the casinos, you'll find a treasure trove of quirky and unique attractions. From hidden pizza places to haunted museums, the Strip has stories that are as fascinating as they are unexpected. Let's dive into some of the rare and quirky tales that make Las Vegas truly one-of-a-kind.

Key Takeaways

  • The Neon Boneyard is a resting place for old, iconic Las Vegas signs.

  • A secret pizza place offers delicious slices behind an unmarked door.

  • The Mob Museum showcases the dark history of organized crime in Vegas.

  • Pinball enthusiasts can enjoy vintage machines at the Pinball Hall of Fame.

  • The Haunted Museum features creepy artifacts and ghost tours.

The Neon Boneyard: Where Signs Go to Die

A Graveyard of Glowing Giants

Ever wondered where neon signs go when they retire? Welcome to the Neon Boneyard, a two-acre wonderland filled with over 800 historic neon sign pieces from more than 200 Las Vegas properties. From Caesars Palace to the Moulin Rouge Hotel, these glowing giants tell tales of Fremont Street stories and beyond. It's like walking through a glowing history book!

Restoration or Resurrection?

Is it a graveyard or a rebirth center? The Neon Museum doesn't just store these signs; it brings them back to life. Some signs are restored to their former glory, while others are left in their weathered, nostalgic state. Either way, it's a sight to behold.

Guided Tours with a Twist

Forget boring tours. Here, you can join a guided tour with a twist. Learn the quirky and fascinating stories behind each sign, and maybe even catch the Brilliant! Jackpot light show. It's an immersive experience that reanimates 40 monumental examples of the museum's iconic vintage signs. Trust us, you won't want to miss it!

The Secret Pizza Place: A Slice of Mystery

Finding the Unmarked Door

Tucked away in The Cosmopolitan, this hidden gem isn't advertised. Follow your nose to the third floor and look for a hallway lined with records. That's your secret entrance to pizza heaven.

Pizza Worth the Hunt

Once inside, you'll find a small room with a high-top counter and a few stools. Grab a slice or a whole pie to take back to your room. While you wait, give the pinball machine a whirl.

A Cult Following

This place has a loyal fanbase. It's not just about the pizza; it's about the thrill of the hunt. Finding this spot is like discovering one of Las Vegas' outlandish occurrences. Embrace the oddities of Sin City for a trip full of strange tales.

The Mob Museum: Crime's Greatest Hits

Interactive Exhibits

Step into the world of organized crime and law enforcement with four floors of immersive exhibits. From the infamous St. Valentine's Day Massacre Wall to the interactive Crime Lab, you'll get a hands-on experience of the dark past of Vegas. Ever wanted to try a firearm training simulator? Now's your chance!

The Speakeasy Experience

Feeling adventurous? Find the hidden door and use the frequently changing password from the museum's website to enter a Prohibition-era speakeasy. It's like stepping back in time, but with better drinks!

Real Artifacts from Sin City's Dark Past

Explore genuine artifacts that tell the story of Vegas' criminal history. From mobster memorabilia to law enforcement tools, each item has a tale to tell. This museum is a history-lover's dream come true.

The Pinball Hall of Fame: Flipping Out in Vegas

A Paradise for Pinball Wizards

Step into a pinball paradise where the machines are the stars. With over 400 pinball machines, ranging from the 1950s to the latest releases, this place is a dream come true for any pinball wizard. It's not just a museum; it's an interactive playground where you can relive the glory days of arcade gaming. Whether you're a seasoned player or a newbie, you'll find something to flip out over.

Vintage Machines Galore

Imagine rows and rows of vintage pinball machines, each with its own story to tell. From ultra-rare finds to classic favorites, the Pinball Hall of Fame has it all. And the best part? You can play them! For just a few quarters, you can experience the magic of these old-school games. It's like stepping back in time, but with a modern twist.

The Man Behind the Magic

Meet Tim Arnold, the man who made this pinball wonderland possible. His passion for pinball is infectious, and his collection is a testament to his dedication. Tim's goal is to preserve these machines for future generations to enjoy, and he's done an incredible job. So, next time you're in Vegas, make sure to stop by and say hi to the man behind the magic.

The Haunted Museum: Spooky Spectacles

Step into the world of Zach Bagans and his spine-chilling collection of haunted artifacts. From cursed wine cabinets to Dr. Kevorkian’s death van, this museum is packed with items that will make your skin crawl. It's like stepping into a horror movie, but you get to be the star.

