How close are you with your Family? Would you do anything for them? Be prepared to answer that question at The Mob Museum Las Vegas. Just like when you’re “in”, you hear about these things, but no one really “knows” about them. I felt it was time to go to The Mob Museum and have a look around. I brought my husband as my witness. Result: Seriously impressed.

The building itself is the original courthouse that stood the test of time during the era of heavy Mob activity that took place in Las Vegas. Even the furniture in the courtroom is all the same, including the bench with a steel plate so the judge could quickly dodge a bullet if necessary. But don’t get too excited, this is not just about the Mob’s involvement in Las Vegas. The museum is actually called The Mob Museum: National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, and takes you through the complete journey of what a Mob was, why they were started and how they grew. From there, you will get a taste of what it was like to be in Las Vegas during that time. I have to admit, growing up here, it was kind of crazy to see photos of parents of the kids my husband and I went to school with, and their personal and professional lives being documented throughout the museum. They were on both sides of the law, and I’m not saying who! Learning more about the Mob and its roots really helped understand why and how quickly they grew and rose to power. And, why Vegas was a prime target for wanting to establish a network.

The other reason for taking a visit to the Mob Museum is the historical piece about Las Vegas. Exhibits identify when the city was founded, who founded it, how it grew and the most important piece…gaming. The Mob Museum explores the intent, the interest and the importance of gaming and how it put Las Vegas on the map. Some of the most interesting pieces are the old photos of the budding little railroad town, Section 14 where the town got its start, the Arizona Club, the first “upscale” gaming hall, and the people who fought to make Vegas happen (you hear their names now as Clark County, Mc Carran International Airport and Fremont Street). As you move through the museum, you move through time and see how as the Mob grew, Vegas was also growing, until it reaches a point where they become relevant of one another.

RSMLV Tips:

Plan Accordingly…the Mob Museum is full of really cool engaging and interactive exhibits. You can go through a “Line-Up”, shoot a “Tommy Gun”, and play all kinds of trivia games throughout the museum. There is also a film in courtroom exhibit on the second floor that details the nation hearings that exposed organized crime to America in 1950 and 1951. If you really want to enjoy everything the  Mob Museum has to offer, then give yourself a good 3-4 hours to work your way through.

Family Friendly…this is a tough one. I don’t think I would have brought my 8 and 6 year old. Not because I don’t want to educate them on the significance of the mob in history, but because there are quite a few bloody and graphic photos and scenes that I just don’t want  to explain to them, or give them nightmares about. Unless your child is really mature for his age, I would probably keep this one to the 12 and up crowd.

Shout Out…after spending half the day at the Mob Museum, you’re bound to get hungry. If you’re not up for Italian food or an old-school Vegas Steak House, then take Las Vegas Boulevard towards the Strip, and off to the right you will see a hole in the wall Mexican restaurant called Dona Maria’s Tamales. It’s been around forever and the food and service is great.

Ticket Discounts…if you are a member of the military, law enforcement, teacher or student, you can enjoy a nice discount off the $18 general admission price.* Nevada Residents pay $10, and kids 5-7 pay $12. All discounts require proof with ID.*As of April 2012

Enjoy your time with the family. But, remember, you didn’t hear any of this from me.

Want more evidence? Check out my Google+ Album documenting my tour.

The Mob Museum gave me 2 media passes to visit the museum. Media passes are given after careful consideration and review of media credentials. I was not forced or threatened to say nice things about them. All thoughts and opinions are my own.