Horseshoe (formerly Bally’s) is smack dab in the middle of the Strip, connected via an indoor walkway to Paris, and offers a surprising number of unique activities that range from blacklight mini golf to scoping out corpses (not joking).
The transition to the Horseshoe brand from Bally’s is complete at this point, and it’s time to dig into all there is to do, see, and experience at/near Horseshoe.
Things To Do at Horseshoe Las Vegas
Mini-Golf: With a “Twilight Zone” theme, this mini-golf experience is perfect for fans of the franchise or families.
Along with an 18-hole mini-golf course that glows in the dark, the venue also offers arcade games, a bowling alley, and a wedding chapel.
Hit the ARCADE: Occupying Horseshoe’s former sportsbook space, the ARCADE offers 80 games, including vintage options like skeeball and pinball.
It isn’t the biggest arcade in Las Vegas, but it is among the nicest.
Catch a Show: An intimate venue called The Magic Attic hosts a number of budget-friendly shows and magic acts, including:
- Paranormal Mind Reading Magic – Hosted by Frederic Da Silva, voted as the top mentalist in Europe. I went into this show a skeptic, and left amazed. Tickets start in the $30 range, and it’s a great deal.
- Battlebots Destruct – A-Thon – Watch robots like “Kraken”, “Witch Doctor”, and “HyperShock”, among others, battle to the death live! You’ve likely seen the popular TV show, now see it in person!
- Potted Potter – A humorous parody of the 7-book series.
Learn from REAL Human Specimens: “Real Bodies” educates visitors about the inner workings of the human body using 20 preserved bodies and 200 additional specimens. It’s fascinating, albiet morbid.
Tickets start at about $31 and are often a smidge cheaper on Vegas.com.
Play Keno: Uniquely, Horseshoe offers one of the last remaining live keno games on the Strip. Although boasting an inflated house edge, keno can be an inexpensive way to win a lot by wagering a little.
For those unfamiliar, keno is similar to a lottery where 20 numbered balls are drawn from a bowl of 80. All you have to do is guess which numbers will be pulled. Easier said than done.
Visit a Speakeasy: The Lock Speakeasy is located in the Cabinet of Curiosities in “the back hallway” at Horseshoe and specializes in craft cocktails tailored to your mood, zodiac sign, and favorite vacation destination.
Here’s their “Secret Order Form”.
Here’s the drink I ended up with, lol.
The speakeasy can be found down the escalators in the back of the casino, and requires you to solve a puzzle to get in. They’ll help you if you’re “dense” like I was.
The Lock requires a 2 drink minimum, and cocktails cost $20+, but I’ve grown to love it. The service is spectacular, and the scene screams “prohibition era”. It’s just fun.
Swim in a Deep Pool: A unique quirk, Horseshoe has the only pool on the Strip with a deep end, reaching a depth of 12′.
Grab a Cheap Bite: While the Grand Bazaar Shops out front of Horseshoe are underwhelming in general, there are a few solid opportunities to eat cheap.
Quick-serve restaurants I’m drawn to include Dave’s Hot Chicken and Istanbul Mediterranean, which serve inexpensive, filling gyro bowls.
Ole Red: Blake Shelton’s country bar is open for business in front of Horseshoe and is legit cool.
There are multiple levels inside to catch the free live music acts, but the coolest part of the venue are the rooftop views of the Strip.
If you’re into country, the shows likely make a $13 bottle or two of bottled domestic beer worth ponying up for.
Bottled Blonde: Another live music venue, Bottled Blonde is also now open next door to Ole Red.
Things To Do Near Horseshoe
Walk to Ellis Island: Located a leisurely 10-minute walk behind Horseshoe on E. Flamingo, Ellis Island’s Casino has recently been expanded, modernized, and offers value (lower minimums & better rules) compared to the Strip.
If Karaoke is your thing, stick around into the night to sing, or to watch people shine/make a fool of themselves.
Hit a Dive Bar: If you like cheap beer and bar-top video poker in a dive bar setting, you’ll love Stage Door Casino, which is right behind Cromwell, steps from Horseshoe.
It’s rough around the edges and lacks the luster of bars on the Strip, but that’s why I love it.
Where else are you scoring a $2 bottle of beer in Las Vegas? Nowhere. Stage Door easily ranks as one of my favorite drink deals on the Strip.
See Bellagio: Located across the street, Bellagio’s free Fountains of Bellagio show never gets old. For those that want a longer look, we recommend booking reservations at one of the many restaurants with a view of the Bellagio Fountains. Here are some additional suggestions for things to do at Bellagio, many of which are free!
Visit Paris: Nextdoor, and connected via an enclosed walkway, Paris’ theming is something that has to be seen. For some of the best views of the Strip, consider visiting the viewing deck atop the replica Eiffel Tower.
If looking for evening entertainment, check out the live music at at the Cabaret Lounge.
Scavenger Hunt at Cosmo: While we love stopping by the Chandelier Bar at Cosmopolitan for a Verbena Cocktail, what we enjoy the most is visiting the bars and restaurants hidden in plain sight. Cosmopolitan is the speakeasy capital of the Strip, boasting 3 unique options.
Fortunately, I’ve found and experienced them all – Here’s more information on each:
After the cocktails, find the hidden “Secret Pizza” which serves cheap, quick pizza by the slice.
Of course, there are more things to do near Horseshoe than I could ever list here. For more ideas, check out my property-by-property rundown of things to do on the Strip.
Horseshoe has the potential to be a strong home base for your Vegas vacation due to the resort’s great location and abundance of things to do nearby.
Located in the middle of the Las Vegas Strip, there are a ton of activities to keep you busy! Hopefully, we were able to help you add an activity or two to your Las Vegas itinerary. Have a great time!
See Also: Let us help you find the loosest slots in Vegas.
I’m a former software salesman turned Vegas aficionado. While the craps table is my preferred habitat, I pull myself away to explore new attractions, shows, restaurants, and outdoor activities around Las Vegas with the intent of sharing my experiences.
Ultimately, I just want to help folks plan a better trip and save a few bucks in the process.