Henderson is the second-largest city in Nevada State. The picturesque city offers something to everyone, with countless entertainment options close by and far away. In the south of the Las Vegas Strip, Henderson is perfect for touring various attractions or participating in recreational activities on the Colorado River. It also has beautiful golf courses where golfers can spend their afternoons, or if you want to relax, you can visit the luxury spa treatments. The sprawling city of Henderson is also known for its incredible dining scenes, shopping malls, and vibrant art. Not to mention the stunning attractions like animal preserves and museums that families can visit. Travelers have plentiful options to try something new in Henderson. Here are must-see attractions in the city.
Clark County Museum
The museum sits on a thirty-acre land featuring a modern exhibit wall showcasing the colorful history of Southern Nevada and the surrounding communities from pre-historic to modern times. The exhibits are interesting and interactive and will keep you engaged throughout the tour. In addition, you will view many pre-historic buildings depicting the daily lives of Las Vegas, Goldfield, Boulder City, and Henderson residents from different decades. You can start by visiting the Anna Roberts Park Exhibit Hall, which will take you through the southern Nevada historical journey. You will learn about the earliest inhabitants’ history, culture, and daily lives. Displays of authentic pottery, baskets, knife, and jewelry discovered in the Area will help you understand the early town sites, mining technology, and entertainment of Las Vegas in the olden days. The timeline also chronicles the early settlers and explorers who came to Nevada in the eighteenth century with artifacts like sheep shears. One interesting part of the museum is Heritage Street, featuring a unique collection of homes from the past decades. These homes were restored and relocated to the museum to depict lifestyles in the local history of southern Nevada. The Barcus House and Beckley House are among the buildings on this street.
The Boulder City depot in the Clark County museum exhibits the 1918 steam engine. You will also come across several railroad cars illustrating the Area’s railroad heritage. From there, you will enter a mining trail exhibit with mineral specimens offering perspectives on the Southwest life and walk through the Ghost Town. Additionally, another exhibition of the gaming industry in Las Vegas displays items like the roulette wheel and a poker table. The Clark County Museum lets you wander many halls with black and white photo displays that will give you a hands-on experience of the growth of Nevada since the pre-historic times. You may be allowed to touch some relics, including branding iron, fossils, and butter mold. The staff is friendly, and they may answer whichever questions you have. All structures open to tour are air-conditioned, adding to your comfort during the tour. The museum is suitable for all ages, so you can tag along with your family and enjoy exploring the rich history of Southern Nevada.
Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve
The Preserve is managed by Henderson city and forms part of the Las Vegas metropolitan area. It is the third-largest water body in southern Nevada after Lake Mead and Lake Las Vegas. The Bird Viewing Preserve is a specialized habitat for a diversity of resident birds and those flown in from other parts of the world. The Preserve features a network of ponds brimming with numerous native and migratory birds attracted to the lush wetland. The place is widely known as the best place for bird viewing and has drawn nature lovers, photographers, and birders worldwide to enjoy the scenery. You will find accessible paved paths through the ponds with a soft surface that makes exploring easy. Admission to the Bird Viewing Preserve is free. When planning your visit, you can request a guided tour or educational program at the Visitor Center; set aside adequate walking time to explore everything the Preserve offers. What’s more, wear breathable clothes and a hat and bring a camera, binoculars and plenty of water to ensure you have a marvelous time.
Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area
Congress designated the Area to preserve a part of the Mojave Desert for future generations. The 48 438-acre Conservation Area provides peace and solitude to individuals visiting its beautiful scenery. Moreover, it offers visitors opportunities to engage in diverse recreational activities like hiking and horseback riding. Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area forms a mountainous skyline in Henderson. It is one of the unique geologic features and a remarkable cultural resource in Nevada. The Sloan Canyon Petroglyph for a significant part of the Area, with 300 rock art panels and approximately 1700 designs depicting native cultures in the Archaic and historical eras. You are prohibited from touching the rock art as skin oils may damage them. However, you may take pictures and sketches of the art. The Conservation Area is also home to the North McCullough Wilderness. The Wilderness sits on thousands of acres of pristine land that has remained in its natural state. The land is volcanic, and examples of lava flows and glassy zones are displayed on it. Furthermore, the Wilderness contains spectacular natural resources, and several animals, including reptiles, birds, and some mammals, call the place home. Mechanized travel is prohibited within the Area.
Ethel M Chocolates Factory and Cactus Garden
It is the largest botanical cactus garden in Nevada, with a breathtaking collection of drought-tolerant cacti and other succulents. The garden contains approximately 300 plant species. Half are native to the American Southwest, while the rest are desert shrubs and trees from Australia and other areas. These plants have beautiful floral displays and adapt to the Southern Nevada climate. Visit the factory to enjoy leisure walks through the cactus garden and the self-guided viewing aisle to peek inside Ethel’s kitchen and the chocolates’ machines. You can take the tour any time of the year, and it is free. The factory decorates the garden with festive designs and twinkling lights during holidays.
Conclusion
Henderson has many attractions, from the Clark County Museum, where you learn about the colorful history of Southern Nevada, to the Bird Viewing Preserve and the lovely cactus garden in Ethel M Chocolate Factory. The city guarantees plentiful, exciting opportunities that keep you busy throughout the holiday.
