Introduction
Welcome to my page about the Springs Preserve. It is the
newest and largest off-strip attraction in Las Vegas. For
tourists looking for something to do with the kids, or
looking to take a break from gambling, this might be the
answer. It certainly has something for everyone. I know
most people come to Las Vegas for the Strip. The casinos,
the gambling, the shows, the restaurants and everything
that goes with them are the real draw of Las Vegas. People
don't come for museums and nature, but it looks like this
place is trying to change all that. The theme is
sustainability and the buildings and exhibits all reflect
that. They also tell the story of Las Vegas history. Not
just the history of the Strip, but history from prehistoric
to historic times. The 180 acre site is the birthplace of
Las Vegas, a place where springs flowed in the middle of
the Mojave Desert. The water has drawn people to the
Springs for thousands of years. The Springs Preserve tells
the story of all these people.
In addition to exhibits of archaeology and history, there
is a small zoo featuring animals (mostly reptiles and
invertebrates) that call the Las Vegas valley home. There's
also an 8-acre botanical garden featuring plants
recommended for water-smart landscaping in the area. There
are also hiking trails through the entire site where you
can see native plants of the Mojave Desert. In the center
of the site is a recreated desert wetland, a cienega, which
draws birds like a magnet.
