Visiting Springs Preserve Las Vegas? These are the highlights and local tips to help you make the most of your visit.
Springs Preserve has 180 acres of nature, exhibits, and attractions perfect for everyone, especially families with kids. If you love nature, they have trails and botanical gardens. They have educational exhibits about Vegas’ rich history. They have a wildlife exhibit with the cutest gray fox, an art gallery, a theater, bike rentals, a café, and more!
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Last Updated: December 2, 2024
About the Springs Preserve
The Springs Preserve is located on the original Las Vegas Springs site, discovered in 1829 by a group of Mormon pioneers. The springs were a vital water source for the early settlers and played an essential role in developing Las Vegas.
In the late 1990s, the Las Vegas Valley Water District acquired Springs Preserve, restored the springs, and developed the preserve into a museum and educational center.
Today, the Springs Preserve includes several museums, galleries, and exhibits that showcase the natural and cultural history of the Mojave Desert and the Las Vegas Valley. The extensive botanical gardens feature plants native to the desert region.
Springs Preserve Address
333 S. Valley View Blvd
Las Vegas, NV 89107 (map)
Springs Preserve Hours
Springs Preserve: Thursday to Monday, 9 AM to 4 PM (last entry at 3 PM)
Cafe: Thursday to Monday, 9 AM to 3:30 PM
Nevada State Museum: Thursday to Monday, 9 AM to 4 PM (last entry at 3 PM)
*Check this site for any closures or changes in hours before visiting.
Springs Preserve Ticket Prices
Tickets can be purchased online or at the Ticketing Office.
Nevada Residents: $9.95 for adults / $4.95 for children ages 3-17
Non-Residents: $18.95 for adults / $10.95 for children ages 3-17
Memberships start at $30 for individuals and $60 for families
Local Tip: We highly recommend the membership for families living in Las Vegas. Members can access the Outdoor Natural Areas at 8 AM.
See More: 101 Things to Do in Las Vegas Bucket List
Best Things to Do at Springs Preserve
1. Nevada State Museum
The Nevada State Museum’s primary focus is on the history and culture of Nevada, emphasizing southern Nevada and the Las Vegas Valley. The museum’s exhibits cover topics, including the geology of Nevada, Native American cultures, the mining and railroad industries, and the history of Las Vegas and its famous Strip.
One of the popular exhibits is a replica of a 19th-century Las Vegas, complete with a saloon, blacksmith shop, and general store.
The museum also features several interactive exhibits, such as a virtual reality experience that allows visitors to explore a prehistoric Nevada landscape and a simulated earthquake demonstrating seismic activity’s effects on buildings.
See More: 15 Best Museums in Las Vegas + Local Tips
2. Origen Museum
We love the Origen Museum at Springs Preserve! It focuses on the ecology and wildlife of the Mojave Desert and Las Vegas Valley. Don’t miss:
- The Flash Flood Exhibit simulates a flash flood in a desert environment. It helps you understand why it’s dangerous and how plant and animal life have adapted to survive.
- The Live Animal Exhibits include a gray fox (our favorite), desert cottontails, lizards, frogs, snakes, and Gila monsters. They house many animals that we can naturally see in the area.
They also have a rotating exhibit in the Origen Museum. So far, we’ve seen Wicked Plants and a Mini-Golf Exhibit.
See More: 15 Unique Bucket List Worthy Experiences in Las Vegas
3. Botanical Garden
The botanical gardens at the Springs Preserve are a beautiful and unique attraction that showcases the diverse plant life of the Mojave Desert and the surrounding areas. The gardens cover over eight acres and feature various plants native to the region.
One of the highlights of the botanical gardens is the Cactus Garden, which features over 300 cactus species and other succulent plants, including some rare and endangered.
You should also check out the Rose Garden, the Herb Garden, and the Sustainable Desert Garden. The Sustainable Desert Garden showcases plants and landscaping techniques designed to conserve water and reduce the impact of human activity on the environment.
