One man’s vision transformed a quiet bend in the Colorado River into a thriving entertainment destination. In 1966, casino owner Don Laughlin saw potential where others may have seen only an expanse of desert. He first opened an eight-room resort with a handful of slot machines, but his ambitions for the now beloved vacation spot didn’t stop there—he funded the Laughlin Bridge, connecting Nevada to Arizona, expanded the airport and championed the amenities that made the town a must-visit destination.
Then, the 1980s and 1990s saw the area undergo rapid growth, with a surge in hotel and resort developments. As demand for accommodations soared, new properties and casinos began to line the banks of the river, further establishing Laughlin as a premier resort destination. Today, the town boasts 9,000 hotel rooms, solidifying its status as one of Nevada’s most popular getaway spots.
To this day, at the heart of Laughlin’s appeal lies the Colorado River, which serves as the focal point of the region. The river not only provides stunning views but is also integral to the local economy. It sustains numerous businesses focused on tourism and outdoor adventure, offering a variety of water activities like boating, kayaking, and river cruises. Its crystal-clear waters serve as a playground for outdoor enthusiasts and a vital resource for the surrounding communities, helping to sustain both local businesses and the local way of life.
With affordable hotels, water recreation, and breathtaking natural beauty, this vibrant destination has become one of Nevada’s most important entertainment hubs. But its story runs deeper — rooted in the ancient Patayan and Mojave peoples, it has evolved into a place that reflects vision, resilience, and the spirit of the land. Its rich past and dynamic present are a testament to that transformation. Beyond the bright lights and water activities on the Colorado River, the area’s museums, historical sites, and hidden gems offer a wealth of history and culture just waiting to be explored.
View 80+ Rare Cars with Colorado River Views
Located right in the heart of Laughlin, Don Laughlin’s Classic Car Museums inside Don Laughlin’s Riverside Resort Hotel & Casino are a must-see for automobile enthusiasts. With over 80 rare, classic and vintage vehicles from Don Laughlin’s personal collection and beyond, the museum also features antique slot machines, gaming tables and unique exhibits. In addition to historical gaming equipment, highlights include a display dedicated to the motorcycle that Emilio Scotto used to set the Guinness World Record for the longest motorcycle ride, as well as a tribute to Laughlin Motorsports, the racing company Don created to support his grandson Matt’s off-road racing career.
The museum spans two areas: the First Floor Showroom, where you can see desert racing machines like Matt Laughlin’s Laughlin Motorsports Race Truck, and the Classic Auto Exhibition Hall on the third floor, which offers stunning views of the Colorado River from its expansive 30,000-square-foot space.
Explore Stories of the Mojave People and Gold Miners
Laughlin’s growth is a testament to determination, and to truly appreciate its transformation, start at the Colorado River Historical Society Museum in Laughlin’s nearby sister city, Bullhead City. The building itself holds powerful historical relevance, as it was built to house those working on the Davis Dam, the powerhouse that tamed the Colorado River and paved the way for Laughlin’s growth.
Inside, explore the stories that shaped the community, including artifacts dating back to the mid-1800s, with exhibits on the Mojave people, early steamboats, gold and silver mining, and the legendary Lt. Beale camel expedition of the 1850s. Outside, vintage mining equipment and a detailed model train exhibit bring the area’s pioneering spirit to life.
Find Peace in Nine Desert Labyrinths: A Hidden Gem
Just a mile beyond Laughlin’s bustling main strip lies a tranquil respite—the Laughlin Labyrinths. Created in 2011 by Wes Dufek, these nine stone pathways range from 25 feet to 55 feet in diameter, each designed with a unique intent, like Echo, which enhances self-reflection, or Triangle, symbolizing prosperity. Walking these meditative paths may reduce stress, lower blood pressure and improve sleep.
More than just patterns in the sand, the Laughlin Labyrinths are a masterpiece of mindfulness. Inspired by ancient designs from around the world, each path offers a calming experience that shifts your focus with every turn. While this desert gem is free to explore, visitors are asked to leave it as they found it, preserving its magic for others seeking a moment of peace in the Mojave.
Browse Works from Top Artists at Florida D. Grecco Gallery
For art lovers, the Florida D. Grecco Fine Art Gallery in the Laughlin Outlet Center is a standout cultural attraction. Showcasing works from numerous artists from all over the country, this prestigious gallery is home to an impressive collection of paintings and sculptures of various mediums as well as photography and is constantly bringing in new artists.
Established by acclaimed artist Florida Grecco, this gallery is more than just a showcase of remarkable artwork—it’s a cornerstone of community involvement. Guided by the philosophy of “Art with a Giving Heart,” it fosters both creativity and generosity.
Discover One of Nevada’s Ancient Petroglyph Sites
Located about eight miles from Laughlin, the Grapevine Canyon Petroglyphs are an incredible collection of ancient rock art created thousands of years ago and one of the largest sites of the kind in Southern Nevada.
The petroglyphs depict both mysterious abstract symbols as well as more representational images like bighorn sheep and human figures. Accessing them is easy, as a sandy trail guides you to the rocky outcrops where these ancient stories are etched into the stone.
Explore Oatman: Where Wild Burros Roam Free
About 30 miles from Laughlin on historic Route 66, Oatman, Arizona, is a charming ghost town that keeps the Frontier Days alive. Twice a day, the streets turn into a scene from the past as a grizzled sheriff faces off with a sassy bandit in the Ghost Rider Gunfighters show. Stroll along the wooden sidewalks, browse quirky shops filled with local goods, and enjoy a buffalo burger and other comfort foods at the Oatman Hotel Restaurant & Bar.
Once a booming gold-mining hub, Oatman still embraces its raucous roots with its historic buildings, saloons and lively characters—including its most famous residents, the Oatman burros. These friendly, free-roaming descendants of miners' pack animals wander the streets, ready to charm visitors. Oatman offers a step back in history that’s as enlightening as it is exciting.
Adding vibrant history, rich culture and stunning natural landscapes to your Laughlin trip makes your time in this desert gem even more memorable and enriching. After all your exploring, satisfy your appetite at one of the buffets, offering everything from casual bites to decadent spreads. Unwind in comfortable accommodations, take advantage of exclusive hotel deals and packages, and enjoy top-notch entertainment. With so much to do and see, Laughlin's rich history and wonderful culture guarantees an exciting and unforgettable getaway.
