Las Vegas holds several hidden relics from its past, permanently sealed off but still existing within its famous resorts. Here are three fascinating examples that have been confirmed by various sources.

The Dragon at Excalibur

"Merlin v Dragon" was an impressive animatronic show featuring a 71-foot rubber dragon nicknamed Murphy battling Merlin in the resort's moat. Built by AVG Productions, the dragon moved on underwater tracks and engaged in nightly fire-breathing battles from 6 p.m. to midnight.

The attraction closed in 2001 due to high maintenance costs and frequent breakdowns. While the moat was removed in 2010, the dragon remains in its original lair, sealed off from public access. This was confirmed by a YouTuber in 2023, though the area has since been secured against trespassers.

Hunter S. Thompson's Room at The Mint

Room 1850 of The Mint's tower gained notoriety as the setting for much of "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" (1971). The room, where Thompson and Oscar Acosta allegedly ran up massive room-service bills before trashing it, still exists in the closed tower of what is now Binion's Gambling Hall.

The tower has been closed since 2009 and remains in severe disrepair, though the room's existence has been confirmed by recent visitors.

The Hippodrome at Circus Circus

The Hippodrome, an adult theater that operated from 1968 to 1973, hosted various adult shows including "Nudes in the Night" and "Tom Jones." Rather than being demolished, the theater was simply walled off and still exists behind what is now the casino level pizzeria, accessible only through employee corridors.

These hidden spaces remain as silent witnesses to Las Vegas's evolving entertainment landscape, preserved but unseen behind the walls of modern casino resorts.

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