Nevada is a state full of contrasts, from the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas to the vast and rugged landscapes of the desert. But among the natural and man-made wonders, there are also some forgotten places that tell a different story of the Silver State. One of these places is the Emerald River resort, a once-promising project that never came to fruition and now lies abandoned in the outskirts of Laughlin.
The Rise and Fall of Emerald River
Planned during a roaring growth spurt in Laughlin, Emerald River was supposed to be the most expensive casino-resort in Nevada for its time, with four hotels, a golf course and a 1 million-square-foot shopping mall, one report said — all told, an $800 million tab in 1988, or more than $1.6 billion today. The developer, Don Laughlin, the namesake of the town, envisioned a world-class destination that would rival Las Vegas and attract millions of visitors.
However, the project faced several challenges and delays, such as environmental issues, financing problems, and legal disputes. By the early 1990s, the construction was halted and the site was left unfinished. Only a few structures were completed, such as a parking garage, a water tower, and a bridge. The rest of the land remained vacant and overgrown with weeds.
The Current State of Emerald River
Today, the Emerald River resort is a ghostly reminder of what could have been. The site is fenced off and guarded by security, but some curious explorers have managed to sneak in and document the decay. The concrete buildings are covered with graffiti, the windows are shattered, and the metal is rusted. The golf course is dried up and the mall is empty. The only signs of life are the occasional wildlife and the homeless people who seek shelter in the ruins.
The future of Emerald River is uncertain, as the property is still owned by Don Laughlin, who is now in his 90s. There have been some rumors and proposals to revive or redevelop the site, but none of them have materialized so far. The resort remains an eyesore and a mystery for the residents and visitors of Laughlin, who wonder what it would have been like if it had ever opened.
Conclusion
Emerald River is one of the most intriguing abandoned places in Nevada, as it represents a failed dream of a grandiose resort that never saw the light of day. The resort is a testament to the boom and bust cycles of the gambling industry, as well as the challenges and risks of building in the desert. Emerald River is also a fascinating destination for urban explorers, who can witness the contrast between the desolate ruins and the bustling casinos nearby. Emerald River is a hidden gem in the Nevada desert, but not in the way that its creator had hoped.