LOST VEGAS: Hidden Relics Still Trapped Inside Famous Strip Casinos
Hidden relics from Las Vegas' past continue to exist behind walls and in restricted areas of famous casino resorts. Here are three fascinating examples that have been confirmed to still exist, though accessing them is strictly prohibited.
The Dragon at Excalibur
The "Merlin v Dragon" show featured a 71-foot animatronic dragon nicknamed Murphy that battled Merlin in the resort's moat. Built by AVG Productions, the dragon had glowing yellow eyes and could move along underwater tracks while exchanging fire with Merlin multiple times daily from 6 PM to midnight.
Dragon's head from Lost Dragon game
Due to high maintenance costs and frequent breakdowns, the attraction closed in 2001. While the moat was removed in 2010, the dragon remains sealed in its original lair, as confirmed by a YouTuber in 2023 before access was permanently blocked.
Hunter S. Thompson's Room at The Mint
Room 1850 in The Mint's tower was the setting for much of Thompson's "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas." The room, where Thompson and Oscar Acosta allegedly ran up massive room service bills before trashing it, still exists in the shuttered tower that's now part of Binion's Gambling Hall.
Room destroyed by Hunter Thompson
While the tower remains closed to the public since 2009, recent trespassers have confirmed the room's existence, though the area is reportedly in severe disrepair.
The Hippodrome at Circus Circus
Hippodrome casino exterior in black-white
The Hippodrome, an adult theater that operated from 1968 to 1973, hosted various risqué shows including "Nudes in the Night" and "Hot Pants Sexplosion." Rather than being demolished, the theater was simply walled off and remains intact behind what is now the casino's pizzeria, accessible only through employee corridors.
Note: Attempting to access these locations is illegal and strictly prohibited.