The Dunes opened on May 23, 1955, as a low-rise resort with Hollywood star Vera-Ellen providing the entertainment in the Magic Carpet Review. When the North Tower was added in 1961 it was one of the finest and largest hotels on the strip. The South Tower was added in 1979. The resort soon ran into financial difficulties and the casino closed after a year. The resort was purchased in 1956 by two businessmen, Major A. Riddle and Jake Gottlieb, who had dealings with the Chicago Outfit. The resort boasted an 18-hole golf course, a rooftop health spa and a 90 ft (27 m)-long pool. The Hotel's Slogan was "The Miracle in the Desert.
On November 17, 1992, the Dunes was sold for the last time to developer Steve Wynn for $75 million. On January 26, 1993, the Dunes closed its doors for good. A liquidation sale was conducted to clear the property of its contents as a prelude to the building's implosion. Like many of the legendary properties of its era, it could no longer compete with the newer and more exciting megaresorts that were being built.
Steve Wynn bought the Dunes and started the implosion trend with the North Tower. On October 27, 1993, the Dunes was imploded in a grand ceremony that involved major fireworks displays and the use of several "cannon blasts" from the English ship 'HMS Britannia'. Over 200,000 people watched the implosion. The Dunes Sign itself was lit and the sign read "No Vacancy" as if it was still open. Steve Wynn stood by and said "Captain of the Britannia, prepare broadside; Ready, Aim, Fire." Cannon shots from the ship were simulated to coincide with explosions along the Dunes property. The neon sign was destroyed and a fireball fueled by 16,000 liters (4226 gallons) of aviation fuel engulfed the Diamond Tower shortly before explosives brought it down. Everything except the south tower was destroyed "amid a shower of fireworks never before equaled west of the Mississippi."
The Dunes counts as two implosions as the South Tower was obliterated in July, 1994, with no fanfare and minimal media attention.
During its construction, workers found four bags of Dunes casino chips that were buried at the site.
Note: This cache was placed in Jonathan Dickinson State Park as part of Cacheapalooza 7, with the permission of Martin Morse, Park Service Specialist. If you park anywhere in JDSP, make sure all your tires are off the road and you are not blocking any gates.