Local Tip: If you’re interested in plants, they hold events and classes, including a plant sale, gardening tips, and more.
See More: 15 Fun Outdoor Activities in Las Vegas If You Love Adventure
Seasonal: Butterfly Habitat
Although it’s only opened seasonally (October 5 to November 25, 2024), the Butterfly Habitat is a popular exhibit at the Springs Preserve. You wander through the habitat while the butterflies from all over the world fly around you.
Butterflies creep me out, so I haven’t been yet, but maybe we’ll have Jacob check it out at some point.
4. Train Rides
Trains were a significant part of the Old West and still play an important role today. The train ride is a great way to get to Boomtown 1905. On the 8-minute tour, the conductor tells you more about the areas you’re passing through.
Local Tip: The train schedule changes throughout the year. When you arrive at Springs Preserve, ask about the train to time your visit.
See More: 25 Free Things to Do in Las Vegas
5. Boomtown 1905
Boomtown 1905 is a recreated historical streetscape that gives you a glimpse of Las Vegas between 1905 and 1920. You can visit multiple buildings, including a train depot, railroad cottages, a mercantile, a hotel, a bank, and a saloon.
Local Tip: The train will drop you off and pick you up here. Just check the schedule.
See More: 15 Best Things to Do on the Las Vegas Strip
6. Waterworks
WaterWorks is an interactive exhibit that focuses on the importance of water conservation and management in the desert environment. While visiting, you can learn more about the different stages of the water treatment process and even see it in action.
You can also touch replicated quagga mussels, use a microscope to look at harmful water contaminants, check out rock samples excavated hundreds of feet below Lake Mead’s surface, and more.
Local Tip: The entrance to Waterworks is on the left as you walk towards Boomtown 1905.
See More: 25 Best Las Vegas Photo Spots with Tips from a Local
7. Hike the Trails
Springs Preserve has 3.5 miles of trails. These are four trails:
- Exploration Loop Trail (2.21 miles) – passed by Boomtown 1905 and is the longest trail
- Crossroads Trail (0.54 miles) – see an adobe home foundation, well derrick, and prehistoric spring mound
- Springs Trail (0.45 miles) – historic structures and tortoise habitat
- Cienega Trail (0.37 miles) – lush desert wetlands and cottonwood groves
Local Tip: Members can access the trails and other outdoor areas at 8 AM.
See More: 25 Best Las Vegas Photo Spots with Tips from a Local
More Things to DO at the Springs Preserve
- DesertSol – a 754-square-foot solar-powered home showcasing what sustainable living can look like
- Nature Exchange – a place for young naturalists to trade found items like shells, rocks, bark, and more
- Playground and Splash Pad – great for kids
- Sustainability Gallery – Learn about eco-friendly lifestyles and the natural world
Map of the Best Things to DO at the Springs Preserve
Upcoming Special Events
FREE CHILD ADMISSION WITH PAID ADULT GENERAL ADMISSION
Dec. 1, 2024 – Jan. 31, 2025
Need a break over the holiday season? Get one free child admission for each paid adult general admission in December and January. Purchase tickets in person at the Springs Preserve. Adult General Admission: $9.95 with Nevada ID; $18.95 for non-Nevada residents; regularly free for children 2 and under.
Fall Garden Series – Native Plants
Sunday, Dec. 8, 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Explore how to landscape with plants native to the beautiful Mojave Desert. The Springs Preserve horticultural experts share their knowledge about the plants and how they adapt to our hot, dry climate. Cost: $10 for members and $15 for nonmembers. Reservations are required; seating is limited. Purchase tickets at springspreserve.org.
Christmas Tree Recycling
Thursday, Dec. 26 – Monday, Jan. 13, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Give the gift of recycling by dropping off your cut Christmas tree at the Springs Preserve or one of more than 30 drop sites throughout the Las Vegas Valley. The trees are chipped into mulch and used as organic material in landscaping projects that help conserve soil moisture and keep plants healthy. The Springs Preserve accepts trees only during its regular business hours Thursdays through Mondays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Learn more at springspreserve.org.
