Explore the Post-Apocalyptic World of Fallout: New Vegas on the Mojave Wasteland Bus Tour
Fans of the popular video game “Fallout: New Vegas” and history enthusiasts alike are in for a treat with the upcoming Mojave Wasteland Bus Tour hosted by the Atomic Museum. Taking place on Saturday, November 16, this unique tour offers participants the chance to immerse themselves in the post-apocalyptic society depicted in the game while also delving into the real-world history of the Atomic Age.
The adventure kicks off at the iconic Pioneer Saloon in Goodsprings, Nevada, where boarding begins at 8:30 a.m. The bus will depart promptly at 8:40 a.m., with the first stop being the Atomic Museum in Las Vegas. Here, attendees will have the opportunity to explore a wide array of artifacts related to the Atomic Age, including a decommissioned Mark III “Fatman” atomic bomb casing, a 9-megaton B-53 thermonuclear device, and radioactive trinitite.
Visitors can also marvel at Ford’s atomic-powered concept car, the Nucleon, and snap a selfie with Robby, the fission-powered robot. For an immersive experience, guests can head to the Ground Zero Theater, which offers a simulated atomic test experience. The museum’s exhibits delve deep into Civil Defense, featuring Geiger counters, Doom Town mannequins, and essential fallout shelter items. The highlight of the tour is an exploration of the 928 nuclear tests conducted at the Nevada Test Site and their impact on the development of Las Vegas, also known as the Atomic City.
After exploring the Atomic Museum, the tour will continue to the Old Mormon Fort, the oldest building in New Vegas and the fictional headquarters of the Followers of the Apocalypse in the game. Participants can take a self-guided tour of the fort, search for the coveted Snow Globe in the Guardhouse (a rare opportunity usually closed to the public), and explore areas like the Humanitarian Tent and the Followers Lab Coat. Guests also have the chance to enter a raffle to win a Followers of the Apocalypse Flag, which will be flown at the Old Mormon Fort that day.
The tour wraps up with a Fallout-themed lunch featuring Fallout dogs and beverages before heading back to the Pioneer Saloon for a 1 p.m. arrival. General admission for the Mojave Wasteland Bus Tour is $80 per person, plus taxes and fees, with admission fees to the Atomic Museum and Old Mormon Fort included. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so fans are encouraged not to miss this “S.P.E.C.I.A.L.” tour.
Discover the History of the Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort
The Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort holds the distinction of being the first permanent, non-native settlement in the Las Vegas Valley. Built by Mormon missionaries in 1855 along a spring-fed creek, the fort served as a crucial way station for travelers, thanks to the only free-flowing water source for miles around providing irrigation for fields and orchards. Today, the park is located in Downtown Las Vegas and offers visitors a glimpse into the area’s rich history.
The fort itself contains a plethora of historic artifacts, while the Visitor Center features exhibits and photos that paint a vivid picture of the site’s history. Visitors can immerse themselves in the past and gain a deeper understanding of the early settlers’ way of life. The Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort stands as a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of those who first ventured into the valley, shaping the future of Las Vegas as we know it today.
Experience the Nuclear History at the Atomic Museum
Operated by the Nevada Test Site Historical Foundation (NTSHF), the Atomic Museum offers a comprehensive look at nuclear history, starting with the first test at the Nevada Test Site in 1951. As one of over 200 Smithsonian Affiliate organizations across the country, the museum provides insights into the past, present, and future of the nuclear industry.
With engaging exhibitions and programming, the Atomic Museum showcases a wide range of artifacts and information related to the Atomic Age. Visitors can learn about the impact of nuclear testing on society, as well as the advancements and challenges faced by the industry. From decommissioned atomic bomb casings to futuristic atomic-powered concept cars, the museum offers a fascinating glimpse into a pivotal period in history.
For more information on the Mojave Wasteland Bus Tour and to purchase tickets, visit the Atomic Museum’s website. Don’t miss this opportunity to step into the world of “Fallout: New Vegas” and explore the real-world connections to the game’s iconic settings.
