Dig This: Commanding Heavy Machinery in a Las Vegas Sandbox

Why It Stands Out

The concept for this attraction originated with Ed Mumm, who found himself more interested in operating his rented excavator than actually finishing his home in Colorado. He correctly guessed that the public would share his enthusiasm for these massive tools.

After refining the business model in Steamboat Springs, the operation relocated to Nevada to find a larger audience and more consistent weather. Guests here don't just watch professionals work.

They take the driver's seat of Caterpillar D5 bulldozers or 315CL hydraulic excavators. After a mandatory 30-minute safety briefing and training session, participants head into the dirt.

You might find yourself digging trenches that reach ten feet into the earth or piling up massive mounds of soil. For those who want to test their finesse, the park offers challenges like using the excavator's bucket to delicately lift basketballs off safety cones or repositioning tires that weigh 2,000 pounds.

It is a tactile, high-energy alternative to the typical Las Vegas experience.

Before You Go

Operating heavy machinery is an expensive hobby. The fees for a session can run into the hundreds, largely because of the significant insurance and maintenance required for such large vehicles.

The site features a dedicated office and a gift shop where you can pick up souvenirs of your time in the trenches. While there are ambitions to expand this franchise to international hubs like Tokyo and Sydney, the Las Vegas site remains the primary destination for those looking to play in the world's most powerful sandbox.

Questions worth answering