Winter Garden Series: Garden Design
Saturday, Jan. 11, 10 a.m. & 1 p.m.
Prepare for spring with this first of three classes in the Winter Garden Series. Learn about plant placement, garden styles, types of soil, and different irrigation systems. Get a head start on preparing your garden for the spring season so your plants will thrive in the hotter months. Cost: $15 for nonmembers; $10 for members. Tickets for the 3-class winter series are $30 for nonmembers; $20 for members. Reservations are required; seating is limited. Purchase tickets at springspreserve.org.
Winter Garden Series: Pollinators
Sunday, Feb. 9, 10 a.m. & 1 p.m.
Explore the fascinating world of pollinators and the crucial role they play in your desert garden’s success. Learn about native pollinators and how to create a welcoming environment for them to thrive in your garden. Cost: $15 for nonmembers; $10 for members. Tickets for the 3-class winter series are $30 for nonmembers; $20 for members. Reservations are required; seating is limited. Purchase tickets at springspreserve.org.
Winter Garden Series: Tomatoes
Saturday, March 8, 10 a.m. & 1 p.m.
Tomato, tomotto! However you pronounce it, this class will help you grow juicy, flavorful, and heat-tolerant varieties of tomatoes. Learn how to grow a bountiful tomato harvest even in the harshest desert climate. Cost: $15 for nonmembers; $10 for members. Tickets for the 3-class winter series are $30 for nonmembers; $20 for members. Reservations are required; seating is limited. Purchase tickets at springspreserve.org.
What to Eat
The Springs Cafe is onsite and offers food from Bronze Cafe and drinks from Aspire Coffee House. They serve sandwiches, salads, burgers, lattes, smoothies, and more. They have vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.
Best of all, it’s in a beautiful building with indoor and outdoor seating where you can get great views of the valley and the Las Vegas Strip.
Here are some other spots nearby you can check out.
- Herbs & Rye ( 💰💰💰, Steakhouses)
- Island Style Restaurant (💰💰, Korean / Hawaiian)
- Lou’s Diner (💰💰, American)
- Pops Philly Steaks (💰💰, Cheesesteaks)
See More: 49 Best Places to Eat in Las Vegas
Where to Stay
Essential Tips
- Free parking is available onsite. The main parking lot has EV charging stations.
- During excessive heat warnings of 105 degrees or more, they will close trails, train rides, and outdoor tours for the safety of guests.
- You can bring outside food and nonalcoholic beverages into Springs Preserve. Glass containers are prohibited.
- Coolers and bags must be no larger than 24″ x 15″ x 18″. Dry ice and loose ice are not allowed.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes since you will be covering some ground.
- Remember to apply and reapply sunscreen. The Vegas sun is intense.
- Bring a debit or credit card. Cash is not accepted at the preserve.
- Bring your reusable water bottle (our current favorites). Multiple water refill stations are onsite.
- Bikes, skateboards, scooters, dirt bikes, four-wheelers, or other recreational vehicles are prohibited.
- Keep your distance from wild animals, which include mammals, reptiles, invertebrates, and 150+ migratory birds.
- Only service animals (not emotional support) are allowed and must stay leashed.
Planning Checklist
- Get comprehensive insurance for your trip.
- Download these helpful language apps.
- Find a great deal on Las Vegas hotels.
- Arrange a rental car for your trip.
- Book a tour for your visit.
- Get airport lounge access.
- Buy a travel charger to keep your devices charged.
- Get a new backpack for your trip.
- Buy a Las Vegas travel guide.
- Pack the appropriate shoes for your trip.
- Don’t forget your in-flight essentials.
- Save money on attractions with Go City.
Would you visit Springs Preserve in Las Vegas? When was the last time you went to your local Botanical Gardens?
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Esther + Jacob
Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.
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