Museum explores histories of long-gone casinos
The Clark County Museum in Henderson is a great stop for families this summer. The museum is open seven days a week and will be offering the "Lost Vegas; Bulldozed and Imploded Casinos of the Vegas Valley" throughout the summer in the main exhibit hall.
The "Lost Vegas" exhibit will explore the history of the many casinos that have been a part of the landscape of Clark County but no longer physically exist. From such well-known examples as the Last Frontier, Landmark and Stardust, to some much shorter-lived examples, visitors can learn how the gaming industry has constantly reinvented itself, sometimes though applied demolition.
In addition to the exhibit hall, the museum's 30-acre campus, including the site's Heritage Street of restored historic homes, Ghost Town area and historic wedding chapel, will be open for visitation. The museum grounds offer historic homes from throughout the valley that have been moved to the museum campus and restored for viewing. From the 1912 Beckley Family Home, celebrating its centennial this year, to the P.J. Goumond house, these structures show how residents have lived in the valley throughout the different decades of the 20th century.
The Ghost Town area is made up of actual buildings from Nevada's ghost towns that were relocated to the old Last Frontier Village on the Strip in the 1950s. In addition, relics of the Old West provide visitors with a sense of visiting an actual ghost town on the museum grounds.
The museum's caboose will also be open for tours, as will the museum's Union Pacific Railroad Depot from 1931. Other railroad rolling stock are also on site for viewing, but are not open for touring.
The Clark County Museum offers hands-on stations through the main exhibit building, as well as on the museum grounds for youngsters, or those young-at-heart visitors who wish to try their hand at historic crafts and skills. Also, if you ask at the front desk, the museum offers "ISpy" museum exploration kits at no cost. Families can explore the grounds, while looking for hidden treasures.
The museum, 1830 S. Boulder Highway in Henderson, is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The entry fee is $2 for adults, $1 for children under 17 and visitors over 55.
