On your next Las Vegas getaway, consider escaping into the unusual by hitting any of these one-of-a-kind museums. Whether you win at the tables or slots, you’ll definitely have something to brag about when you get home!

The Neon Museum & Boneyard

As it’s name suggests, the Neon Museum of Las Vegas is dedicated to preserving neon signs and art. There are over 150 signs in the collection, many dating back to the 1930’s when neon was reaching it’s artistic zenith. Even when not plugged in, it’s a surreal walk back in time to visit the bone yard, which is downtown right next to Cashman Field on North Las Vegas Blvd. Although temporarily closed during the construction of their new facility, they will be offering modified tours in the Spring and expect to re-open in June 2010. Visit neonmuseum.org or call 702-387-6366 for more information or to schedule a tour.

If you’re visiting Vegas before then, take a stroll downtown along Freemont Street. Many vintage signs that have been fully restored light up the street at night.

The Atomic Testing Museum

Located at 755 E. Flamingo Road just east of Bally’s and the Flamingo on the Strip, the Atomic Testing Museum presents a comprehensive history of America’s pursuit of the atomic bomb. Many Vegas resorts and hotels hosted “viewing parties” from downtown to watch the blasts conducted in the Mojave. There are several interactive exhibits but the photo gallery alone is worth the price of admission. $12 for adults. $9 for students, seniors, kids, Nevada residents and military w/ID. Look for special 2-for-1 coupons. www.atomictestingmuseum.org

Liberace Museum – CLOSED

I admit I lost a bet with my wife before agreeing to visit this one, but I must say I’m glad I did. Liberace was a talented, very flamboyant entertainer who worked from the 1940’s-1980’s in show business. He collected a lot of weird stuff too. Older people remember him best, but he has a cult following. The piano collection is a must see for any serious musician. Located at 1775 E. Tropicana in a strip mall, it might be a little far to walk from the Hard Rock or MGM, but there’s a free shuttle to and from the Strip and many tourist brochures offer 2-for-1 coupons. $15 for adults. www.liberace.org

Erotic Heritage Museum

This is NOT a glorified peep-show or some creepy guy’s personal pornography collection. Although it may not appeal to older folks or the overly pious, the Erotic Heritage Museum offers an array of current and historical perspectives on eroticism. Yes, it’s provocative, yes it’s a sexy Vegas diversion. But the museum’s primary focus is art, education and interpretation. It’s conveniently located on West Desert Inn Road across from the Fashion Show Mall. Fascinating for guys and gals, as well as couples looking to put a spark in their vacation. Open Wednesday-Sunday, admission is $15 for adults, $10 for students, locals and military. http://www.eroticheritage.org

Sure the guys in your bachelor party, or the gals in your bachelorette party, or your new flame, or your impossible to please kids might think you’re crazy at first for suggesting a museum visit when you’re in Vegas, but they will all think you’re brilliant after visiting any of these weird, wacky, wonderful gems.

Other Las Vegas museums worth visiting: Madame Tussands Wax Museum at the Venetian, the Las Vegas Natural History Museum on Las Vegas Blvd. a little north of downtown, the Auto Collection at Imperial Palace, and the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art inside the Bellagio.