Pioneer Saloon

Admission: Free admission (purchases recommended)
Hours: Monday - Thursday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM, Friday - Sunday: 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Duration: 1-2 hours
Parking: Free on-site gravel parking lot
Access: Wheelchair accessible entrance, ramp access available, some uneven historic flooring

Step back in time at one of the oldest operating saloons in Nevada, featuring authentic stamped-tin walls and a historic wooden bar. It famously served as a vigil site for Clark Gable and still boasts real bullet holes in the wall. Today, it's a legendary watering hole beloved by history buffs and ghost hunters.

Established in 1913, the Pioneer Saloon in Goodsprings, Nevada, is one of the oldest continuously operating saloons in the state. Its distinctive stamped-tin exterior and interior, manufactured by Sears, Roebuck & Co., stand as a remarkably preserved relic of the area's early 20th-century mining boom.

The saloon is deeply tied to Hollywood history and tragedy. It was here that legendary actor Clark Gable waited anxiously for three days in 1942 while search parties looked for his wife, actress Carole Lombard, after her plane crashed on nearby Mount Potosi. Cigarette burns on the original cherrywood counter are still pointed out as physical remnants of Gable's solemn vigil.

Beyond its celebrity lore, visitors can view genuine bullet holes in the wall from a deadly 1915 poker game and explore a small museum room of local historical artifacts. Today, the saloon serves as a lively desert oasis, attracting history buffs, road trippers, and fans of the video game Fallout: New Vegas, which famously recreated the establishment.

Ratings

restaurant

Food Quality

4/5

Atmosphere

4.9/5

Service

4.2/5

Value for Money

4.1/5

Portion Size

4.4/5

Menu Variety

3.6/5

Wait Time

3.9/5

Local Favorite

4.8/5

Outdoor Seating ✓Good for Groups ✓Pet Friendly ✓

Visitor Tips

◆ Order the Ghost Burger, a local specialty featuring ghost pepper cheese, if you enjoy spicy food.
◆ Take time to browse the historic newspaper clippings and photos lining the walls of the back room.
◆ If you are a fan of Fallout: New Vegas, look for the themed merchandise and the guest book signed by gamers from around the world.
◆ Combine your visit with a self-guided walking tour of the surrounding Goodsprings historic district, including the nearby 1913 schoolhouse.

Heads Up

◆ The saloon can become incredibly crowded on weekends, particularly with motorcycle clubs and tourists escaping Las Vegas.
◆ Summer temperatures in this desert region routinely exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit, so ensure your vehicle is in good working order before driving out.
◆ The venue transitions into a more traditional bar atmosphere in the evenings, which may not be suitable for young children.

Common questions

Is the Pioneer Saloon in Goodsprings actually in Fallout: New Vegas?

Yes, the Pioneer Saloon is a prominent landmark in the video game Fallout: New Vegas and was faithfully recreated by the game's developers.

Where are the bullet holes inside the Pioneer Saloon?

The bullet holes are located in the pressed-tin wall near the back of the building, accompanied by a framed newspaper clipping explaining the 1915 fatal shootout.

Do you need a four-wheel-drive vehicle to get to the Pioneer Saloon?

No, the entire route from Interstate 15 to Goodsprings is on paved roads, making it accessible to any standard passenger vehicle.

Is there still a memorial for Clark Gable and Carole Lombard inside?

Yes, the saloon maintains a small museum area with photos, news clippings, and artifacts dedicated to Carole Lombard's tragic plane crash on nearby Mount Potosi and Clark Gable's wait at the saloon.