Downtown Las Vegas

The downtown portion of Las Vegas has seen many up and downs in its history. Originally founded in the twentieth century by westward traveling Americans, this desert city quickly became an important railroad and economic link to the west coast. In the thirties and forties, the construction of nearby Hoover Dam and Las Vegas' first casinos contributed greatly to its growth and recognition in the entertainment industry. For several decades much of the city was controlled by infamous organized crime figures but in the 1960's wealthy corporations moved in and took over as the federal government cracked down on the criminals. This is when Las Vegas exploded into the world of exclusive entertainment.

The FSE Revival

In 1989, The Mirage was erected slightly outside of town in the Las Vegas Strip and signaled a change for the downtown area. As more of these 'megaresorts' were established on the glamorous Las Vegas Strip, the downtown region began to see less tourists. This downward slide continued for only a few years before the people of Las Vegas decided it was time for a change. Today we are in the midst of a revival of the Las Vegas Downtown which was kicked off by the building of the Fremont Street Experience (FSE).

This new structure is actually a canopy that covers Fremont Street for four blocks and provides amenities such as a pedestrian shopping mall and a jaw dropping eleven screen theater. The real draw to the Fremont Street Experience is the use of over two million light bulbs to project elaborate light shows and displays onto the canopy roof. These shows take place every hour from dusk to midnight. On New Year's Eve, the Fremont Street Experience hosts the cities official holiday celebration.

The Classic Las Vegas Feel

Downtown Las Vegas still retains the feel of the old-fashioned Las Vegas. Unlike the Strip which is home to massive modern resorts, the downtown region still has many of the original casinos (The Golden Nugget) that made Las Vegas what it is today. Because of all the neon lights, this region is often called the Glitter Gulch and, until the Strip was developed, was the iconic Las Vegas seen in movies and popular culture.

The penny slot machines, that are nowhere to be found in the Strip, are plentiful downtown, and the craps games can be cheaper as well. At The Orleans, Boulder Station, and Sunset Station, you can consistently find $2 craps games, and some local operations offer even lower minimums.

The downtown casinos are much closer together than the ones found in the Strip. In fact, it is very easy to play in many of the casinos in the same day, and you don't have to break the bank to do so. Compared to the Strip, Downtown Vegas is less clean, less expensive, and less family friendly. Even though this area has been cleaned up a lot in the last few years, it still has the look and feel that you expect from a 'Sin City', and is sure to satisfy your adventurous side.