What is the history of Fremont Street?

In short, Fremont Street is where Las Vegas started. The street was first established in 1905 as the center of the fledgling city where business and pleasure came together. Fremont Street was a busy travel route, with Las Vegas’ first train station just a few steps away, so it catered to travelers looking for a place to relax and unwind. As the city grew, so did Fremont Street. The iconic street was home to the first casino and the first telephone line in the city. It was also the first street to be paved in Las Vegas in 1925. The bustling businesses slid under the radar when both gambling and liquor were outlawed, allowing fun-seeking patrons to let loose on Fremont Street. Throughout the decades, more casinos would fill Fremont Street as the Las Vegas population and tourism boomed, many of them still operating and drawing crowds from across the globe! More recently, the City of Las Vegas invested heavily in revitalizing the downtown area, which resulted in the creation of the Fremont Street Experience.

What are some fun facts about Fremont Street, Las Vegas?

Fremont Street Experience in downtown Las Vegas is an interesting mix of vintage Vegas and exciting new attractions. Here are some fun tidbits that make Fremont Street truly unique: Las Vegas gaming started on Fremont Street with the opening of the Golden Gate Hotel & Casino in 1906 El Portal on Fremont Street was the city’s first movie theater Fremont Street had the first air-conditioned and carpeted building in Las Vegas The famous Vegas Vic neon cowboy still illuminates Fremont Street over the Pioneer Gift Shop The dazzling Viva Vision canopy that covers Fremont Street is the largest LED canopy screen in the world The launchpad for the SlotZilla zipline on Fremont Street is the world’s largest slot machine

Why should I go to the Fremont Street Experience?

The real question is, “Why wouldn’t you go to Fremont Street Experience?” This exciting and immersive part of downtown is known for its epic parties and fun times! When you visit Fremont Street Experience, here are some of the top things to do: Enjoy free concerts in downtown Las Vegas Experience free Viva Vision light shows Ride the iconic SlotZilla zipline Find the best cheap food downtown Las Vegas has to offer Order a drink from flair bartenders at Golden Nugget, Golden Gate, The D and other properties on Fremont Street If you’re not sure where to start on Fremont Street, don't worry. Fremont Street Experience has you covered! Check out our events calendar, free parking near Fremont Street and our complete guide on what to do in downtown Las Vegas.

Why is Fremont Street Famous? The History of Old Vegas

Las Vegas is known for many things, including its flashing neon lights, lively casinos, luxury resorts and the promise of a good time. But have you ever wondered how it all got started? Before there was anything on the Las Vegas Strip, there was Fremont Street in old downtown Las Vegas.

The History of Fremont Street

In short, Fremont Street is where Las Vegas started. The street was first established in 1905 as the center of the fledgling city where business and pleasure came together. Fremont Street was a busy travel route, with Las Vegas’ first train station just a few steps away, so it catered to travelers looking for a place to relax and unwind.

As the city grew, so did Fremont Street. The iconic street was home to the first casino, Golden Gate, established in 1906 where gaming originated in Las Vegas. Originally named Hotel Nevada, the bustling businesses slid under the radar when both gambling and liquor were outlawed, allowing fun-seeking patrons to let loose on Fremont Street. The hotel also offered guests room and board for $1 a day.

Some other fun history nuggets:

In 1910, the Nevada Legislature prohibited gambling in the state. While there was a temporary lift of the ban between 1911 and 1913, gambling wasn’t legalized in the state again until 1931.
El Portal on Fremont Street was the city’s first movie theater
Fremont Street had the first air-conditioned and carpeted building in Las Vegas
The first telephone line in the city was installed in 1907 at the Hotel Nevada (now the Golden Gate Hotel & Casino)
Fremont Street was also the first street to be paved in Las Vegas in 1925.
In 1927, Hotel Nevada installed its first outdoor electric sign. A precursor to the neon signage associated with Vegas today.
Las Vegas has a long history of headlining residencies, from musicians to magicians. However, the first residency in town was Liberace, who began performing in the desert in 1944 and continued entertaining guests for more than four decades.
In 1959, The Golden Gate added 50-cent shrimp cocktails as a promotion to get people into the casino. It has since become a Vegas staple.

