15 Tourist Attractions Added to Downtown Las Vegas in Less Than 20 Years
- Abigail Gaston
- Aug 13, 2018
- 10 min read
If you have read any of my other articles or you are any bit familiar with my blog, then you know that I am one heck of a Las Vegas lover! Just a few weeks ago, my boyfriend and I gallivanted off to this fabulous city that we adore so much for a short 2 nights and 3 days stay; the perfect little Las Vegas escape. Interestingly, during this mini-trip, we spent each night down at Fremont Street Experience. It is typical for us to spend some time down on Fremont Street during our Vegas vacations; however, there were other circumstances that had us down there more after sundown this trip.
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Allow me to quickly take you back to my very first trip to the “Sin City.” The year was 2005 and I was freshly 21 years of age; oh, that sweet, sweet number of freedom! The freedom to finally indulge in all those wickedly awesome little treats that Las Vegas is known for.
Tiny Little Break to add Some Pertinent Advice to the Youngen’s from a Not So Spring Chicken:
Don’t get too crazy with the sauce (I am talking alcohol here, kids!) and game of chance (any form of gambling). I am sure you are shaking your heads at my little advice section and you already know that all things are fine in moderation. Please just hear me out and I will get you back to the main topic at hand.
- Be cautious of your indulgence and aware of your surroundings.
- Weigh your decisions carefully to ensure you are actually making smart choices.
- Finally, don’t take any funny stuff, especially from strangers. This is the ultimate bad decision in all areas of life and we learn it from the moment we hit pre-school.
Just recall the previous ‘soapbox speech’ and you will be just fine during your 21st birthday trip to the Entertainment Capital of the World.
Resume Topic:
The first time I jet-set off to to Las Vegas we stayed on Fremont Street at Binion’s Horseshoe Casino. A few of the individuals in the traveling party were of the senior age range and one just had surgery, for this reason, it was a good option. Fremont Street Experience is a smaller space with less walking to do. If the individual who just had surgery needed to return to the hotel to rest, it would likely be a shorter distance back and simply easier on him.
Fast forward to my seventh trip to “The City of Lights” and, again, the good chunk of our trip that the traveling party spent down on Fremont Street, although for different reasons. Upon returning home from this trip, I started thinking about all the additions and upgrades Fremont Street and Downtown Las Vegas has made since my first trip 13 years earlier. Through these additions, Downtown Las Vegas has become more modern and attractive to all ages, while still preserving and outlining the fascinating history of the area, in order to increase business and make a comeback, and that the area did and continues to do.
While reminiscing, my ever curious side got the best of me and a moment of pure recollection turned into hours of research. Below, you will find 15 tourist attractions added to Downtown Las Vegas in less than 20 years. These wonderful and stunning additions that were added to Downtown Las Vegas are all totally worth checking out during your next Las Vegas vacation.
1. Fremont East Entertainment District (FEED)
Click Image to Navigate to Fremont East Site
Founded in 2002; FEED is located in Downtown Las Vegas and just outside the five block party house - Fremont Street Experience. Although not as well-known as Fremont Street Experience, FEED is actually a larger region; occupying six blocks of the Downtown Las Vegas city limits.
Unique to Fremont East are local bars and delicious eateries, fun entertainment, shopping and more. If you are interested in getting away from the total touristy area that is Fremont Street Experience, take a short walk to Fremont East! Enjoy a bit of the quitter, but fun still, side of Downtown Las Vegas’ entertainment. Check out where many of the locals go to eat, drink and have a good time. You can also check out some really neat history of Downtown Las Vegas in this area.
2. Fitzgeralds Hotel & Casino Transition
Interestingly, I actually remember the colorful, fun casino that was Fitzgeralds, despite only seeing it once 13 years ago. When I returned in 2007 and then again in 2012, neither parties ventured to Fremont Street Experience, and therefore neither did I (mistake on my part). When I finally returned again in 2016, imagine my surprise upon noticing Fitzgeralds was no longer there and “The D” stood proudly in all its modern day glory.
In 2012, Derik Stevens purchased the casino hotel, did a complete renovation of the property, with major modernization updates. Today, The D is one of the liveliest casinos on Fremont Street. Interestingly, the name “The D” comes from a nickname Stevens shares with his hometown, Detroit, and that nickname given to both his hometown and he is now a name that is highly recognizable in Las Vegas, NV.