Ready to get your ghost on? The museum offers guided tours that dive deep into the paranormal. You might even experience some ghostly activity yourself. It's not just a tour; it's an adventure into the unknown.

Every item in this museum has a story, and most of them are not for the faint of heart. From creepy memorabilia to spine-chilling exhibits, you'll find yourself both horrified and fascinated. This is not your average museum visit; it's a journey through the dark side of history.

The Burlesque Hall of Fame: Tassels and Tales

A Peek into the Past

Step into a surreal sin city experience as you explore the history and evolution of burlesque. This museum showcases how this tantalizing performance art has shaped entertainment culture over the decades. From time to time, they rotate their exhibits, keeping things fresh and exciting.

Costumes and Memorabilia

Feast your eyes on glamorous costumes, vintage posters, and photographs of legendary performers. The collection includes actual wardrobe pieces, sets, props, and even historical documents. It's a treasure trove for anyone fascinated by the glitz and glamour of burlesque.

Annual Burlesque Festival

Don't miss the annual burlesque festival, a highlight for fans and performers alike. This event brings together the best in the business for a celebration of all things burlesque. It's a bizarre and extraordinary spectacle that you won't want to miss!

The Erotic Heritage Museum: More Than Just Skin Deep

Educational Exhibits

It wouldn’t be Vegas without something as scandalous as the Erotic Heritage Museum! Despite the provocative name, this museum offers a tasteful journey through the history of erotic art and culture. With exhibits ranging from ancient artifacts to contemporary works, you’ll gain insight into the ways sexuality has been expressed and celebrated across different cultures and periods.

Art and Erotica

Take a look at the Erotic Heritage Museum, where you can find erotic exhibits such as the largest erotic bicycle in the world. If you are aware of the urban legend on Catherine the Great, you will find some of the famed erotic objects from the legend featured in the Erotic Heritage Museum. A pink and purple colored neon sign points you to the place. The museum was opened in 2008 and has several erotic sculptures and paintings for visitors to see. This place is another one of Vegas’s weird wonders. You’re welcome to pay the museum a visit. Don’t take your children with you, it wouldn’t be so appropriate.

Controversial Collections

Learn about the history and evolution of this tantalizing performance art, and see how it has influenced entertainment culture through the decades. From time to time, they rotate out their exhibits. Previous exhibits include “Built to Bare: The Art of Engineering Clothes Designed to Come Off”, “Let’s Get Loud! The Heritage of Latin Burlesque” and “Spectacular, Erotic, and Slightly Shocking: A Timeline of American Burlesque” — all very fun and intriguing topics!

The Erotic Heritage Museum is a place where art and history come together to tell the story of human sexuality. It's not just about what you see on the surface; there's a deeper meaning to explore. From ancient artifacts to modern exhibits, the museum offers a unique experience that will leave you thinking. Want to learn more? Visit our website for more information and plan your visit today!

Conclusion

Las Vegas is like a treasure chest full of oddities and wonders. Beyond the flashing lights and slot machines, there's a whole world of quirky stories and unique experiences waiting to be discovered. From neon signs that refuse to fade away to museums that celebrate the bizarre, the Strip is a playground for the curious. So next time you're in Sin City, take a detour from the usual and dive into the weird and wonderful. You might just find that the most memorable moments are the ones you least expect.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Neon Boneyard?

The Neon Boneyard is a place in Las Vegas where old neon signs from casinos and other businesses are kept. It's like a graveyard for these glowing giants.

How do I find the Secret Pizza Place?

The Secret Pizza Place is hidden inside The Cosmopolitan hotel. There's no sign, so you'll need to look for an unmarked door down a hallway.

What can I see at the Mob Museum?

At the Mob Museum, you can see exhibits about the history of organized crime, interactive displays, and real artifacts from Las Vegas' past.

What's special about the Pinball Hall of Fame?

The Pinball Hall of Fame has a huge collection of vintage pinball machines. It's a paradise for anyone who loves playing pinball.

Is the Haunted Museum really scary?

The Haunted Museum has a collection of spooky and odd items. There are ghost tours and stories about paranormal activities, so it can be pretty scary.

What can I learn at the Erotic Heritage Museum?

The Erotic Heritage Museum has exhibits about the history of erotica, art, and controversial collections. It's more educational than you might think.

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