In 1995, the City of Las Vegas invested heavily in revitalizing the downtown area, which resulted in the creation of the Fremont Street Experience we know today.

Experience a Different Side of Las Vegas Downtown

Looking for a unique Las Vegas experience? Switch it up with an exciting visit to Fremont Street! Get the best views of downtown with a ride on the SlotZilla zipline. Skip the expensive resort fees with a stay at the classic Binion’s Gambling Hall, Four Queens Hotel & Casino or Fremont Hotel & Casino. See a new side of downtown with Circa Resort & Casino’s stunning Stadium Swim and the world’s largest sportsbook.

With so much to see and do downtown, you’ll find yourself coming back to Fremont Street again and again for the most memorable stays in Vegas. Don’t forget to find the best downtown deals and promotions before booking your room on Fremont Street!

Must-See Attractions: The Canopy & SlotZilla

Fremont Street Experience is truly one-of-a-kind. There’s no other place in town where you can get the classic Vegas experience in such a laid back and cost-effective atmosphere. Not to mention access to free entertainment and a world-famous zipline from the largest slot machine you’ll ever see.

Looking to add some adrenaline to your Vegas stay? Book your SlotZilla tickets to soar over Fremont Street Experience on the thrilling SlotZilla zipline!
While you’re on the launchpad preparing to ride the SlotZilla, you’ll also happen to be standing on the world’s largest slot machine.
Vegas history is around every corner. Check out the famous Vegas Vic neon cowboy that still illuminates Fremont Street over the Pioneer Gift Shop.
Walk under The Canopy. The dazzling display that covers Fremont Street is the largest LED canopy screen in the world, measuring 1,500 feet long and 90 feet wide, located 10 stories above Fremont Street. It also features free immersive shows all day, every day.

Other Things to Do Along Old Vegas Strip

The Fremont Street experience is an exciting and immersive part of downtown Las Vegas known for its epic parties and fun times! If you’re not sure where to start on Fremont Street, here are a few of our recommendations:

Enjoy free concerts in downtown Las Vegas
Experience free immersive music and light shows on The Canopy, including Music Reels on The Canopy™, six-minute light and music spectaculars featuring some of music’s biggest artists from Katy Perry to Steve Aoki and more.
Find the best cheap food downtown Las Vegas has to offer
Order a drink from flair bartenders at Golden Nugget, Golden Gate, The D and other hotel properties on Fremont Street
Check out the Golden Gate on Fremont Street for a real piece of Las Vegas history

You can also get the inside scoop on upcoming events in downtown Las Vegas or check our complete guide on what to do in downtown Las Vegas.

Visitor Information

If you’re looking for the perfect combination of convenient, cost-effective and fun, Fremont Street Experience is your place.

Walking the five blocks of fun is completely free. As are the shows on The Canopy and Downtown Rocks concerts.
You’ll find a high-energy, street-party atmosphere in a more intimate setting than the Strip.
Looking to gamble? Casinos here often feature lower minimums and better odds compared to the Strip.
Parking is available at the centrally-located Fremont Street Parking Garage at 4th St. and Carson St. and the first 15 minutes free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fremont Street Better Than the Las Vegas Strip?

It’s all a matter of perspective when comparing the Fremont Street Experience to the Las Vegas Strip. Whether you enjoy one over the other depends on your preferences. Do you like free concerts, free parking, affordable food and drinks, low to no resort fees and old-school Vegas service? If the answer is yes, then you need to head to Fremont Street during your next visit to Las Vegas!

Also, many of the best restaurants in Las Vegas are located in the hotels and casinos on Fremont Street.

How far is the Strip from Fremont Street?

Fremont Street Experience is a quick 10-minute drive from The Strip area, give or take a few minutes depending on where you’re going on The Strip, the route you take and traffic. While you can walk, it wouldn’t be a quick journey. Driving or taking public transportation, a ride share or taxi would save you substantial time.

Why is Fremont Street Famous?