3. Take to “D Bar” for Your Frozen Libations
Along with the 2012 ownership change, name change and total revamp, the implementation of some neat features were added to Fremont Street Experience compliments of The D. One of these features is “D Bar.” Likely, the most famous outdoor bar along Fremont Street Experience. D Bar champions in providing patrons and partiers with frozen libations to keep them cool and keeping the party rolling on day and night. Plus, just a little extra cash and you can take the cup home as a souvenir. Also, make sure you stick around long enough to see some exceptional bartender flair entertainment.
4. Slotzilla
An attraction that really set Fremont Street Experience apart was its decision to add zip and zoomlining to the already booming five block experience. In April 2014, Slotzilla made its debut in Downtown Las Vegas. As expected, it was and still is a major hit to this area and Las Vegas in general! I have tackled slotzilla three times now and it never gets old. This fantastic attraction thoroughly fits into the Fremont Street action packed environment and is offered at a really affordable rate!
5. Fear the Walking Dead Survival
One of the newest adventure additions to Fremont Street Experience. Fear the Walking Dead Survival, inspired by AMC’s original TV thrill drama, is basically an interactive fictional adventure that brings out both your fear and survival instincts; which one will prevail?
Opening August 2017, the ultimate zombie survival quest incorporates four different aspects to make up one fun experience; thrill ride, escape room, maze journey and gaming interactions. According to the website, this attraction takes around one hour to complete and is $24 for adults and $15 for children
6. Fremont Street Experiences’ Summer Concert Series
Although Fremont Street Experience has been providing free nightly musical entertainment to patrons since 1995; ever since the implementation of Viva Vision, it has only been since 2009 that Fremont Street Experience has been throwing their annual free 'Summer Concert Series.' In fact, I learned from an awesome employee at Vegas Experience (vegasexperience.com) that the very first Summer Concert Series on Fremont Street, brought to you by your wonderful casino owners at Fremont Street Experience, was themed after “Summer of 69.” The summer of 2009 began an era of fantastic performers and has continued for eight years now. Great performers such as Blue Oyster Cult, Gloria Gaynor, Eddie Money, Candle Box, Molly Hatchet, and so many more have graced the main stage at Fremont Street Experience.
7. Banger Brewery at Fremont Street Experience
Banger Brewing Company opened its doors eleven days before the conclusion of 2013 and is still going very strong nearly five years later. This thriving thirst quenching company is proof that Fremont Street Experience was missing craft brews. Check Banger Brewing out for yourself during your Las Vegas Vacation. You can schedule a free brewery tour and do a little bit of tasting. Or, just head in, pop a squat on one of the bar stools or at a table and do as I like to do; ask the waiter or bartender what their favorite is and have that /those!
8. Neonopolis
Temporarily closing for rebranding and revolutionizing in 2010, Neonopolis, the Fremont Street shopping, food and arcade center open its doors back up with more options and a better layout to serve visitors and residents at a greater capacity. I personally gave Neonopolis my vacation time because of the following motto originated by Eddie Kay Thomas - "It's fun to be in a place where ridiculous is normal." Amen, Eddie and applause to Neonopolis!
9. World’s Largest Keno Board 2017
Another addition from the man who gave us "The D Hotel and Casino" on Fremont Street. You cannot miss this giant lit up Keno screen right by The D's second story Fremont Street entrance; between “D Bar” and the escalator. This feature is the worlds largest working Keno screen and is located right on Fremont Street. Make sure to check it out, even if just to get a picture!
10. Heart Attack Grill
With a statement like, "Fighting Anorexia Since 2005,” your diet does not have a chance at Heart Attack Grill. You may have already guessed it; this restaurant offers the best of all deliciously unhealthy menu items prepared especially to lessen the space between your body and your clothing. With the oversize hamburgers and giant meal portions, there is just no way that counting calories, or what have you, is an option while eating a Heart Attack Grill; in fact, it is highly frowned upon; do not get caught even trying!
This place continues to fascinate me. To further the fun, Heart Attack Grill shows tribute to those individuals over 350 pounds, by standing by their statement that if you are over the aforementioned weight, well, you eat for free! Not to worry; Heart Attack Grill provides a nice industrial sized scale right out front for you to prove your qualifications.
