Springs Preserve
family attraction
- Address
- 333 S. Valley View Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89107
- Hours
- Thu-Mon 9 AM-4 PM, last entry 3 PM; closed Tue-Wed
- Visitor tickets
- Adults $18.95; children 3-17 $10.95; seniors 65+ $17.95; military $8.95
- Nevada residents
- Adults $9.95; children 3-17 $4.95; seniors and military $8.95
- Free
- Ages 2 and under (still need a ticket); parking is free
- What's there
- Origen Museum, Nevada State Museum, Botanical Garden, 3.5 mi of trails, Boomtown 1905
- Closed
- Thanksgiving and Christmas Day (State Museum also New Year's Day)
About
Springs Preserve covers 180 acres on the site of the springs that first gave Las Vegas its water. The site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Native Americans relied on the springs for thousands of years. In 1829, Mexican scout Rafael Rivera became the first non-Native American to reach the valley, and the name Las Vegas means "the meadows".
One admission covers the Origen Museum, with its flash flood exhibit, animal habitat and the 8-minute film "Miracle in the Mojave". It also includes the Botanical Garden, the Boomtown 1905 streetscape, the WaterWorks exhibit and the solar-powered DesertSol home. The Nevada State Museum is on site too, with an ichthyosaur fossil, a Columbian mammoth skeleton, a recreated stalactite cave and original showgirl costumes.
About 3.5 miles of trails cross 110 acres of native habitat and archaeological sites.
What to expect
The preserve suggests a short visit can focus on the Origen Museum. There, a flash flood is recreated with 5,000 gallons of recycled water, and Gila monsters, a gray fox and other desert animals live in the habitat. Longer visits add the gardens, Boomtown 1905 and the Nevada State Museum. An 8-minute narrated trackless train runs from the Exploration Loop Trailhead to Boomtown 1905 and is included with admission.
The main Exploration Loop Trail is paved and wheelchair accessible, while other trails have loose gravel. Along the way are a desert tortoise habitat, pithouse excavations, the Little Spring House and birdwatching in the Cienega. There is a playground for ages 5 to 12, and the Mariposa playground has a splash pad for ages 2 to 5. Springs Cafe overlooks the Strip.
Other things to do nearby
Landmarks nearby
Good to know
- The preserve is cashless; bring a card or mobile wallet.
- Tickets are limited per day and sold online up to six months ahead; booking ahead is strongly encouraged for weekends and holidays.
- In summer or during extreme heat warnings, outdoor areas may close early and the trails, train and trolley may not run.
- Pets are not allowed; service animals are.
- Outside food and non-alcoholic drinks are allowed in coolers up to 24 x 15 x 18 inches; no glass or alcohol.
- Strollers rent for $3 single or $5 double; standard wheelchairs are free.
Questions about Springs Preserve
How much does Springs Preserve cost?
Visitors pay $18.95 for adults, $10.95 for children aged 3 to 17, $17.95 for seniors 65 and over and $8.95 for military. Nevada residents pay $9.95 for adults, $4.95 for children, and $8.95 for seniors and military. Children 2 and under are free but still need a ticket. Museums for All cardholders pay $3 for up to four people.
What days is Springs Preserve open?
Springs Preserve is open Thursday through Monday from 9 AM to 4 PM, with last entry at 3 PM. Members get early entry to outdoor areas at 8 AM. It is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The Nevada State Museum on site also closes on New Year's Day. Special events can change hours.
Is the Nevada State Museum included?
The Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas, is part of the Springs Preserve site and keeps the same Thursday to Monday hours. The preserve's half-day and full-day guides include it among the attractions. Exhibits include Nevada's state fossil, the ichthyosaur Shonisaurus popularis, a stalactite cave, mining history and Las Vegas showgirl costumes.
Is Springs Preserve good in summer heat?
Indoor museums stay open, but the preserve warns that in summer and during extreme heat advisories, outdoor areas may close early. The playground, trails, train and trolley rides may not run then. The trails close and the train stops when the National Weather Service issues an excessive heat warning, so arrive early.
Where is Springs Preserve and how do I get there?
Springs Preserve is at 333 S. Valley View Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89107. Parking on site is free, though big events can use offsite overflow lots. The preserve says it is easy to reach by bus and points visitors to the RTC website or Google Maps transit for routes. EV charging stations are in the main lot.