Our city is home to some of the most unique and unconventional museums
| Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort |
I frequently write about Las Vegas, mostly for the 10Best Las Vegas page, focusing on the major attractions visitors seek out, such as hotels, restaurants, and casinos. Recently, I had the wonderful opportunity to delve into the subject of our museums, which is one of my favorite topics.
I discussed the most well-known museums, particularly what I like to call the Big 3: The Neon Museum, The Mob Museum, and the National Atomic Testing Museum. A visit to these three museums will provide you with a substantial understanding of the city’s history, as they each feature distinctive collections. While these are a must-see, there are many other historical sites, nature areas, and museums worth exploring, especially for locals.
If you’re visiting the Atomic Testing Museum, don’t miss the Marjorie Barrick Museum of Art, located on the UNLV campus. Admission is free, and it features a variety of artworks with regularly changing exhibits.
When visiting the Neon Museum or the Mob Museum, you’re in the right area for exploring more museums. Close by is the Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort, next to the Las Vegas Natural History Museum. This is the oldest non-native structure in Nevada, established by early Mormon pioneers in 1855. The site includes restored buildings, and the visitor center offers exhibits and valuable insights into early Las Vegas history.
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| Part of this building dates back to 1855 |
Not far from the Cultural Corridor lies the Springs Preserve, the site that inspired the name of Las Vegas. It hosts both the Nevada State Museum and the Origen Museum, and the entire area is enjoyable to explore, with various historical archaeological sites. You’ll find hiking trails, children’s play areas, and a botanical garden.
You can easily spend an entire day exploring museums and historical sites by planning a trip to Hoover Dam, making stops at the Clark County Museum, the Nevada State Railroad Museum, and the Boulder City/Hoover Dam Museum located in the Boulder City Hotel. Alternatively, if you prefer to enjoy nature, visit the Clark County Wetlands or the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve. In Boulder City, Hemenway Park offers a chance to see a herd of Bighorn sheep.
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| Clark County Museum’s Ghost Town |
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| Hemenway Park, Boulder City |
Naturally, being in Las Vegas, you can also explore its rich history through more adult-themed attractions at the Erotic Heritage Museum or the Burlesque Hall of Fame Museum.
Additionally, I must mention the Pinball Hall of Fame, affectionately known as the Pinball Museum, which houses the world’s largest collection of pinball machines (as stated on their website). This place is all about interaction – visitors are encouraged to play all the games.
There are even more museums to discover, such as the DISCOVERY Children’s Museum, as well as experiential exhibitions like the Bodies Exhibit and the Titanic Exhibit. I hope I’ve demonstrated that if you think Las Vegas lacks compelling museums, you might want to reconsider.
What are some of your favorite museums in Southern Nevada?
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All photos by Terrisa Meeks