One more funny fact about Heart Attack Grill- They openly welcome criticism and disapproval for their “immoral ways and thoughts” toward eating and nutrition; according to the World Wide Web, it is what keeps them growing. In fact, I learned that the owner has picked fights with the National Nursing Association and continues to poke at the alliance for publicity; whether good or bad, publicity is publicity, right? This fight they have been waging since their opening is what has given the morally questionable restaurant the global media coverage it has achieved.
11. Golden Nugget Adds "The Tank" & Waterslide
In 2005, after some behind the scenes ownership exchange of hands, Golden Nugget did something not yet accomplished by any other casino hotel in Clark County; they added a 200,000 gallon shark tank to their pool and then named it “The Tank.” If that is not cool enough, they really out did themselves in the jaw dropping “They did what?” category by adding a water slide that goes right through the very large shark tank. Sign me up! Adventure is my middle name (full disclosure; Adventure really is not my middle name but it would be cool if it was).
Although this is tremendous enough; during their remodel and costly, but worth it, additions to this pool area, Golden Nugget foresaw that this experience would cause tourists to flock to “The Tank.” With that, they decided to add space to create a massive seating area, leaving guests with 1,700 seating options to choose from. However, despite the seating area being on the large side, I have heard that during Vegas summer months (May - September), it is best to get to the pool early; being late to the party could leave you without a seat!
12. Axehole Vegas
“It’s like darts; just 1,000 times better.” Possibly the best name I have ever heard; “Axehole” opened their doors in September 2017. You can find Axehole inside Neonopolis. You do have to be at least 7 years or older to participate. Training is offered and then you are on your way to becoming a professional axe thrower. I tell you what; this sounds like a fun time! Oh, and did I mention they now serve wine and beer? Nothing like throwing around some axes while tipping back a cold one! Safely, of course.
13. Container Park
Let us head back to the "FEED" area of Downtown Las Vegas and discuss Container Park!
“An open air shopping and entertainment venue” loaded with restaurants, bars, boutique shopping and entertainment of many kinds, including a playground for the kiddos. The 19,000 square foot structures unique identifier is a giant fire breathing praying mantis - yes, you read that correctly. Even if you do not make the decision to venture inside, you must take a quick walk by just to snap a photo at this magnificent art creation!
As part of the city limits revitalization project (Fun Fact: FYI – The Las Vegas Strip is not part of the Las Vegas city limits), Container Park gets its name simply because it is made up of 43 different shipping containers. Sure, it may be an artless name but the tourist and resident attraction is far from artless; in fact, it is one of the most unique and cool spaces occupying land in Downtown Las Vegas. If you decide to venture down to this great addition to the city of Las Vegas past 9:00 PM, keep in mind that it is adult only (21+) everyday at this time of day.
14. "Don’t Tell Mama”
I am sure we have all said that once or twice in our lives. In 2009, Downtown Las Vegas delightfully welcomed the New York themed piano bar to the FEED area with open arms. What is interesting about this particular experience is that they offer open mic opportunities nightly! So, if you are a singer yourself or think you are, anyway, just like the nightclub was, they welcome you with open arms.
With a motto of “Where every night is a party and no two nights are ever the same;” this lively and hip district of Downtown Las Vegas is the perfect location for "Don't Tell Mama." I don't know about you, but I do know that this is a motto I can get definitely get down and if I could even carry the slightest tune, I sure would be making an appearance on stage! Still on the fence as to if DTM is right for you? Maybe this will help… Don’t Tell Mama was presented 2014’s “Best of Las Vegas” award; I don’t think they just give that honor away.
15. Downtown Las Vegas Events Center
The outdoor concert, events and sporting center, located just outside Fremont Street Experience – across from The D Hotel and Casino, opened to the public in 2014. The venue has grown in use and traffic each year, proving that it was a wise investment for the city. One of the largest events that is held at the outdoor venue is the music festival, “Las Rageous.” Various other events are held here year round. The events center holds 15,000 people.
Check Out the All That Gallivanting in Las Vegas Page for Additional Vegas Vacation, Tourism and Past, Present and Future Articles.
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