Before Bugsy Siegel made it to town, the Mormon Church created this tiny settlement in 1855. It is home to one of the oldest European-American buildings in Nevada. The site was purchased by the State of Nevada in 1990 and restored as a state park. Tours are available that outline the harsh life that the first settlers endured. The old fort was once a rest stop for those heading to California to seek their fortune during the gold rush. This section is also a part of the Cultural Corridor that lies close to the University area.
The historic home of Antonio Morelli, the famed musical director and orchestra conductor of the Sands Hotel's legendary Copa Showroom, stands tall as a reminder of the city's illustrious past. The house is a charming example of Midcentury Modern architecture, featuring glass walls, an open floor plan and the use of natural building materials; a style that was typical of the houses constructed during the 1950s and 1960s in Las Vegas. While the architecture of the house alone is emblematic of Las Vegas in the 1950s, the house was also an after-hours meeting place for the Rat Pack, including the likes of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Nat King Cole. Although a little known treasure, the Morelli House is a place of pilgrimage for fans of the midcentury legends of entertainment. The Morelli House was rescued, relocated and restored by the Junior League of Las Vegas, and now serves as their administrative headquarters. Tours, open days and special events are often organized, however, if you would like to visit at any other time you must schedule a visit by contacting the Junior League.
Established in 1942, Little Church Of The West is the oldest wedding chapel in Las Vegas as well as the oldest building on the Strip. It is also perhaps the most charming, with a romantically rustic wooden construction. The list of famous celebrities who have been married here is extensive. It began with Betty Grable and Harry James, Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward, and more recently Cindy Crawford and Richard Gere. Even Elvis and Ann Margaret tied the knot on the silver screen here in the final scene from Viva Las Vegas. In 1992, the National Register of Historic Places placed it on its list in 1992.
The Pawn Shop was started by Richard "Old Man" Harrison in 1989. It is a place where people come to sell artifacts of apparent historical significance and patrons can buy them. It is a great place to stroll and look around. Because of the national television popularity the place has a long line but it is worth a visit. And if you are lucky you might catch the four pawn heroes right in action!
Lake Mead National Recreation Area encompasses 1.5 million acres (607,028 hectares) of land and water. The powerful flow of the Colorado River is interrupted by that famous feat of engineering, the Hoover Dam, thus creating Lake Mead, one of the largest man-made lakes in the western hemisphere. With over 750 miles (1,207 kilometers) of serene shorelines, Lake Mead National Recreation Area provides ample opportunities for fishing, with the waters of Lake Mead being superabundant with largemouth bass, crappie, rainbow trout, bluegills and channel catfish. Additional amenities include the park's campgrounds, picnic spots, boat and jet-ski rental services, hotels, restaurants, beaches and four different marinas.
Away from yet close to the glitz and glamor of Las Vegas, the Spring Mountain Ranch State Park charms visitors with stunning vistas of Nevada's natural beauty. Located within the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Spring Mountain Ranch is a mesmerizing oasis of greenery amid the vast desert landscape. Steeped in intriguing history, the park takes visitors back in time. The ranch provides guided tours, living history tours, and is host to Las Vegas' Super Summer Theatre Program.
The historic home of Antonio Morelli, the famed musical director and orchestra conductor of the Sands Hotel's legendary Copa Showroom, stands tall as a reminder of the city's illustrious past. The house is a charming example of Midcentury Modern architecture, featuring glass walls, an open floor plan and the use of natural building materials; a style that was typical of the houses constructed during the 1950s and 1960s in Las Vegas. While the architecture of the house alone is emblematic of Las Vegas in the 1950s, the house was also an after-hours meeting place for the Rat Pack, including the likes of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Nat King Cole. Although a little known treasure, the Morelli House is a place of pilgrimage for fans of the midcentury legends of entertainment. The Morelli House was rescued, relocated and restored by the Junior League of Las Vegas, and now serves as their administrative headquarters. Tours, open days and special events are often organized, however, if you would like to visit at any other time you must schedule a visit by contacting the Junior League.
Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area is a haven for nature lovers and history buffs alike. This antiquated expanse is managed by the United States Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and stretches over an area of 48,438 acres (19,602 hectares). Brimming with natural beauty, the area supports a plethora of desert plants and is awash with colorful displays of blooming wildflowers come spring. Apart from its abundant natural beauty, the area is best known for the Petroglyph Canyon, which is home to an estimated 300 striking petroglyphs, which are a stirring reminder of Native American art and culture. Although this marvelous region encourages exploration, the conservation area is demarcated with designated paths and trails so that the plant life and native art may remain preserved for future generations of curious explorers. Filled with trails of varying difficulty levels, the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area is a great choice for hikers.
Away from yet close to the glitz and glamor of Las Vegas, the Spring Mountain Ranch State Park charms visitors with stunning vistas of Nevada's natural beauty. Located within the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, Spring Mountain Ranch is a mesmerizing oasis of greenery amid the vast desert landscape. Steeped in intriguing history, the park takes visitors back in time. The ranch provides guided tours, living history tours, and is host to Las Vegas' Super Summer Theatre Program.
Las Vegas is known to be a city where the party never stops. Downtown Las Vegas is full of swanky hotels, casinos, nightclubs, bars, skyscrapers, and a number of famous tourist attractions and landmarks. Downtown is known as a Central Business District with many commercial offices and firms. The Fremont Street Experience is number one attraction with a string of local casinos, nightly shows with more than 2 million lights, special events and live concerts all providing the ultimate entertainment experience. Downtown Las Vegas has also been a favorite television and film locale with a number of productions like Diamonds Are Forever and Honey I Blew Up The Kid having been shot here.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area encompasses 1.5 million acres (607,028 hectares) of land and water. The powerful flow of the Colorado River is interrupted by that famous feat of engineering, the Hoover Dam, thus creating Lake Mead, one of the largest man-made lakes in the western hemisphere. With over 750 miles (1,207 kilometers) of serene shorelines, Lake Mead National Recreation Area provides ample opportunities for fishing, with the waters of Lake Mead being superabundant with largemouth bass, crappie, rainbow trout, bluegills and channel catfish. Additional amenities include the park's campgrounds, picnic spots, boat and jet-ski rental services, hotels, restaurants, beaches and four different marinas.