We at the Riviera love Las Vegas: it’s glamorous, thrilling and the best place in the world to just let loose and have some real fun.
But even we die-hards can understand the appeal of getting away from it all every once in a while. And that’s where Bonnie Springs Ranch / Old Nevada comes in. Built in 1843 as a wagon stopover, and just half an hour outside Vegas (with temperatures around five to ten degrees cooler than on the strip), the frontier town/theme park/eatery embodies the charms of the Old Wild West.
In short, even though it’s just 25 miles away from Vegas (making it the perfect afternoon jaunt), wholesome, happy little Bonnie Springs is about as far from Sin City as it gets.
We recommend coming in the spring, when you’ll likely be surrounded by beautiful wildflowers, roses and even honeysuckle. If you ride horses, take advantage of trail rides during the day. They last about an hour, cost $55 per person and take you into the mountainous areas here. (Please note that children have to be at least six years old to ride.) If you plan to get hungry on your horse, take a breakfast, lunchtime or dinner ride: mealtime rides cost about $120 per person.
If you’re hungry elsewhere in Bonnie Springs/Old Nevada, you’re in luck! Come summertime, you can quench your thirst at the rustic old Beer Parlor. And all year round, you can scarf down burgers or pizza at the Western-themed Miner’s Restaurant.
Additionally:
- Roam the ramshackle, charming Western streets.
- Watch a staged Wild West gunfight.
- Cheer on your favorite hoop-skirted actress in the live-action street theater melodramas. (The Bonnie Springs Outlaws perform Wednesdays through Sundays.)
- Get your picture taken with Annie Oakley or Jesse James-types, even if it’s cheesy – we won’t tell: remember, what happens outside Vegas stays outside Vegas.
Once you’re done with the Clint Eastwood spaghetti Western experience, swing on back to the Riviera, dine on beautiful food, take in an incredible show, and gamble to your heart’s content!
For more information on Bonnie Springs, be sure to ask our concierge. We’re always here to help make your Vegas getaway your best vacation yet!
To Reach Bonnie Springs Ranch/Old Nevada from the Riviera Hotel:
Bonnie Springs Ranch / Old Nevada
16395 Bonnie Springs Road
Blue Diamond, Nevada 89004
(702) 875-4191
