The Evolution of Freemont Street

From Horse Wagons to Slot Machines

Las Vegas, Fremont Street has witnessed an extraordinary transformation over the past century. Established in 1905, Fremont Street quickly became a focal point for Las Vegas’ early development.


Fremont Street was a lively mix of horse-drawn wagons and the occasional early automobile navigating unpaved streets. By the 1940s, however, a wave of neon lights bathed the street in vibrant colors, earning it the nickname "Glitter Gulch." This marked the beginning of Fremont Street’s association with the flashy entertainment that Las Vegas would become famous for.


The street saw milestones like being paved in 1925, marking its transition into a modern thoroughfare. It boasted the city’s first train station, its inaugural casino, and even the first telephone line. By the 1990s, the city and casino owners collaborated on a $70 million effort to revitalize downtown Las Vegas, focusing on Fremont Street as a centerpiece of renewal.


Out of this initiative emerged the Fremont Street Experience—a pedestrian mall adorned with the world’s largest LED canopy, known as Viva Vision. Beneath its shimmering lights, visitors can still find remnants of old Vegas charm, such as the iconic Vegas Vic neon cowboy and the historic Golden Gate Hotel & Casino, where gaming in Las Vegas first began in 1906.


Today, Fremont Street continues to draw crowds with its blend of history and modern spectacle. It’s home to attractions like the SlotZilla zipline—a thrilling ride through the heart of downtown, set against the backdrop of the world’s largest slot machine.



As Las Vegas evolves, Fremont Street remains a testament to the city’s resilience and ability to reinvent itself while honoring its storied past. Whether you’re exploring its neon-lit casinos or flying over its bustling crowds, Fremont Street invites visitors to experience the essence of old and new Las Vegas, all in one dazzling locale.


July 28, 2025
Tucked away in the heart of Downtown Las Vegas, just steps from the flashing lights of Fremont Street, the Mob Museum offers something wildly different than the typical Vegas experience. Officially known as the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, this one-of-a-kind destination invites you to step into the gritty, gripping world of the American mob—and the people who tried to stop it. Housed in a historic 1930s U.S. Post Office and Courthouse—where real mob hearings took place—the building itself sets the tone. This is no ordinary museum. It’s immersive, intense, and at times, jaw-dropping Your journey begins at the top, tracing the rise of organized crime through Prohibition. Real artifacts tell real stories, including the actual bullet-riddled brick wall from Chicago’s infamous St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. As you make your way down each floor, the exhibits dive deeper into how the mob operated, how Las Vegas became a haven for crime families, and how law enforcement fought back - with wiretaps, undercover agents, and televised trials that captivated the nation. One of the museum’s standout features is its fully restored courtroom, where the 1950s Kefauver Hearings were held - bringing mob activity into the public spotlight for the first time. It’s surreal to sit in the very space where America watched the mob be put on trial. Downstairs, visitors can try hands-on exhibits like a police training simulator, or step into a forensics lab to test their CSI skills. But the real hidden gem is in the basement: The Underground, a fully functioning speakeasy and distillery that serves up Prohibition-style cocktails and house-made moonshine. It's a delicious way to end your tour through history. Beyond the drama and intrigue, what makes the Mob Museum truly special is how educational and engaging it is. It’s not just about the mobsters—it’s about the impact organized crime had on American culture, law, and justice. Whether you're a true crime junkie, history buff, or just looking for something different to do in Vegas, the Mob Museum is a must-visit. It’s raw, real, and fascinating from start to finish. L ocation: 300 Stewart Ave, Las Vegas, NV Hours: Daily 9am–9pm Admission: Starts around $35; discounts available for Nevada residents, students, military & law enforcement Don’t Miss: The Underground speakeasy (open later hour s)
July 21, 2025
McKenna Property Management is proud to have earned over 800 five-star reviews on Google — real feedback from property owners, investors, agents, and tenants all across Las Vegas who’ve experienced the difference working with us makes. Led by our owner and broker Jenni McKenna, with over 30 years of local real estate experience, we focus on making property management smooth, efficient, and refreshingly personal. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all service or sending you in circles with automated systems. When you call our office, you’ll get a live person on the phone — not a robot or endless phone tree. Our team is organized into specialized departments, so whether it’s leasing, maintenance coordination, accounting, or HOA coordination, you’re always connected with the right person who knows how to help. That means quicker responses, clearer communication, and less frustration all around. Owners and investors trust us to handle everything from marketing and tenant screening to rent collection and repairs, helping maximize returns without the usual headaches. Agents feel confident referring clients to us because they know we respect their relationships — when it’s time for their clients to buy or sell, we never interfere or poach. Our focus remains solely on providing top-tier property management, while preserving and protecting their business. And tenants enjoy well-maintained homes, easy online systems, and a team that truly listens and responds. At McKenna Property Management, we treat every property like it’s our own and every person like part of our community. If you’re looking for reliable, experienced property management in Las Vegas with real people and real results, we’d love to connect.
July 14, 2025
Tucked at 1028 Fremont Street, Fergusons Downtown is where the spirit of old Vegas meets the creativity of a new generation. Once a mid-century motel, the property has been transformed into a vibrant community hub that pulses with life, art, food, and connection - a must-visit for anyone seeking the authentic soul of Las Vegas beyond the glow of the Strip. Originally the Franklin Motel in the 1940s and later renamed Fergusons Motel in the ’60s, the site was reimagined in 2019 by the late Tony Hsieh’s Downtown Project. What was once a simple roadside motel is now a full city block dedicated to innovation, small business, and creative risk-taking. The former motel rooms have been turned into studios and retail spaces, now home to an eclectic mix of local businesses. You’ll find everything from Neon Cactus Vintage to plantlovers’ haven LV Plant Collective. For foodies, Fergusons delivers with the Vegas Test Kitchen, a rotating lineup of pop-up culinary concepts that keep things fresh. Highlights include Mothership Coffee Roasters (offering everything from vegan pastries to charcuterie), La Monja for ceviche and housemade tortillas, and Hatsumi for seafood and sake with a Japanese twist. Cocktail lovers can settle into F the Bar, a cozy greenhouse-style lounge serving drinks like the hibiscuslavender “Vegas Playground.” At the center of the space is Big Rig Jig—a towering, 50-foot sculpture made from repurposed oil tankers. It’s bold, unexpected, and the perfect metaphor for what Fergusons stands for: turning the ordinary into something unforgettable. The community vibe continues in The Yard, a grassy gathering space that hosts jam sessions, yoga classes, comedy nights, open mics, and weekend markets. Monthly events like the Hey Maker Market and Pour in the Alley spotlight local artisans, performers, and mixologists, making every visit feel new. Fergusons Downtown isn’t just a redevelopment project—it’s a living ecosystem. It’s where artists, entrepreneurs, families, and visitors collide over coffee, cocktails, creativity, and conversation. It’s a place that proves Vegas is more than casinos and clubs; it’s a city full of soul. If you're ready to experience a different kind of Las Vegas—one rooted in community, creativity, and a touch of magic—step into Fergusons and see what’s blooming in the heart of downtown.