Uniquely Vegas is a series of articles and photos that VegasChanges.com is composing to showcase the many unique and offbeat things to see and do in the Las Vegas Valley, as well as day trips.
On this venture we are visiting many unique things only found in Downtown Las Vegas, on and around the Fremont Street Experience. Are these things worth a visit? Take a look below, and you decide.
The Manneken Pis is a bronze replica of a mischievous little boy “taking a leak” at the main entrance of the The D Hotel & Casino. Manneken Pis, which is Flemish for “little man pee,” has thick curly locks, surprisingly sculpted abs and chubby thighs. The original dates back to the early 1600’s located in Brussels, Belgium. This is one of only three licensed replicas in the world, the others are in Tokyo and Rio de Janeiro. The fountain pays homage to The D’s owner Derek Stevens’ Belgian lineage.
Also, while at The D Hotel & Casino be sure to take a look at The Blarney Stone on the second floor that is a holdover from the former Fitzgerald’s Hotel & Casino. (photo at bottom)
While on the second floor of The D, you can also play the last remaining Sigma Derby horse racing game in the state of Nevada. It still takes quarters and is fun to play. (photos at bottom)
Also, outside The D on the Fremont Street Experience you can take a look at the “Worlds Largest Keno Board”. It displays each live keno game that is played inside the casino. (photo at bottom)
At the Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino you can see the “Hand of Faith”, a 875 troy ounce gold nugget that was found by Kevin Hillier near Kingower, Victoria, Australia on September 26, 1980.
Replicas of the nugget are on display at a number of Golden Nugget casinos throughout the country, including Laughlin, Lake Tahoe, Atlantic City, Biloxi and more.
Is the Las Vegas version of the “Hand of Faith” still the original? That is unknown, but it is located near the hotel lobby.
While at the Golden Nugget, you can check out the Tank Pool, that features a 200,000-gallon shark tank aquarium with a water slide that goes through it. If not a hotel guest, you can still see the Tank Pool, as there are glass windows all around the pool complex.
At the Main Street Station Hotel & Casino men can pee on a section of the Berlin Wall, from four urinals. Women can take a look at this with a security escort.
Main Street Station also has many antiques and other unique finds.
At the California Hotel & Casino (The Cal) they have the “Golden Arm” for players that can shoot for over an hour without “crapping out”. They receive a plaque (now shown on a digital screen). In 1989, the hotel designated the term “Golden Arm”, after Stanley Fujitake rolled dice for three hours and six minutes without losing. (photos at bottom)
Also, at The Cal you can rub the belly of “Happy Buddha” and receive good luck. He has been a fixture next to the hotel lobby since the late 1970’s. (photo at bottom)
At Binion’s Gambling Hall you can take a free photo with One Million Dollars. The display has been a trademark of Binion’s since 1954. It was removed for a few years after Covid, but it is back and better than ever.
Also, while visiting Binion’s, take a spin on Downtown’s only rotating bar at Whisky Licker Up Saloon. (photo at bottom)
There are many other things to do and see in Downtown Las Vegas. These are just a few that you many not have known about.
Is it worth a visit to see these things? I would say yes, if you have time to burn and want to see some free things that are unique to Downtown Las Vegas.
