Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort, the first permanent, non-native settlement in the Las Vegas Valley, features the historic remains of an adobe fort built by Mormon missionaries along a spring-fed creek in 1855. The creek, the only free-flowing water for miles around, provided irrigation for fields and orchards and the 22,000 square foot outpost served as a way station for travelers. Today the park is located in what is now Downtown Las Vegas. In addition to the fort, which contains a multitude of historic artifacts, a Visitor Center contains exhibits and photos that illustrate the history of the site.
The park is located in the Las Vegas Valley which is part of the Mohave Desert. The native vegetation consists of the Creosote Bush plant community, however, historic land clearing activities have destroyed the original desert vegetation. (READ MORE)
More than 150 years ago, a spring-fed creek flowed through the Las Vegas Valley, creating an oasis in the desert. With the only free-flowing water and grass for miles around, the site attracted the native Paiute as well as traders, emigrants and gold seekers traveling the Old Spanish Trail to California. The Spaniards called the place las vegas, which is Spanish for the meadows. (READ MORE)
The first working ranch in the Las Vegas Valley, and once a luxurious retreat for millionaire Howard Hughes, Spring Mountain Ranch attracts visitors who enjoy exploring historic buildings, hiking and large, lush lawns on which to picnic and play.
A geologic wonderland, world-renowned Valley of Fire has 2,000 year old petroglyphs carved into massive red sandstone formations in the Mohave Desert. These stunning and unique sandstone formations were formed from shifting sand dunes 150 million years ago.
Situated on the shores of the Colorado River, Big Bend, with its clear, cool waters, offers dramatic views of the river and surrounding mountains. The area offers boating, fishing and swimming, with the amenities of a gaming town just minutes away.