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Springs Preserve

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Roaming Rev
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5 out of 5
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2
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Editor Pick

An Excellant Family Adventure

  • January 28, 2009
  • Rated 5 of 5 by two cruisers from Ames, Iowa
An Excellant Family Adventure

Step back in time and see what originally attracted life to this part of the desert. It was a natural spring that first encouraged the growth of plants; they together attracted animals and then man. Man was followed by developers and neon sign salesmen and chorus girls.

This is a wonderful museum with many hands-on features, demonstrations, docents to answer questions, hiking trails and a garden of native delights. The purpose of the museum is to reveal the natural history of the desert and to encourage the use of native materials, plants and ‘green’ energy sources. My nephew, a Las Vegas resident insisted we take the time away from the casinos to visit Springs Preserve. I was impressed immediately with the architecture and the beautiful nature inspired sculptures. First we watched an orientation film at the ORI-Gen Experience. Next we entered the geological and biological history exhibit. Besides learning about the critters that inhabit this unfriendly environment, we witnessed the power of a flash flood. Moving outdoors we saw how Native Americans lived in the area. Moving back indoors we learned about the arrival in earnest of settlers, railroads and developers. In the section called New Frontiers we had the chance to play games that taught us about conservation. We happen to hit a day with few other visitors, but I can imagine how this area would delight school kids and their parents/chaperones.

There were more buildings and education areas in the Desert Living Center. We stopped at the Nature Exchange and learned how that works. Kids (of all ages) are encouraged to bring in their nature finds and exchange them for points to be used toward taking home another treasure. For example: trade in seedpods from a native plant and pick up a seashell from the "bank" of treasures. Nifty idea.

Next we moved on to the Gardens. I was reminded of our visit to Ethel M Factory and Garden. Both gardens have outstanding collections of cacti. This garden also has workshops, lectures and an on site docent. The docent, a Master Gardener, was willing to help you learn how to establish native plants in your own yard/garden. He would be available for follow up.

After a morning of learning and walking we were ready for a break. Springs Preserve thought of that, too. Wolfgang Puck has a café here that showcases organic ingredients from regional growers. We ate indoors, but there was a deck overlooking the complex that was available for a taste of fresh desert air. In the same building is a gift shop with a wide range of items. They appeal to kids and adults, casual shoppers and serious art collectors or decorators. Nevada residents get a price break on the entrance fee. For the rest of us Adults = $19, Seniors = $17, Students 18+ = $17, Children 5-17 = $11, Children under 5 are no charge. The Springs Preserve is located at 333 S. Valley View Blvd, Las Vegas, NV. Plan on spending half a day here.

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Sights off the Strip

  • September 22, 2008
  • Rated 5 of 5 by Roaming Rev from Las Vegas, Nevada
We visited the Springs Preserve last month and it was literally a breath of fresh air away from the Las Vegas Strip. I'm not normally a big fan of museums but our interactive tour of the Springs Preserve was anything but stuffy and I think we all learned something as well. On your next trip out to Vegas I highly recommend the SP to anyone from age 5 to 105.
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