The Mob Museum in Las Vegas, NV

This place was an absolute 'must' on our recent Las Vegas vacation. Not because I was concerned about finding any uncles or other relatives a part of it, but I was always curious about how Vegas got it's start, emerging from a western trading post to the money making metropolis it is today. The self-guided audio tour begins on the third floor as you learn about the origins or organized crime and how it infiltrated our country. As you wind through the various rooms and exhibits you learn it was much more than just the Italian Mafia that claimed this title, and how establishing Las Vegas as a money-making option became a reality as new source of revenue for the mob. It is best to take your time while you eat (and listen to) as many exhibits as you can to get the whole story. The one highlight that stood out was the actual brick wall exhibit from 1929 that was on display from the St. Valentine's Day Massacre. This, of course is the very wall where seven members of Bugsy Moran's north side gang were lined up and murdered by assailants dressed like policemen, and most likely from Al Capone's rival gang. This really hits home regarding the violent life these gangsters led during and after prohibition, especially when you see up close the bullet holes in the wall that 'missed'. The museum tour descends downward all the way to the first floor, and there's even a 'speakeasy' in the basement if you wish to have a drink 1930's style. This review could go on and on, but the only way to really absorb this excellent museum is to visit it yourself if the story or organized crime interests you. A visit here is highly recommended.