Even if you have lived in the Las Vegas valley for a while, you may have never heard of the Pioneer Saloon. It is said to be the oldest bar in Clark County -- established in 1913 -- and although it may be a popular destination for local bikers, anyone interested in a place that is unique and packed with history will appreciate the Pioneer Saloon.
The Pioneer Saloon is located approximately 35 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip in Goodsprings. It was built in 1913 by prominent businessman George Fayle. The interior and exterior walls are stamped of tin purchased through a Sears and Roebuck catalog, and last of its kind in the U.S.
The bar, installed in 1913, was manufactured by the Brunswick Company of Maine in the 1860’s and features the original brass foot railing. The Pioneer may be the nation's oldest stamped-metal building still standing.
The saloon is not just a place to kick back and have a drink though. There is also a restaurant and they have a dinner show every Thursday night. In addition, there is live entertainment several times a week.
The dinner show in the intimate Carole Lombard Memorial Room takes place from 6 to 10 p.m. every week. Menu items include steak and lobster, pecan-crusted trout, signature burgers such as the famous Ghost Burger, ribs, and a variety of desserts. And, of course, there is a full bar featuring beer, wine and cocktails.
As for entertainment, Wednesdays are devoted to Big Willie's open jam hosted by singer/guitarist Tom Sheckells and friends. It's all about karaoke on Fridays and there is live music ranging from rock to country to the blues almost every weekend.
In addition, there are two very unique experiences offered by the saloon for the romantic or the adventurous.
The Star Journey is a three-hour star gazing tour that includes dinner and drinks, a virtual presentation, 18 telescopes for viewing and binoculars. Cost is $129.95 per person. If the weather is bad, participants will still get dinner and drinks and watch the virtual presentation and receive a Galileo telescope that is worth $100. Click here to make reservations.
The Haunted Lockdown gives participants the thrill of being "locked down" in the saloon, which is reportedly haunted. According to the History Channel, there’s several ghosts that haunt the saloon. There are bullet holes in the side of the building and an official letter by the coroner describing how the holes ended up there in 1915. The Saloon is said to be haunted by the gun shot victim's ghost, as well as the spirit of an old miner, and the ghost of movie star Carole Lombard, who died in the mountain range nearby in 1942, who is believed to haunt the women’s restroom. Over the years, all three ghosts have been seen by many employees and saloon visitors alike. The Pioneer Saloon was featured on "Ghost Adventures" in 2013.
Hours of the lockdown are 11:45 p.m. until 3 a.m. Participants can use ghost hunting equipment provided by the saloon or bring their own. Photography is permitted. Price is $99 per person and includes snacks, coffee, soda and water. Reservations in advance only by calling 702-290-8325, or online check schedule and book tickets at by clicking here.
The saloon is also able to host private and corporate events, bike events, birthday parties, bachelor/bachelorette parties, weddings and much more.
Pioneer Saloon was purchased in 2006 by Noel Sheckells and it has become a labor of love for him and his entire family. His son Tom manages the saloon and his son Chuck manages Ghost Town Cafe and all restaurant and catering operations.
