ATTRACTIONS IN LAS VEGAS

Old Mormon Fort

The Old Mormon Fort shows how the town of Las Vegas came into existence through faith, hope, determination and the ability to overcome adversity.

In 1855, a fort was built my Mormons at an oasis in the desert on the "Salt Lake-Los Angeles Trail", which was visited by many gold diggers and was also a popular resting point for California settlers, traders and miners. By the end of the Californian gold rush, the fort was abandoned. Today the fort has been lovingly restored with old furniture that sends you back to 1900.

The ranch house, the oldest building in Nevada, contains informative exhibits tracing the area's history, including a collection of photographs of the fort spanning from 1934 to 1992. A replica of the first flag flown over Vegas is displayed along one wall, complete with 19 stars and 13 stripes.

At the center of the fort lies an 1850s freight wagon, similar to those once used to carry supplies and materials to and from the fort. The creek has long since dried up, but a re-creation of it now travels the edge of the property near the ranch house, giving visitors a unique glimpse into the past.

Museum of Natural History

Located on the grounds of the 1957 founded University of Nevada, you can inform yourself about the natural history of southern Nevada and the Mojave desert in this museum, but also learn about international natural history.

ATTRACTIONS NEAR LAS VEGAS

Red Rock Canyon

The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is located just a few miles west of Las Vegas and encompasses 197,000 acres within the Mojave Desert. Take a scenic drive around to find spectacular views for photographs, or bike, hike and climb for the more active ones out there!

Interested in the Wild West? In "Old Nevada" a wild west city was reconstructed, which offers a colorful program of shootings and robberies.

Not far away lies Bonnie Springs Ranch, an animal park with llamas, buffalos and prairie dogs. You can dig for gold and partake in horseriding tours.

Valley of Fire State Park

A very tempting day trip leads to Valley of Fire State Park, where wonderful rock formations out of red sandstone seem to be burning, depending on the sunshine. On your way back, try visiting the north shore of Lake Mead and Echo Bay, where you can rent boats and relax, or go camping for a more adventurous experience.