Bonnie Springs Ranch, a popular Western-themed attraction near Las Vegas, was closed and subsequently demolished to make way for a residential development.
Bonnie Springs Ranch was originally established in 1843 as a stopover for wagon trains going to California. The ranch evolved over the years and became a tourist attraction in 1952 when Bonnie McGaugh purchased the property. It featured a replica of an 1880s mining town called Old Nevada, complete with a saloon, opera house, and a miniature train.
The attraction offered various activities such as horseback riding, a petting zoo, and mock gunfights, making it a family-friendly destination. It also had a motel and a restaurant for visitors looking to extend their stay. Bonnie Springs Ranch was beloved by locals and tourists alike for its charming and nostalgic representation of the Wild West.
However, in January 2019, it was announced that the ranch had been sold to developers. The new owners planned to build a residential community on the site, which would include homes, a school, and a commercial area. Despite public outcry and attempts to preserve the ranch as a historical site, the development plans moved forward.
The closure of Bonnie Springs Ranch marked the end of an era for the Las Vegas area. The demolition of the ranch’s structures began shortly after its closure, and the area is now in the process of being transformed into the new residential development, which will significantly alter the landscape and character of the region that was once home to this iconic Western-themed attraction.
