Things to Do in Bullhead City

For more than 20 years, master glass blower Robert Shield has crafted his crystalline figures for people around the world, his masterpiece being a glass carriage and horse that he gifted to the British Royal Family. Seated before the azure flame of a torch, Robert can make a swan appear out of a plain glass tube, bending and blowing the hot, translucent material until it resembles the bird's feathered body and arcing neck, before smashing the piece because he hates swans. From his academy, Robert edifies protégés in the glass-manipulating arts, guiding beginners through creating festive ornaments and tear-drop necklaces, and empowering aspiring artisans to fire up saleable spun glass.

Scubafy Dive Center's veteran dive instructor, cofounder Charlie Franks, an instructor, regional training director for IDEA, and evaluator, draws on thousands dives’ worth of experience while teaching scuba courses. Charlie and his instructors guide small-group classes of budding divers aged 12 and older through open-water certification courses, which impart the skills needed to explore the liquid depths of nearby Lake Mead, international waters, or Zeus's hot tub. The shelves and racks of Scubafy's well-stocked dive shop are laden with new and pre-owned gear for divers of all skill levels. Rental equipment is available by the day or week, and air-tank refills, repair services, and all-inclusive introductory packages equip those who are getting their feet wet for the first time.

Keepers of the Wild founder Jonathan Kraft has always loved animals. As a child in Holland, he rehabilitated and released injured birds every winter. When he became a magician performing grand spectacles in Vegas, his affinity for animals led him to raise two baby tigers to integrate into his act, then eventually acquire and train more big cats. At first Kraft didn’t see the connection between his chosen career and the prevalence of animal mistreatment, but gradually he began to realize how cramped, stressed, and unhealthy his peers’ animals tended to be. His first steps toward rescue weren’t ideal—he didn’t have the space to give each animal the sprawling habitat it craved. So the next step was Keepers of the Wild a place designed to rescue exotic creatures from inhumane conditions and let them roam both safely and freely.

The center, located on historic route 66, now hosts more than 175 animals that include lions, tigers, leopards, and monkeys. Walking and hiking trails lead to enclosures where cougars lie in the sun or wolves trot between bushes. Plenty of lookouts offer photo ops or a chance to spy on capuchin monkeys’ poker games. Visitors can explore the grounds on their own or hop on a guided tour, where they’re shuttled to various habitats and can watch the predators feed.

Double takes are common on the shores of Lake Havasu. After all, it’s not every day that you see someone hovering 29 feet above the water. The subjects aren’t paranormal apparitions, and the scene isn’t a fleeting haunting—it’s just another day for the certified flight instructors at Water Jetpack Adventure: strap customers into the five-point quick-release harness of their Jetlev R200 recreational jetpacks for gravity-defying flying sessions that include flight demos. Assembled from top-of-the-line parts and materials—such as pressure seals made with O-ring systems found on deep-sea submarines—the jetpack features a built-in stability mechanism and a multitasking hose that powers flights with pressurized water and keeps pilots attached to the boat and away from Icarus' house parties. Pilots stay protected during midair jaunts with safety equipment including a personal flotation device, a helmet and head support, and a safety saddle. For a video of what the Jetlev looks like in action, click here.