Laughlin lies on the banks of the Colorado River at the very southern tip of Nevada where it meets with California and Arizona. Originally called South Pointe, Laughlin was named after Don Laughlin, who owned the first motel and casino, now called the Riverside Resort. There are many casinos, golf courses and other attractions that bring approximately 3 million visitors every year to Laughlin, according to VisitLaughlin.com
Golf
There are five public, 18-hole golf courses in the Laughlin area. The Mojave Resort Golf Club is the only one actually in Laughlin. The other four are just over the border in Arizona. The Desert Lakes Golf Club in Bullhead City is the only one that is not a championship-level golf course, although it is still rated at 70.5. Matt Dye designed the El Rio Golf and Country Club in Mohave Valley. David Druzisky designed the Laughlin Ranch Golf Club in Bullhead City. Ted Robinson, Sr., designed the Los Lagos Golf Club in Fort Mohave.
Lodging
Nine hotels and casinos are in Laughlin. Besides the Riverside Resort, which has Laughlin's lone RV park, the Aquarius offers riverboat cruises; the Colorado Belle is a replica of a Mississippi paddlewheel riverboat and has a microbrewery; the Edgewater has an award-winning buffet; the Golden Nugget has a rainforest theme and its swimming pool and spa overlook the Colorado River; Harrah's Laughlin has a Mexican theme and offers a beach for hotel guests; the Pioneer has an old west theme and its restaurant is famous for its Meal Deals; the River Palms has a tropical island theme and the largest casino in Laughlin; and the Tropicana Express features the only working railroad in Laughlin and an all-adult tower.
Water Attractions
The Colorado River and the many lakes are in the area. You ca rent boats, personal watercrafts, paddleboats, jet boats, jet skis, kayaks and canoes. There are also guided river trips and yachts available for chartering.
Dams
Three dams are within driving distance of Laughlin. Davis Dam is an earth and rock dam that is just 8 miles north of Laughlin. Hoover Dam is the tallest dam in the United States at over 70 stories tall and is 75 miles north of Laughlin. Parker Dam is the world's deepest dam with 75 percent of it underwater. It is 88 miles south of Laughlin.
Other Activities
Other activities and attractions available in Laughlin include horseback riding; the Big Bend State Recreation Area; the town of Oatman, which is maintained as an old west town to attract tourists; guided tours of the Grand Canyon or the surrounding desert; the Colorado River Museum; bowling; nightclubs; and dance clubs.
About The Author
Darin McGilvra is a writer in Southern California. He has been a writer since 1997. He worked as a sports writer and copy editor for newspapers for more than 12 years before becoming a freelance writer. His articles have appeared recently in "The Californian" newspaper in Temecula, Calif. McGilvra holds a Bachelor of Arts in mathematics education from Northwest Nazarene College.
