Springs Preserve in Las Vegas

A 180-acre desert oasis of museums, gardens, and trails just minutes from the Strip — and the birthplace of Las Vegas itself.

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Nevada State Museum

The Nevada State Museum sits right on the Springs Preserve grounds, and it’s a highlight all on its own. Inside the 70,000-square-foot building you’ll find Nevada’s story told across thousands of years — from the state fossil, an ancient Ichthyosaur, to an interactive stalactite cave, holographic mining history, an atomic-testing display, and exhibits on old Las Vegas entertainment and glamour. A rotating changing gallery means there’s usually something new even if you’ve been before.

Origen Museum

The Origen Museum is where the interactive galleries and live-animal exhibits live, along with rotating shows and seasonal programming. It’s the heart of the visitor experience — the kind of place where kids stay busy for hours and adults quietly learn a lot about the desert we live in. Because exhibits rotate throughout the year, it’s worth checking what’s currently on display before you go.

Boomtown 1905

Boomtown 1905 is a re-created streetscape that tells the story of Las Vegas from 1905 to 1920. You can stroll past original railroad cottages moved from downtown, send a Morse code message at the train depot, try your luck at roulette in a recreated Arizona Club saloon, poke around the Las Vegas Mercantile general store, and peek into the Lincoln Hotel and Majestic Theatre. It’s my favorite way to help people picture just how young — and how scrappy — this city really is.

Award-Winning Desert Gardens

The Botanical Garden is home to thousands of Mojave Desert and desert-adapted plants and has been named one of the “Top 10 North American Gardens Worth Traveling For.” Wander through specialty collections like the nationally accredited Mojave Cactus and Succulent Collection, Cactus Alley, the Rose Garden, Herb Garden, Palm Garden, and a Wildlife Garden near the wetlands. Many of the plants here were actually rescued from local development sites and replanted — a very Vegas kind of second chance.

Butterfly Habitat

The Butterfly Habitat is a seasonal favorite that opens each fall and spring, as temperatures allow. When it’s running, you can walk among free-flying butterflies — Painted Ladies, Gulf Fritillaries, Zebra Longwings and more — and see how they connect to the plants and pollinators around them. Because it’s weather-dependent, it isn’t open year-round, so check the official site for current dates before you plan a trip around it.

Trails, Train & Trolley Rides

There are about 3.5 miles of trails winding through 110 acres of native desert habitat and archaeological sites. The main Exploration Loop Trail is fully paved and wheelchair accessible, so it works for just about everyone. Along the way you can watch for birds in the Cienega wetland, spot the desert tortoise habitat, and see remnants of early settlers. Prefer to ride? A trackless train offers a short narrated round-trip out to Boomtown 1905 — a hit with little ones. Trail and train schedules can shift with the weather, so it’s smart to confirm the day of.

WaterWorks, Nature Exchange & Playground

Families have plenty to keep them busy beyond the museums. The WaterWorks Museum tells the story of how water reaches this valley, the Nature Exchange lets kids trade natural treasures and earn points for their finds, and there’s an outdoor playground for burning off energy. It’s the reason Springs Preserve has long been a go-to for locals looking to entertain the kids without leaving the city.

Events, Festivals & Classes

One of the things I love about Springs Preserve is that there’s almost always something happening. Throughout the year they host seasonal festivals, cultural celebrations, live-animal programs, guided garden walks, water-smart gardening classes, kids’ activities, and holiday events. The lineup changes constantly, so rather than list dates that expire, I’ll point you to the official calendar — check the Springs Preserve events calendar for what’s on during your visit.

Planning Your Visit

Where: Springs Preserve is located about three miles west of downtown Las Vegas, just off the US-95 freeway — an easy drive from the Strip, Summerlin, or the northwest valley. There’s plenty of on-site parking.

What to expect: Plan for at least a half-day if you want to take in the museums, gardens, and trails. Wear comfortable shoes, bring water and sun protection, and know that a good chunk of the fun is outdoors — mornings and cooler months are the most comfortable. Memberships are available if you think you’ll visit often.

Hours & admission: Days, hours, ticket prices, and seasonal attractions (like the Butterfly Habitat and special events) change throughout the year, so please check the official Springs Preserve site for current details before you head over.

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