Nevada State Museum
309 S. Valley View Blvd., Las Vegas, Nevada
Prehistoric fossils, atomic explosions, and a foray into Las Vegas’ mobster days; these aren’t things people expect from their Las Vegas vacation. However, a trip to the Nevada State Museum reveals all of this and more. It’s a place where you can swap casinos for culture and immerse yourself in the natural history of Nevada.
Most Las Vegas vacationers never get past the bright lights of the strip. By visiting the Nevada State Museum, you can experience historic happenings from across the state without traveling far. Book your admission to the museum—and the nearby Springs Preserve—in advance to save time on the day. Both provide a tranquil escape from Vegas.
The museum is a must for history and culture enthusiasts.
You can explore the surrounding grounds by walking a trail or taking a trackless train.
The museum is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
The museum has a programme of temporary exhibits; check the website before you go to see what’s on.
The Nevada State Museum is located at the Springs Preserve and can be reached by public transportation or by car. If you’re driving from the Strip, head west on Flamingo Road to Valley View Boulevard and then follow Valley View to the Meadows Lane intersection; Spring Preserve should be on your right.
The museum is open 9am to 5pm Tuesday through Sunday. It’s closed on Mondays and on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. While the air-conditioned museum is a nice place to get away from the desert heat, if you want to explore hiking trails of the surrounding preserve consider visiting in the early morning or evening.
The museum boasts an interactive display that details the geological progression of the Great Basin to the development of Las Vegas as an international resort destination. Along the way, you can learn about the state’s flora and fauna and human history; hear stories of Native Americans and miners; and discover more about the construction of the Hoover Dam and the atomic era in Nevada.
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