Springs Preserve

Springs Preserve occupies 180 acres on the western edge of Las Vegas, Nevada, on the site of the ancient artesian springs that made human settlement in this desert valley possible for thousands of years. The springs that give the site its name supported the Paiute people for centuries and attracted the Mormon travelers and mail station operators who established the first permanent Las Vegas settlement in the 1850s. Today the preserve combines botanical gardens, nature trails, interactive museums, and historical exhibits in a setting that tells the story of Las Vegas's ecological and human history from the earliest inhabitants to the present. The Origen Museum on the grounds covers Nevada's natural history, desert ecosystems, and the geology of the Las Vegas Valley through hands-on exhibits designed for all ages. The Nevada State Museum Las Vegas, also located within the preserve grounds, focuses on Nevada's cultural and political history with a permanent collection of archaeological and historical artifacts. The botanical gardens showcase desert-adapted plants native to the Mojave, Great Basin, and Chihuahuan deserts, with themed garden areas demonstrating water-wise landscaping techniques. Nature trails wind through the grounds past riparian habitat, seasonal wildflower meadows, and native plant communities. The preserve hosts an active schedule of environmental education programs, cooking classes featuring native ingredients, and seasonal events including farmers markets and cultural festivals. Admission is $19.95 for adults and $11.95 for children aged 5–17, with children under 5 free. The Nevada State Museum on the grounds requires a separate admission ticket. The preserve is located at 333 South Valley View Boulevard, easily reached by car from the Las Vegas Strip in about 10 minutes.