Real Bullet Holes and a Hollywood Tragedy: What I Found Inside Nevada’s Oldest Saloon
Exploring the Pioneer Saloon in Goodsprings, Nevada
Just outside of Las Vegas, in the quiet desert town of Goodsprings, I stepped into a place where the walls aren’t just old—they remember. Nevada’s oldest operating saloon, the Pioneer Saloon, is more than a bar. It’s a time capsule with real bullet holes, a connection to a Hollywood tragedy, and stories that reach back over a century. What I found inside was unexpected, unforgettable, and completely worth the trip.
🏚️ A Saloon with Stories to Tell
After a recent magic & mentalism performance in Las Vegas, I took a detour out to Goodsprings, Nevada to visit the legendary Pioneer Saloon, and let me tell you—it’s the kind of place that doesn’t just tell stories… it feels like one.
Built in 1913, the Pioneer Saloon is one of the oldest still-operating saloons in Nevada. Its weathered wood and original pressed tin walls give it the authentic character of an Old West movie set—but this place is 100% real. From the moment you walk through the doors, you're stepping into over a century of drama, grit, and legend.
💥 Bullet Holes, Ghost Stories & Hollywood Tragedy
There are bullet holes in the wall from a shootout that took place in 1915—yes, actual bullet holes. And if that’s not wild enough, there's a framed coroner’s letter hanging nearby that tells the grim story in detail. It’s haunting in the best way.
Speaking of haunting... the Pioneer Saloon is also known for its paranormal activity. Featured on Ghost Adventures, it’s said to be one of the most haunted places in the state. Whether or not you believe in ghosts, there’s a strange energy that lingers in the air—especially in the back room where Clark Gable waited for word on his wife, Carole Lombard, after her plane tragically crashed into nearby Mount Potosi in 1942.
🍔 From Ghosts to Great Food
These days, the saloon is a lively desert hangout serving up great burgers, cold drinks, and killer views of the Nevada landscape. It’s a favorite spot for bikers, history lovers, and curious travelers looking for something off the beaten path.
🎩 Why It Resonated With Me
As a magician and mentalist, I’m always drawn to places that blur the line between reality and mystery—and the Pioneer Saloon is exactly that. It reminded me that whether it’s magic or business, the real magic happens when you create an experience people feel. One they’ll carry with them long after the moment is over.
If you’re visiting Las Vegas and looking for something real, something historic, and something just a little mysterious—take the trip to Goodsprings. The Pioneer Saloon is worth it.
💬 P.S.
Got a favorite hidden gem or ghost town? Drop me a comment—I’m always on the hunt for places that tell unforgettable stories.
[About the author: Lou Serrano is a professional magician and mentalist who specializes in corporate entertainment. When he's not dazzling audiences at trade shows, conferences, and special events across the country, he's on a mission to uncover the weird, the wonderful, and the wildly overlooked. From forgotten roadside attractions to modern-day ghost towns, Lou loves shining a spotlight on the kinds of places most people miss—and sharing their stories with the world.]