The 1990s in Nevada were a time of massive growth, major change, and notable news. From the birth of mega-resorts to the deaths of world-famous entertainers, the Battle Born State broke through numerous barriers in the ‘90s – even the sound barrier. Check out this list of just 19 things that everyone remembers about Las Vegas in the 1990s.

1. 1990: The Excalibur Hotel & Casino opens on the Las Vegas Strip signaling the start of Sin City's family-friendly era
Mike McBey/Flickr
During the 1990s, additional themed resorts pop up on the Las Vegas Strip including MGM Grand (‘93), Treasure Island (’93), Luxor (’93), Stratosphere (’96), Monte Carlo (’96), New York-New York (’97), Bellagio (’98), Mandalay Bay (’99), Venetian (’99), and Paris (’99).
2. 1990: Sammy Davis Jr. dies, followed by fellow Rat Pack members Dean Martin (‘95) and Frank Sinatra (‘98)
Wikimedia / Gottlieb
The lights on the Las Vegas Strip are dimmed in Sinatra’s honor.
3. 1990: Nevada is the fastest-growing state in the country, according to the U.S. census
Wikimedia
4. 1990: The UNLV Runnin’ Rebels basketball team crushes the Duke Blue Devils, wins coveted NCAA Championship title
Facebook / Tark Tribute
The team was led to victory by late coach Jerry Tarkanian. "Tark the Shark" puppets are a temporary craze during the 1990s.
5. 1990: Las Vegas elects its first female mayor, Jan Laverty Jones (now Jan Jones Blackhurst)
Kristin Ausk/Flickr
6. 1991: The word “Nevada” is added to the state flag
Public domain
7. 1991: Copper mining sees resurgence in Ely
Flickr / Mike Ault
Magna Copper Co. purchases mining rights for the old Kennecott property at Ruth and establishes a state-of-the-art mill for copper mining throughout the 1990s. It shuts down in 1997.
8. 1991: The Tailhook Scandal in Las Vegas brings the U.S. military's misogynistic practices to light
Wikimedia / Airman Sean Mateo White
Hundreds of U.S. Navy and United States Marine Corps aviation officers become embroiled in sexual assault allegations during a symposium at the former Las Vegas Hilton. The investigation leads to sweeping changes and policies encouraging the advancement of women throughout the U.S. military. In 1993, President Bill Clinton nominates the first female U.S. Secretary of the Air Force, Sheila E. Widnall (pictured above).
9. 1992: Nevada becomes a little less “radiant,” puts an end to nuclear testing
Wikimedia

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10. 1993: Johnny Cash records his own version of the song, “I’ve Been Everywhere,” and mentions Winnemucca in the first verse
Wikimedia / xero7
11. 1993: The Dunes is imploded with fanfare and fireworks
YouTube / CarlBWilson
More implosions follow during the 1990s, including The Landmark (‘95), The Sands (‘96), The Hacienda (‘96), and the Aladdin (’98).
12. 1994: A portion of Fremont Street is permanently closed to traffic, making way for the pedestrian-friendly Fremont Street Experience
Wikimedia /Larry D. Moore
13. 1996: Footage from the 1995 implosion of the Landmark Hotel in Las Vegas is used in Tim Burton’s film, “Mars Attacks”
YouTube / merrillovermatter
14. 1996: Rapper Tupac Shakur is fatally shot in Las Vegas
$amii/Flickr
15. 1997: Boxing takes a Van Goghesque turn when Mike Tyson bites off Evander Holyfield’s ear during the WBA Heavyweight Championship in Las Vegas
Brian Birzer http://www.brianbirzer.com/Wikimedia Commons
16. 1997: A jet-propelled car sets the first supersonic land speed record, officially breaking the sound barrier in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert
Wikimedia / Cmglee
17. 1998: Las Vegas casino mogul Ted Binion’s death is the subject of controversy
Wikimedia / Ken Lund
One of the two suspects in the possible murder is caught digging up a vault in Pahrump containing Binion’s secret silver treasure.
18. 1998: 59 percent of Nevada voters support the legalization of medical marijuana
Flickr / Dank Depot
19. 1999: Former mob attorney Oscar Goodman is elected mayor of Las Vegas
Flickr / Marc Cooper
Later that year, his likeness was placed on $5 and $25 casino chips at the Four Queens hotel-casino in downtown Las Vegas.

How many of these things do you remember about Las Vegas in the 1990s? Did you live in the city during this decade or do you just remember from news articles and media coverage? We’d love to hear about your experiences and if there is anything we left off this list, let us know in the comments!

If you remember many of these events from the 1990s, you will also enjoy 13 things you’ll remember if you grew up in the 80s in Nevada.

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Las Vegas in the 1990s

Courtnie Erickson | January 09, 2023

What are some incredible sights and attractions in Las Vegas that I should check out?

While Las Vegas in the 1990s was quite an interesting time, today the city deserves a spot on every bucket list. There is truly something for everyone in this incredible desert city in Nevada including the following activities:

  • Walk the Las Vegas Strip
  • Watch the fountain show at the Bellagio
  • Explore the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Garden
  • Take a ride on the High Roller
  • Take a stroll down Fremont Street
  • Check out the Neon Boneyard

 

How can I escape into nature when visiting Las Vegas?

It is possible to escape into nature when visiting Las Vegas and one of the best places to go is Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Just a short drive from Las Vegas, this is a beautiful destination that the entire family will enjoy exploring. A few things you should know about this area include:

  • There are more than 26 hiking trails in the area.
  • Bring a tent as there are camping options for those who wish to spend multiple days here.
  • There are incredible red rocks to climb on and hike around.
  • This area attracts more than two million people every single year.
  • There is a small entrance fee for accessing the conservation area.

 

What are some hidden gems in Nevada?

Yes, Las Vegas is home to incredible attractions but there is so much more to the Silver State. In fact, there are dozens of hidden gems all around the state that you will want to check out and enjoy. A few of these incredible locations include:

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