Feb. 4 marked the five-year anniversary of one of the most popular attractions on the Las Vegas Strip -- and one of our perennial favorites in the Vegas4Visitors Top 10 Attractions Awards -- the Casino Legends Hall of Fame museum inside the Tropicana. The museum houses what it calls "the largest and most unique collection of Nevada gaming memorabilia ever assembled," celebrating the myths and the legends of Las Vegas.

The collection traces the evolution of Nevada gaming from its legalized inception in 1931 through the present day. It's a substantial and fascinating collection of gaming memorabilia (chips, cards, dice - even swizzle sticks) from long gone and current hotels, photographs (the original Flamingo surrounded by nothing but desert for example), videos, displays, and minitributes to the people and professions that helped shape Las Vegas.

To acknowledge the fifth anniversary of the museum, both Nevada Gov. Kenny Guinn and Lt. Gov. Lorraine Hunt have issued proclamations. Guinn states in his proclamation, "We are proud of the magnificent history of our world renowned city of Las Vegas and deem it a great privilege to have a large portion of its history documented, well-preserved and on display at the Tropicana hotel and casino."

The Casino Legends Hall of Fame is not only a museum, but also a true Hall of Fame, featuring artifacts and memorabilia from figures who have helped put Las Vegas on the map and made it what it is today. On Feb. 4, 1999 the first hall of fame induction ceremony took place in the Tiffany Theatre at the Tropicana, recognizing Las Vegas legends such as Benny Binion, Bob Stupak, members of the Rat Pack, Liberace, Siegfried and Roy, Thomas "Amarillo Slim" Preston, Sen. Harry Reid, showgirl Debbie Davis Lee and many more.

Every year since the inaugural induction gala, the Tropicana has hosted at least one ceremony where five Las Vegas legends are recognized for their contributions to the city of Las Vegas.

The Casino Legends Hall of Fame is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. General admission is $6.95 for adults and $5.95 for seniors but it's usually pretty easy to get free admission: either pick up one of the local magazines like What's On or Showbiz and look for a coupon or stop at their "free slot pull" booths outside the main entrances -- you can often get a pass that way. Even if you have to pay, it's a pretty terrific attraction and definitely worth your time.

Vegas4Visitors Grade: A

The Casino Legends Hall of Fame
Tropicana
3801 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
702-739-5444
Hours: 9am to 9pm daily
Admission: $6.95

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