Nestled just outside the bustling city lights of Las Vegas and surrounded by the breathtaking Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Bonnie Springs Ranch (Old Nevada) is a hidden gem with a history as colorful as the Wild West itself. Originally developed as a tourist attraction in the mid-20th century, Bonnie Springs offered visitors a taste of frontier fun—complete with a faux Western town, petting zoo, and staged gunfights. But long before the tourists arrived, this land held stories that whisper through time—tales of early settlers, dusty trails, and perhaps, lingering spirits. For ghost hunters, history buffs, and the mildly curious, this place is much more than a scenic stop—it’s a portal to the past.
The History
Origins as a Pioneer Stop
Before there was entertainment, before there were tourists, there was water. Bonnie Springs Ranch began as a natural spring—an oasis in the unforgiving Mojave Desert. In the 1800s, the spring was a vital stopover on the Old Spanish Trail, providing much-needed relief to wagon trains, traders, and weary travelers. Known then as part of the “Old Mormon Trail,” this site played a pivotal role in the migration of settlers toward the western frontier.
Travelers would rest here, refill their canteens, and care for their livestock. Some even chose to stay, building modest homesteads in the area. The natural spring made it both unique and habitable, creating the foundations for what would eventually become Bonnie Springs Ranch.
The Arrival of Bonnie and Al Levinson
The ranch as we know it today owes much of its character to Bonnie McGaugh Levinson and her husband Al Levinson. In 1952, the couple purchased the land and saw an opportunity to create a family-friendly Western-style attraction. With true pioneer spirit, they built up the ranch, adding features that would transport guests straight into a John Wayne movie—gunfight reenactments, a wax museum, saloons, a miniature train, and even a small zoo.
The attraction was designed to resemble an 1880s mining town, and the couple aptly named it “Old Nevada.” For decades, it stood as a beloved Las Vegas day trip for local families, school field trips, and curious tourists looking to escape the glitz of The Strip and get a taste of the rugged Wild West.
A Western Town with Staying Power
During its heyday, Bonnie Springs Ranch (Old Nevada) was bustling. Children panned for gold, families watched mock hangings in the town square, and daring visitors ventured into the Old West–style haunted house. There was a restaurant and motel on the property, and the surrounding red rocks made it a haven for hiking, horseback riding, and sightseeing. It wasn’t unusual to spot peacocks wandering around the paths, making it feel like a surreal little bubble from another time.
The ranch was self-contained and family-run—charming in its kitsch but steeped in genuine love for the past. Generations of visitors built memories here, and the site carved out a special place in the collective heart of Southern Nevada.
The Closing and Redevelopment Controversy
In 2019, after more than 60 years of operation, Bonnie Springs Ranch closed its doors. The property was sold to developers with plans to build luxury homes and a boutique hotel. While some parts of the ranch were auctioned—including storefronts, signage, and furniture—many locals and longtime fans mourned the loss of this historic outpost.
The new owners, The Reserve at Red Rock Canyon, proposed a plan to modernize the area while paying homage to its past. However, skeptics worry that the transformation could erase the unique charm and spirit that made Bonnie Springs Ranch (Old Nevada) so magical. Some believe that the very act of development may have stirred up energies best left undisturbed…
The Haunt
With a Western town themed after the lawless 1880s, it’s no surprise that stories of hauntings began to bubble to the surface over the decades. Guests and employees alike reported experiencing eerie encounters—strange lights, disembodied voices, phantom footsteps, and feelings of being watched. Paranormal investigators flocked to Bonnie Springs for decades, declaring it one of Nevada’s most haunted old-fashioned attractions.
The Wax Museum Whispers
One of the most notorious paranormal hot spots on the ranch was the wax museum. Sure, wax figures are creepy in and of themselves, but the ones at Bonnie Springs brought extra chills. Numerous guests stated they felt overwhelming dread upon entering, with some feeling physically ill inside. Staff reported lights flickering, mannequins seeming to shift positions, and unexplained cold drafts—especially around figures portraying Old West criminals and victims of hangings.
Paranormal groups using EMF (electromagnetic field) detectors and spirit boxes claimed that the wax museum held residual energy, possibly drawn in by the intense performances that regularly took place outside—reenactments of hangings, duels, and outlaw showdowns.
The Motel Guests Who Never Checked Out
The on-site motel offered rustic lodging for those who wanted to spend the night under the desert stars—but not all guests were of this world. Several overnight visitors reported hearing knocking on doors and windows in the dead of night, only to open the door to empty corridors. Others spoke of glassware moving on its own and TVs turning on and off without explanation. Some employees even refused to work the night shift due to these strange occurrences.
The Gallows and the Ghosts
The centerpiece of many Bonnie Springs Old Nevada shows was the gallows—a prop used to demonstrate frontier justice in theatrical hangings. Energy workers and mediums who visited the site often claimed these performances may have mimicked traumatic events strongly enough to leave an imprint. Others speculated that the land, already old and rich in pioneer history, might have hosted real violence long before any stages were built.
Visitors described hearing screams near this area at night, despite the lack of any scheduled performances. EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena) sessions recorded what sounded like ragged breaths, garbled speech, and even the chilling command: “Hang him.”
The Spirit of Bonnie?
Is it possible that Bonnie Levinson, the ranch’s beloved matriarch, still watches over her creation? Some believe so. After her passing in 2016, guests and former employees began reporting the smell of her signature perfume wafting through closed rooms, often accompanied by a sense of comfort or nostalgia. A few claimed to see a woman in period dress near the old restaurant or walking silently through the town’s dusty pathways.
Whether ghost or memory, Bonnie’s presence seems woven into the very soul of the ranch. Even in its changed form, perhaps she still walks the wooden boardwalks, watching over the place she helped build.
Conclusion: A Call to the Curious and the Brave
Though Bonnie Springs Ranch (Old Nevada) has undergone significant change, its memory lives on in more ways than one. For paranormal investigators and ghost hunters, the site remains a treasure trove of unexplained occurrences, layered history, and spiritual echoes. Whether you’re a seasoned EVP-toting adventurer or just someone drawn to Nevada’s mystical badlands, Bonnie Springs continues to whisper its secrets—if you’re quiet and curious enough to listen.
Visiting today, you’ll find a different landscape—but the energy lingers. Old souls don’t all move on right away, especially in places as charged as this. If you’re brave enough, grab your gear, say a respectful hello to the spirits, and see if they’ll share a piece of Old Nevada with you.
After all, the past has a way of sticking around—especially under the Red Rock moon.