Springs Preserve

Springs Preserve tells the story of Las Vegas from its natural beginnings, and it offers a very different view of the valley from the Strip. The 180-acre site, about three miles west of Downtown, is built around the Las Vegas Springs, the original water source that drew people to the area. It opened in June 2007 and is run by the Las Vegas Valley Water District, which is why water, conservation and desert living are recurring themes.

The Nevada State Museum is on site, with exhibits on how Las Vegas developed and on the natural history of the region. The Preserve's eight acres of botanical gardens show off desert plants and water-wise gardening ideas that grew from the Desert Demonstration Gardens of 1980. Walking trails lead out across the site towards a desert wetland, and there is wildlife to look out for along the way.

Other attractions include Boomtown 1905, the WaterWorks Museum and Nuwu Pahsats, each adding another layer to the story of the valley and the people who have lived in it. For families, there is a train ride, a playground and the Nature Exchange. The mix of indoor galleries and outdoor space means it can fill most of a day.

Families with children get the most out of the Preserve, but it also suits anyone interested in history, nature or gardening, and it is a calm break from the casinos. Allow at least three hours to see the museum and gardens properly. In summer, visit the outdoor areas early and spend the hotter part of the day in the galleries. Check opening hours and ticket details on the official website before you go, as programmes and events change through the year.

The site's history gives a visit real depth: the springs here were the reason a settlement grew up in the valley at all, and the Preserve sets that story alongside exhibits on the region's natural history. Walking the trails out towards the cienega, a desert wetland, is the best way to understand how water shaped the landscape, and the gardens give practical ideas for anyone interested in desert planting.

The Preserve is on Valley View Boulevard, a short drive west of Downtown and the Strip. It pairs well with an afternoon in Downtown or the Arts District, and it is on the way towards Summerlin and Red Rock Canyon if you are heading out to the desert.