The fascinating past comes alive in this one-of-its-kind museum. Here, you will find everything from prehistoric fossils to an animated 35-foot (10.6-meter) Tyrannosaurus Rex. As for more modern monsters, there is a 3000-gallon (11,356-liter) aquarium with sharks that seem to be waiting for dinner. The learning process is enhanced with multimedia and hands-on displays, as well as live and mounted animals. One of the most popular displays contains live insects, including giant cockroaches. Another interesting event here is the weekly Shark Feeding, where the animal-care team feeds the huge sharks their favorite meals.
Established in 1942, Little Church Of The West is the oldest wedding chapel in Las Vegas as well as the oldest building on the Strip. It is also perhaps the most charming, with a romantically rustic wooden construction. The list of famous celebrities who have been married here is extensive. It began with Betty Grable and Harry James, Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward, and more recently Cindy Crawford and Richard Gere. Even Elvis and Ann Margaret tied the knot on the silver screen here in the final scene from Viva Las Vegas. In 1992, the National Register of Historic Places placed it on its list in 1992.
One of the largest parks in Las Vegas, Sunset Park is popular for festivals and picnics. Eight outdoor lighted tennis courts, baseball fields, basketball courts, picnic areas with barbecues, dog runs and even peace and quiet can be found here. There also is a fishing pond, popular mostly with children. The fishing is year-round, and in winter the pond is stocked with rainbow trout, and catfish in summer. There is a three-fish limit and children under 12 do not need a fishing license.
Voted 'Best Art Gallery' by the Las Vegas Review Journal Reader's Poll, the Art Encounter features a fine collection of various artistic styles. An original and tasteful souvenir might include one of the beautiful Las Vegas artworks, shown by local and national artists. This gallery also features such diverse subjects such as golf, motorcycle, firefighter, Americana and landscape art. Dozens of works are sold on consignment and can be shipped worldwide.
The Fremont Street area of Las Vegas is located downtown, north of the famed Vegas Strip. Here you will find Las Vegas' original strip with classic casinos, hotels, restaurants, and shopping. To attract more tourists away from The Strip, the Fremont Street Experience was created. The massive entertainment venue is home to Viva Vision, the spectacular light and music show. Using over 12.5 million lights projecting onto a 500-yard-long (457-meter-long) canopy 90 feet (27 meters) above the ground and a 550,000 watt sound system, it truly makes Fremont Street a prime attraction. Shows are free and play every night, making your time on Fremont Street all the more exciting. Keep your head and do not miss the famed Vegas Vic, the neon sign that looks like a cowboy. Made in 1951, the sign has ruled over Fremont Street since it was put up.
By far the most famous attraction at the Mirage Hotel is its Volcano. It's the closest it could be to a real volcano. Amidst three acres (1.2 hectares) of water, the volcano comes to life several times every night. It shoots up 54 feet (16.4 meters), spraying smoke and fire. The water below is transformed into streams of "molten lava" as tribal music rounds out the whole experience. Admission is free of charge.