LAS VEGAS RECREATION 40

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WHERE THE LOCALS GO
THE SPRINGS PRESERVE OFFERS VISITORS AN EDUCATIONAL AND
ENTERTAINING EXPERIENCE
By H. Wadowski
If you ever fnd yourself curious about the origins of Las Vegas, head to where
local residents take their friends and family: the Springs Preserve.
Located just minutes from the Strip is the
Springs Preserve, a 180-acre expanse of land that
represents one of the richest and most unique
cultural and biological resources in Southern
Nevada. Listed on the National Register of
Historic Places since 1978, the Springs Preserve
has evolved over the years into that rare family-
friendly attraction thats both educational and
entertaining.
At the heart of the Springs Preserve is the
Origen Museum, which conveys the natural
and cultural history of the site through more
than 60 permanent exhibits, an indoor theater,
a traveling exhibit space and a fne art display
area. One of its highlights is the Universal
Studios Hollywood-like Flash Flood exhibit,
where more than 5,000 gallons of recycled water
rushes through a simulated canyon, crashing
around and below guests feet. Visitors can also
come face to face with a variety of desert dwellers
at the museum, including desert cottontails and
a gray fox. While youre visiting, be sure to check
out the Leonardo da Vinci: Machines in Motion
exhibition thats on display through May 4,
boasting 40 life-sized machines and innovations
from one of the worlds most brilliant minds.
Te Desert Living Center is made up of fve
buildings featuring dozens of exhibits that
explore sustainable solutions to environmental
issues. At the NV Energy Foundation
Sustainability Gallery, kids can crawl through a
giant compost heap and learn about the benefts
of composting while parents educate themselves
on how to make more informed choices for a
greener home and planet. Guests of all ages
are sure to enjoy the gallerys custom video
games which teach players about recyclable
materials, regional culture and more about the
environment.
Additionally, the Springs Preserve is home to
8 acres of display gardens featuring more than
1,200 species of native and desert-adapted plants,
a childrens playground, 3.65 miles of trails and
the Nevada State Museum, which details the
history, pre-history and natural history of the
state with an emphasis on Southern Nevada and
its relationship with surrounding areas.
Springs Preserve is located at 333 S. Valley View
Blvd. Admission costs $18.95 for adults with
discounts available for children ages 5-17, students,
seniors, military and Nevada residents. For more
information, visit springspreserve.org.
Squonk Opera performs
The childrens playground at the Springs Preserve
The Springs Preserve is
home to 8 acres of display gardens
The Springs Preserves Flash Flood exhibit