Visiting the Neon Boneyard Tour in Las Vegas, NV
Las Vegas holds a special place in my heart. It has so much more to offer than many would fathom. I have visited many times and always find something new to see and do. Vegas has gone though so many changes through the years. Many hotels, businesses, and restaurants that were once there have been long gone. They have been demolished and replaced by bigger and newer businesses, the Neon Museum has made sure to preserve some of Las Vegas’ history by having the Neon Boneyard.
The Neon Museum is a non profit organization that exhibits many iconic Las Vegas signs! The Museum’s campus is 2 acres. The visitor’s center is located in the lobby of the historic La Concha Motel. The interesting fact I learned from the tour about La Concha is that its current home is not where it was built. It was originally located on the South end of Las Vegas Blvd next to the Riviera Hotel in the 60s. It survived the fate of many other hotels on the strip and was moved rather than being demolished.
In order for the public to view the Neon Boneyard you must schedule a one hour tour. They have several throughout the day and night. The night tours were sold out so we opted for an early afternoon tour due to our schedule. Clearly we didn’t realize the mistake we made.
Upon arrival we were welcomed by the people at the front desk. They were checking everyone in for the tours and giving out tickets. They also wanted to make sure everyone knew that while cameras are allowed, no extra equipment was. The visitor’s center was also a gift shop and a seating area. They also had a screen to take selfies and email to yourself as well as another to learn about different Vegas facts.
We were also told we could purchase water for $1 at the front desk, which almost everyone including me happily did. They also offered umbrellas to use in exchange for holding your license, we stupidly opted out. Once the tour began we stepped outside into the shade as our tour guide gave us some history. We then walked towards the Boneyard where he informed us not to sit on the rocks, stay with the group, and other information.
As the tour began that high noon time sun was rocking our world! I was standing next to a gentleman who had an umbrella trying to catch his shade. It was too late, I had already gotten an unwanted suntan. Another gentleman on the tour spoke up asking the tour guide about getting an umbrella because the sun was no joke. Next thing you know a bunch of us are asking to get one as well. He radioed to the front desk and they quickly came out with several umbrellas for us all.
Man in a long sleeved Hawaiian shirt for a billiards hall ©2015 HollyDayz 
Las Vegas is known for their wedding chapels ©2015 HollyDayz 
Terrible’s mascot ©2015 HollyDayz 
Jackpot Hotel ©2015 HollyDayz 
You would be surprised that the place that had this sign wasn’t a restaurant or bar ©2015 HollyDayz
We continued to walk around, even with the umbrella the heat was too much! I have been to Las Vegas several times and I had never sweat so much as I did in that hour tour. I drank my water and splashed some on me and was sad when it was gone. The tour guide continued to walk us around telling us about the signs. He was very engaging even asking questions.
From the old Sahara Hotel ©2015 HollyDayz 
ShowBoat ©2015 HollyDayz 
Aladdin’s lamp from the old hotel ©2015 HollyDayz
I loved seeing all the signs. I am a sucker for history and like I said I love Vegas, so the two just go hand in hand. We learned where the signs came from, how the lights were changed, who made them, and so much more. I loved seeing the sign from the old Stardust Hotel, the Lamp from the Aladdin, Binon’s, Frontier, and even the Sahara. I really enjoyed the tour sans the heat. I completely understand why the night tours are sold out. That and the fact that they have the signs light up, which I am sure is amazing!
The infamous Binon’s Sign ©2015 HollyDayz 
Very cool Frontier Sign ©2015 HollyDayz
I would highly recommend visiting the Neon Museum when in Las Vegas and taking the Boneyard Tour. Besides tours, those who are looking for a unique place to get married in Vegas, this could be for you! It is a lot of fun and even more if you don’t melt like I did.
Have you ever been to the Neon Boneyard?
Disclaimer: Thank you to the Neon Museum for having me. While receiving complimentary admission all opinions and views are my own.
Chanel | Cultural Xplorer
I had never heard of Neon Boneyard before this Holly and it seems very interesting and I would definitely be interested in checking this during my next trip to Vegas! Thanks for this info 😀
Holly Dayz
It is very interesting and you should check it out. It is pretty cool.
Keisha
I visit Las vegas every year for CES (big tech show) and I’ve always wanted to go there. I love this review and will make sure to link to you when I start posting about places to go!
Holly Dayz
I hope next time you visit you find sometime to make your way to the Neon Boneyard. I think you will enjoy it.
Staci
You’re right, Vegas is full of things to do and explore. I always enjoy my trips there minus the hot sun!!
The Neon boneyard seems interesting, I will definitely look into the tour on our next Vegas getaway. Thanks for the info!
Holly Dayz
There is so much to do there, I am always finding something new.
ntbrewer
This looks like a really cool experience. You know it’s funny, with all the globetrotting I’ve done, never been to Vegas. **Bows head in shame lol**
Holly Dayz
You have to go pay Vegas a visit soon. I love that place! You can still globetrot in your own way while there.
Nicole M Williams
So cool. I’ve never been to Los Vegas and is so looking forward to visiting.
Holly Dayz
You have to visit soon. You will enjoy it.
thestyleperk
Very interesting museum! That’s cool that they were able to preserve all of those signs! I have been to Vegas, but never heard of this!
Holly Dayz
You have to go visit soon. It is cool that they have all these signs.
Mimi "MimiCuteLips" Green
I’ve got to get to Vegas, clearly I’m still missing out. This looks like a cool place to visit.
Holly Dayz
Yes! There is so much to see and do!
Frugal Flirty N Fab
Never heard of this tour before but I enjoyed your review and hope to enjoy the tour one day myself!!
Holly Dayz
Next time you go to Vegas I highly recommend you take the tour.
Christine K. St.Vil (@MomsNCharge)
Wow, I’ve been to Vegas several times and never heard of this museum. Now I have something to add to my list for the next trip
Holly Dayz
I am glad you have something to add to your list!
bree
Vegas heat is in a lane of its own so Im glad you got an umbrella to block some of the sun. But nonetheless, what a neat activity!
Holly Dayz
Yes, Vegas has special heat lol. I was so glad I got the umbrella as well.
Camesha | Mama Motivator
Very cool. I’ve heard of this place but I haven’t been. That umbrella was all kinds of necessary in that Vegas sun!!
Holly Dayz
The umbrella was extremely necessary walking around.
Valerie Robinson
I’ve always wanted to go there! Seems like a great photo shoot location! Bet it was hot as ever!
Holly Dayz
It is a great photo location. Many people have their engagement pictures or get married there as well.
glamstyledivas
I’ve never been to Vegas, but this museum seems very interesting. I’d love to visit it.
Holly Dayz
Vegas is great, there is so much to do there so I hope you get an opportunity to go soon. The museum was really cool.
Tanay
I’ve never been to Vegas and don’t know much more about it than casinos and nightlife. This seems like fun.
Holly Dayz
There is so much more to do besides gambling, drinking, and clubbing.