When visiting Las Vegas, it’s easy to forget that this area was once the Wild Wild West and this world-famous tourist attraction was once a stopping point on a trip to the West Coast. Well, Bonnie Springs Ranch is a little taste of what frontier life was like. The lounges and shootouts accentuate the experience, and while it may seem a bit silly at times and the authenticity is suspect, it’s a great place to take the kids on a day trip out of Las Vegas.
Bonnie Springs Ranch is a combination theme park and historic sites visitor center. The city is a recreation of one of the ancient “tent cities” that emerged in the late 19th century when settlers came to the west. The scene is set with the weathered wooden buildings and swinging salon doors, and the townspeople and vagrant cowboys (actors who play characters) sell the illusion.
Embrace kitsch
When you decide to visit a variety park like Bonnie Springs Ranch, try to remember that this is a tourist attraction geared toward children and families, not history buffs. Accept the nonsense and forget that the costumes may not be totally accurate. Enjoy the banter between characters and employees for what it is: a skit meant to entertain. Put your cynicism aside and just enjoy the show.
Activities
At Bonnie Springs Ranch, the kids will have fun and perhaps learn something about the Old West. Younger children will love the petting zoo where they can feed the big ducks and turtles in the pond. There are also pony rides, mock shootouts, and a wax museum for the whole family to enjoy. The ranch offers train rides, although it is recommended to call before you arrive to make sure the train is running.
Adults will appreciate the nature and scenery of the mountains adjacent to Red Rock Canyon, which is very different from the hectic atmosphere of the Las Vegas Strip. Bonnie Springs is cooler in the summer too, offering a respite from the desert heat. Finally, there are shops and a cocktail lounge on the premises, a perfect way for the adults in the family to unwind.
Although Bonnie Springs Ranch is more of a family destination, for those who find romance in the Wild West, there is a chapel where you can marry, pioneer style.
While at Bonnie Springs Ranch you can also visit Red Rock Canyon. The best way to experience this area is to spend a day and include two attractions in one trip. The open spaces of Red Rock Canyon are a must see even if you just take a long loop around the park. If you have the time and budget, choose the horseback ride and you will have a truly impressive time in the nearby canyon and red rocks. This is worth the price of the tour.
How to get there and where to stay
Direction:
1 Gunfighter lane (outside of the Las Vegas strip)
Blue Diamond, NV
Phone: 702-875-4191.
Check the website for up-to-date hours and admission prices.
Visit the nearby Red Rock Hotel and Casino for lunch or dinner after your visit.
