Hidden Treasures of Vegas: Artifacts Vegas Keeps Hidden from Public Viewing
In the vibrant city of Las Vegas, the allure of its past often gets lost amidst the glitz and glamour of its ever-evolving present. Here, we delve into some of the city's hidden gems - relics from its storied history that are off-limits or not generally accessible to the public.
One such relic is the shuttered tower of the Mint, a once-iconic landmark that now stands in severe disrepair. Australian reporter Elmo Keep made headlines this year for trespassing on the Mint's tower, a move that resulted in its further seclusion from the public. The tower, now part of Binion's Gambling Hall, was the setting for a significant portion of Hunter S. Thompson's novel "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas."
Another intriguing off-limits attraction is the dragon lair from the "Merlin v Dragon" show, located at the Excalibur resort. The animatronic dragon named Murphy, with its 71-foot length and glowing yellow eyes, was a spectacle that drew crowds until its closure in 2001 due to high maintenance costs and frequent breakdowns.
The Hippodrome, an adult showroom in Circus Circus, has a rich history dating back to 1970 when owner Jay Sarno launched a topless show called "Tom Jones." The theater housing the Hippodrome was walled off between 1973-79 and can still be accessed by employees from back-of-house corridors. In its early years, the Hippodrome hosted shows like "Nudes in the Night."
One of the most notable off-limits sites is the New Frontier Hotel and Casino, a historical landmark on the Las Vegas Strip. Despite its cultural heritage and captivating stories, the hotel is no longer fully operational or accessible to visitors in the conventional way.
However, not all is off-limits in Las Vegas. Popular locations such as the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign are accessible to the public, as are several historic museums and attractions. For those eager to explore Las Vegas' past, specialized sources or local historical societies might be needed to identify lesser-known, inaccessible relics from the city's history.
Binion's Gambling Hall, once home to the Mint's tower, closed all 365 of its hotel rooms in 2009. After YouTuber Freddy Trap's discovery of a dragon lair in 2023, a wall was erected to prevent further trespassing. Accessing the Mint's tower involves making one's way through the corridors until finding the room.
As for the future of these off-limits relics, plans for reopening and renovation have been proposed but are uncertain due to changes in ownership. For instance, Las Vegas architectural firm Bergman Walls & Associates was reportedly redesigning the theater in hopes of an eventual reopening of the Excalibur's dragon lair. However, Phil Ruffin's plans to sell Circus Circus for a high price cast doubt on these plans.
The off-limits relics of Las Vegas serve as a testament to the city's rich history, offering a glimpse into its past that remains largely untouched by the sands of time. As these sites continue to intrigue and captivate, the search for more hidden gems in the city of sin continues.
In the realm of Las Vegas' hidden gems, the once-iconic Mint's tower, now part of Binion's Gambling Hall, provides an enticing link to Hunter S. Thompson's novel "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas." Another off-limits attraction is the dragon lair from the "Merlin v Dragon" show at the Excalibur resort, a spectacle that drew crowds before its 2001 closure.
