National Atomic Testing Museum

The Basics

The museum offers an in-depth look at the development and testing of the atomic bomb and the creation of the Nevada Test Site. Highlights include a Ground Zero Theater simulation of an above-ground test, a replica of the Control Point where countdowns were conducted, and an exhibit on atomic culture. Visitors can also see Geiger counters, a replica of a 9-megaton nuclear bomb, and the reactor that spawned the nuclear rocket and the first air-to-air missile.

Visit the museum independently or as part of a Las Vegas sightseeing tour. Prebooked skip-the-line admission tickets are available with a discounted multi-attraction pass.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Expect to spend at least two hours exploring the exhibits.

• The museum is wheelchair accessible and provides restrooms and parking.

• No cellphone usage or food and drinks are permitted inside the museum.

How to Get There

There are several ways to reach the National Atomic Testing Museum, located just minutes from the Strip. Most visitors arrive as part of a Las Vegas sightseeing tour or by public transport—the Route 202 bus stops in front of the museum. If you’re driving, head eastbound on Flamingo Road and continue straight through the intersection with Paradise Road.

When to Get There

The museum is open daily to visitors, and there isn’t really a bad time to visit. If you want to avoid the crowds, arrive in the morning and allow at least two hours for the exhibits. The museum is closed during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.

Nevada Test Site

The museum recounts the history of the Nevada Test Site, a nuclear weapons test site located in the Nevada desert, about 65 miles (105 kilometers) north of Las Vegas. Nuclear testing at the site began in 1951 and more than 1,000 nuclear tests were conducted here, both above-ground and underground. Atomic explosions continued at the site until 1992.

Ways to explore

General admission tickets provide access to the museum’s permanent exhibitions, where you’ll learn about the development and testing of the atomic bomb, the creation of the Nevada Test Site, and the Cold War nuclear arms race. Get hands-on at the Nuclear Reactions Lab, peek inside a recreation of an underground testing lab, see a Phoebus-2A nuclear reactor and Davy Crockett XM-388 projectile, and more.

Museum tours are self-guided, with audio guides available for rent. Every month, free tours of the Nevada National Security Site depart from the museum; spots are limited and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Accessibility

The museum is wheelchair and stroller accessible; free wheelchairs are available upon request.

Age limits

Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult; consider whether your child is old enough to handle the subject matter.

What to pack

Your ticket or e-ticket, reusable water bottle, credit or debit card (the museum is cashless)

What to wear

Casual clothing, comfortable walking shoes

Not allowed

Large bags and suitcases, food and drinks

Amenities

Restrooms, free parking, gift shop

Address

The National Atomic Testing Museum is on Flamingo Road in Paradise, Nevada, about 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) east of the Las Vegas Strip. It’s easy to reach by car and public transport.

Driving

If you are driving from the Las Vegas Strip, head eastbound on Flamingo Road and continue straight through the intersection with Paradise Road. Plenty of free parking is available on-site.

Public transportation

Catch the eastbound 202 bus from the Flamingo after Las Vegas stop at the corner of Flamingo Road and Las Vegas Boulevard. It’s about a 13-minute journey and stops right outside the museum.

Best times to visit

Mornings are the quietest time to visit. Arrive before 4pm if you want to explore at your own pace; last entry is at 5pm, and the museum closes at 6pm.

Best days to visit

Las Vegas attractions are at their busiest Friday–Sunday. To avoid the crowds, opt for a midweek visit instead.

Best months to visit

While you can still enjoy air-conditioned indoor attractions such as the National Atomic Testing Museum in the summer, the Las Vegas heat is far more manageable in spring and fall.