The city of Henderson, Nevada, offers the advantage of being close to Las Vegas without being quite so embroiled in its glitz and expense. Originally founded as a home for U.S. military personnel working at the local magnesium factory, you can use Henderson as a base to explore the Hoover Dam, Valley of Fire State Park and Lake Mead. But Henderson also has much to offer on its own, including a desert demonstration garden, a birding preserve and the county museum.
Henderson offers the Bird Viewing Preserve, a park with nine ponds serving as home for more than 200 species of both native and migratory birds. The preserve recommends that you bring sunscreen and binoculars. Plan to spend several hours and do a fair amount of walking. Aside from rich opportunities to see wildlife, there is a souvenir and gift shop. The park had its origins as a waste-water facility, becoming a city of Henderson park in 1998.
Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve
2400 B Moser Dr.
Henderson, NV 89011
702-267-4180
cityofhenderson.com/parks/parks/bird_preserve.php
Operated by the county, this Henderson museum brings together historic homes into a living history style exhibit. You can browse through an old railroad depot and an old print shop and explore historic homes in Heritage Street. There is also a timeline that takes you through 10 millennia of history and archaeology: The museum also has special events and exhibitions, and you can hike a mining and ghost town trail.
Clark County Heritage Museum
1830 South Boulder Highway
Henderson, NV 89015
702-455-7955
accessclarkcounty.com/depts/parks/museum/pages/museum.aspx#ccmuseum
Part of Acacia Park, Acacia Demonstration Gardens is a joint venture of several organizations, including the city of Henderson. The gardens showcase desert landscaping and what can be grown in it, as well as offer workshops in the spring and fall. Within the gardens are several themed areas including an allergy-friendly garden and a Mediterranean garden. Not just a place to explore, the gardens demonstrate the kinds of results a desert gardener can have while working within the bounds of the desert environment. Special events include a guided tree walk.
Acacia Demonstration Gardens
50 Casa Del Fuego St.
Henderson, NV 89112
702-267-4000
cityofhenderson.com/parks/parks/acacia_demonstration_gardens.php
