In the 1940s, South Pointe, Nevada, boasted a single motel and bar for the local gold and silver miners before Las Vegas casino owner Don Laughlin bought the town, renamed it and built the Riverside Resort. Located 90 miles from Las Vegas where Nevada, Arizona and California meet, Laughlin now panders to its guests with nine casino resorts and over 60 restaurants, luring over 2 million visitors a year. Those with little interest in gambling will find plenty to keep them busy away from the tables.
Laughlin hosts numerous shows and events throughout the year. Riverside Resorts, for example, runs the annual car show in September, showcasing everything from muscle cars to trucks. Later in the month, another annual car show celebrates hot rods, classic cars and low-riders. In December, the Laughlin Desert Challenge brings off-road vehicles and monster trucks for dirt racing, while in April more than 50,000 bikers descend on the resorts for an annual rally. Visitors whose trips don't coincide with such events can still make a stop at Route 66 which passes Laughlin through the Old West town of Oatman or enjoy shows from top musicians, comedians and entertainers any night of the year
Since Laughlin sits on the Colorado River, you're spoiled for choice when it comes to river activities and excursions. Take a fishing tour to Topock Gorge where the bass, trout and catfish are plentiful, or sign up for a leisurely paddle tour through rock canyons and rock formations. Laughlin River Tours operates the only dinner cruise on the Colorado River in a historic steamboat, while day-trippers can take a powerboat tour up to Topock Gorge followed by a hike around the ancient petroglyphs and be back in Laughlin in an hour and a half. In August, Bullhead City on the opposite bank from Laughlin hosts the River Regatta, the largest tube river float in the world. Registration is at the Tropicana Resort.
You can easily entertain yourself without leaving any of Laughlin’s nine casino resorts. Riverside Resort sets the standard with a full program of evening entertainment and hundreds of square feet of slots and gaming tables. The resort also includes a classic car museum on the third floor with more than 80 vehicles and free admission, as well as 34 lanes of pure bowling at Riverside Lanes, including glow-in-the-dark cosmic bowling. Riverside is ideal for RV campers, with 740 spaces to choose from in the RV park. The Aquarius is the largest resort in Laughlin with more than 1,000 slots and several international restaurants with uninterrupted views over the river.
Laughlin’s year-round warm, dry desert climate nourishes a wide selection of outdoor activities. Golfers can choose from five courses, including the El Rio championship course designed by Pete Dye’s nephew Matt and the Laughlin Ranch course, a championship course with some challenging sections against a mountain backdrop. Post-game attractions include a clubhouse spa and gym. At the Rocky River Adventure Center, visitors can explore the surrounding desert terrain in powerful UTVs with an experienced guide on tours lasting three to four hours that explore nearby sites such as the Black Mountains and Mount Nutt. Hikers can follow recently renovated trail heads along the river, such as the North Reach trail which leaves from South Casino Drive.
