Laughlin's Non-Gaming Sights and Attractions
Nevada's Playland by the Colorado River Offers Both Fun and Games
Jan 23, 2009
Less than a two-hour drive southwest of Las Vegas, Laughlin combines gaming with a host of both indoor and outdoor activities. The something-for-everyone selection below is representative of what’s available.
Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreation Area
The entrance to Big Bend lies only a short distance from Casino Row at its intersection with, but it’s worlds away from glitz and glitter. Several hundred acres of the 2,342-acre park provide sanctuary for riverside habitat, while the remainder of the park is in the steep, rocky terrain of the Newberry Mountains. Hiking, fishing and bird watching rank high among popular park activities. There’s also a beach-front picnic area with eight ramadas, a two-acre boat launch lagoon and a 60-foot dock. Admission and boat launch ramp use are free.
Preferred Outlets at Laughlin
More than 6o shops, factory outlets, restaurants and fast food facilities occupy the two-story Preferred Outlets at Lauglin. (1955 S. Casino Drive). Among the outlets are Van Heusen, SAS Factory Shoe Store, Jones New York and Gap. Fast Food Franchises include Dairy Queen/Orange Julius, McDonald’s and Quizno’s. There is a 1,200-car parking garage in the basement of the center, which opened in mid-1996.
Golf Courses
The 18-hole Emerald River Golf Course (702/298-0061) is the only course in Laughlin, Two additional courses across the river in Bullhead City, Arizona -- Chaparral Country Club (520/758-6330) and Riverview Golf Club (520/763-5880) – are both substantially less expensive than Emerald River ($40 per person, including cart, weekends and weekdays). A fourth layout of 18 holes is part of Avi Resort & Casino.
On the Waterfront
Several companies operate sightseeing boats, ranging from pontoon boats and a paddle-wheeler to jet boats and water taxis. The taxis charge fixed rates, but cruise prices vary with length of cruise and amenities. Although not all of the scenery along the route is exciting, being on the water provides a pleasant diversion on warm days.
Personal watercraft and kayaks is also for rent. Water taxi tickets as well as arrangements for both cruises and rentals are generally made at booths on the various casinos’ docks. Travelers who bring their own boats will find boat launches at Big Bend and Avi Hotel/Casino as well as at other sites along the river.
Annual Events
One of the community's biggest annual events is the Laughlin Stampede Rodeo. Held in early April, the PRCA-sanctioned rodeo attracts top cowboys from around the country and is held in a 6,000-seat arena on the northwest corner of Edison Way and Big Bend Drive.
During December, decorated boats join in a Holiday Parade on the River and on the night of July 4, the fireworks over the water with the casinos as a backdrop are spectacular (best views are from the Arizona side of the river)
Other Laughlin diversions include strolling along the riverside promenade, a six-plex movie theater and more than 70 vintage vehicles on display at Don Laughlin's Riverside Resort & Casino Classic Car Collection, films at a six-plex movie theater and the more than 70 vintage vehicles on display at the Riverside’s Classic Car Collection.. In fact, the number of attractions plus several interesting day-trip destinations near Laughlin are a major reason that many Laughlin visitors keep coming back each year.
Driving Directions
To reach Laughlin from Las Vegas, take the Boulder Highway (Highway 95), being careful not to miss the turn at Railroad Pass where Highway 93 splits off from Highway 95. Turn left on Highway 163 to Laughlin.
For a more scenic (and time-consuming) route, turn off Highway 95 just south of Searchlight and travel the dirt road through Christmas Tree pass, where during the holidays, pinon pine trees are decorated with some rather unusual ornaments. The route is photogenic, with spectacular granite outcroppings and giant boulders stacked on top of each other. Taking this route becomes a sort of day-trip in itself.
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