In 2017, while on our Southwestern Tour, I was finally able to cross the Neon Museum off of my bucket list! I can’t tell you how many pins I have saved on Pinterest of the Museum. While I was excited to go, I have to be honest and tell you that I should have visited alone.
The Neon Museum, Las Vegas
The Museum is located at 770 Las Vegas Boulevard North in Las Vegas, Nevada and officially “opened” its doors with its first, restored sign, called the Hacienda Horse and Rider which was located at the intersection of Las Vegas Boulevard and Fremont Street.
All of the signage is breathtaking, but, I’ll tell you right now; I adore the simple black, Color TV RCA sign. Do you know that I actually located that old sign the very next day while traveling along Route 66 in Needles, California? I think that’s why I adore it so much.
Anywho, visiting the museum is pretty amazing, especially if you choose a day that is not too hot. It was hot when we went and my kids were hot and cranky. Sigh.
Guided Tours Are Available
It would have been nice to be able to roam around on our own, but that is something that you are not permitted to do. However, you can book a one-hour guided tour online. Tickets are limited and only available online. So, it is best to purchase your tickets at least 30 days in advance. Free parking is available once you arrive.
Checking In
Upon checking in (with your confirmation numbers), we were given information about the acclaimed, African-American architect Paul Revere Williams who designed the historic La Concha Motel lobby. The boys also received scavenger hunts – which I was hoping would keep them occupied during the tour.
Shortly, after viewing the Neon Museum documentary in the waiting area, we began our guided tour with the history of many of the stunning signs that can be found in the Boneyard – which is all fascinating if you don’t take your kiddos. Look at their faces…
While the Neon Museum offers family events, as well as scavenger hunts to keep children busy while on the tour, my children were a pain in the ass on our tour. They complained about anything there was to complain about.
All of these adventures are not “easy peasy”. Trust me.
Sometimes our adventures are messy and it has become clear to me that the most effective way to share my experiences, teach, and inspire travel is to be transparent and not only share the great, but the not so great, as well.
So, without further adieu…keep reading for 5 Reasons Why I Should’ve Visited the Neon Museum Alone.
#1 I could have actually nailed the photos I wanted to capture instead of having the worry of being asked to leave because my boys wanted to be Avengers and not only stand from the rocks that guarded the signs but also, leap from them, as well.
#2 After falling in love with the Neon Museum Boneyard and still craving more, I was not able to pay that minimal, additional fee to gain the exposure of the North Gallery which allows you access to even more stunning signage. Why? Because my children were too tired, too hot, and too hungry to make it another 15 minutes.
#3 I would have actually been able to enjoy the experience of being able to walk back in time and view some of the most amazing signage from past casinos, restaurants, and other Las Vegas attractions through the one-hour, outdoor, guided tour.
#4 I would have been able to actually admire the neon sign collection instead of using my time to give my children the “mean eye” – daring them to touch any of the signage. Why? Because the staff will ask you to leave if you touch any of the signs.
#5 I would have been able to drive from the Las Vegas Boulevard Strip, pass through Downtown Las Vegas and stop at the 24-hour “Fremont Street Experience” complete with five blocks of casinos, liquor, palm readings, souvenirs, and pizza, instead of taking them along and being harassed by various staff, telling me – to tell my children, “Please, back up”.
Final Thoughts
Whew! I’m trying hard not to complain too much. LOL, But, I know that I am. Oh well. I’m hoping you will give me a pass today.
While I am so glad I was able to go and to expose my children to something new, I have to admit, this visit was not fun. The next time I am able to revisit the museum, I will be mindful and remember to not bring two cranky children along.
Will you be visiting with your children?
Disclaimer: The Neon Museum has a strict photography policy, therefore, I have done little very editing on these photos. Please, do not steal them.
These photos are able to be used on this personal blog only, as well as my social media. Photos taken during tours may not be used to promote any business, for publication by media, or sold to a third party.
I am sharing these photos and this post as a part of our Southwestern Tour including our experiences and visited attractions while traveling through Nevada, California, Arizona, and Utah.
