When you think of Vegas you think of sparkling lights and neon signs beckoning visitors to enter. A lustrous oasis in the middle of a stark desert.

But what happens to iconic signs when businesses change names or are demolished in favor of the next big thing? Are they sent off to “a farm” where they can live out their days carefree in the sun, much like the beloved family pet?

The answer is yes. And this is that farm.

Visiting the Neon Boneyard is one of the most unique experiences you can have in Vegas, and one you won’t want to miss.

What Is The Neon Boneyard?

Located at 770 Las Vegas Boulevard North, the Neon Boneyard (or Neon Museum) opened in 2012 to offer visitors a glimpse into Vegas’ history. The nearly 2-acre property houses more than 200 signs, 11 of which have been beautifully restored.

These include a dazzling duck, an imposing pool player, a massive skull (which is really cool to see in satellite pictures of the property!), and classic names like the Stardust.

In addition to the impressive collection, the Neon Boneyard’s visitor center is housed in the historic La Concha Motel lobby. The 1960s facade was originally located at Las Vegas Boulevard South, until it was saved from destruction in 2005 and relocated to its current location. The impressive Mid-Century modern design is the perfect launch point for a blast from the past.

The Legacy Behind the Lights

There’s so much more to these signs than faded colors and broken lights. When visiting the Neon Boneyard, you learn all about the signs’ history and stories behind their namesakes.

For instance, one of the first signs you’ll come across is a massive diamond-accented “In Love” compilation. In reality, the letters originally spelled Moulin Rouge – the namesake of the first desegregated casino in the United States.

What you may not know is during the 1950s Vegas was considered the “Mississippi of the West” because of its segregation. Unless working as entertainers or the help, Blacks weren’t allowed to enter any of the casinos on the Strip.

Realizing the hypocrisy, the Moulin Rouge was the first to throw those rules out the window. Consequently, it became very popular for its forward-thinking and inclusion. It was even featured on the cover of the June 20, 1955 issue of Life magazine!

Its success was short-lived, however, and the casino was closed by Sheriff’s deputies in November 1955. Still, it was long enough to spur the Civil Rights Movement in Las Vegas.

The ensuing threat of a protest march against racial discrimination caused city officials, casino owners, and local Black leaders to hurriedly meet at the former Moulin Rouge. The result – an agreement to desegregate all Strip casinos!

What to Know Before You Go

To ensure you have an enjoyable time when visiting the Neon Boneyard, there are a few things to be aware of:

Guided Tours

Because of sharp metal and broken glass, the only way to view these iconic signs is on a guided tour. Not only does this protect visitors, but it also protects the collection against selfie-induced catastrophes. Believe me when I say you’ll want to hear what the guides have to say though! Listening to the backstory of each sign makes their history come alive.

Hours of Operation

The Neon Boneyard offers hour-long tours from 9:30am – 11:00pm (although in the heat of the summer, mid-day tours are often unavailable). This gives visitors the opportunity to choose how they want to view the collection – at night or during the day.

Night tours ($22-28) are a chance to get up close and personal with Vegas’ iconic neon colors. Eleven masterfully restored signs are complemented by the dramatic ground lighting throughout the rest of the museum. There’s even a section that’s set to music during the museum’s Brilliant show!

Day tours ($15-19) offer patrons the ability to see fine details and the true condition of each sign, from broken bulbs to scratches and rust. It’s almost like dancing with someone at a bar when the lights are turned up. Yikes. But there’s a beauty in their distressed condition that speaks to what each has endured.

Tickets

Due to the Neon Boneyard’s popularity, it’s wise to purchase tickets ahead of time. But check the weather first! Since the collection is completely outdoors, tours may be cancelled and refunded due to adverse conditions.

Tickets are non-refundable, non-transferable, and cannot be exchanged for another time.

Photography

If you want to take pictures you’re allowed one camera and one lens during regular tours. No tripods, large camera bags, multiple lenses, or selfie sticks. However, if you want a more photography centered experience you can submit a request for a photo shoot.

Insider Tip – photograph individual letters

Feeling arty? Create a stockpile of individual letters and arrange them into names or words!

A visit to the Neon Boneyard is sure to be the highlight of any Vegas vacation. So while the allure of the Strip is certainly hypnotic, stepping off the Strip and into its colorful past is an experience not to be missed!