09/04/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 09/03/2024 19:35
Las Vegas is known for being a city of entertainment, excitement, neon lights, glitter and gambling. But there are so many other treasures we have to offer that cater to everyone.
Here are some popular Las Vegas landmarks and attractions you may have yet to learn about.
The Gateway Arches and the Showgirls:
Let's start the list with the Gateway Arches, an area near the Strip that ushers in and welcomes tourists into the downtown Las Vegas area.
The primary attractions in the Gateway District are the Arches and the Showgirls.
The arches, located at the base of The STRAT Hotel, Casino & SkyPod, on Las Vegas Boulevard between St. Louis and Bob Stupak avenues, are 80 feet tall and form a gateway into downtown. A bonus a short distance from the Gateway Arches is the Showgirls.
The showgirls' area features dice, poker chips stacked high enough to sit on, a roulette wheel, the city of Las Vegas logo, and 50-foot-tall showgirls. It is located at 1810 Las Vegas Boulevard South on the corner of Main Street and Las Vegas Boulevard.
The illuminating Gateway Arches and Showgirls create the perfect social media moments for those who like to create content and 'do it for the gram' and TikTok a like.
Fremont East District:
A few miles down Las Vegas Boulevard, the Fremont East District boasts many bars, clubs, restaurants, and other entertainment, including the most popular attraction downtown, the Fremont Street Experience.
Locals and tourists are greeted at the Fremont East District by a couple of iconic and memorable neon signs, such as the big red shoe and Oscar's martini glass, an homage to former Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman.
Walking through the area, you can choose from many places to patronize as a customer. Whether single, a couple, or a family, there's something for everyone, which brings us to another popular Las Vegas landmark and attraction Downtown Container Park.
Downtown Container Park:
Downtown Container Park, still in the Fremont East District, is an open-air space with stores, restaurants, and bars made from repurposed shipping containers. It boasts live entertainment, food, drinks, and shopping.
It's also a place where children can enjoy a playground featuring a massive treehouse, while adults can relax and enjoy free concerts and movies and even get physical at times with pop-up yoga and other workouts.
Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park:
Now, if you're looking for something more nature-influenced and historical, the "Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park" may be right up your alley. Still located downtown, just a little more than a mile from the Fremont East District, the grounds of the Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park was the first non-native, Euro-American settlement in Las Vegas in 1855.
Rich in history, it features the remains of an adobe fort built by Mormon missionaries along a spring-fed creek. It's very reminiscent of being in the pioneer days.
The Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park offers museum tours, programs, a place for picnics, and a visitor center with exhibits and photos illustrating the site's history. The adobe building is the oldest standing structure in the state. It has portions of the original 1855 fort.
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area is 17 miles west of the Strip on Charleston Boulevard/State Route 159 and is perfect for the outdoor lover.
An area that's a sight for sore eyes, the mountainous Red Rock Canyon offers miles of hiking trails, rock climbing, horseback riding, biking, picnic areas, a chance to observe nature, and a visitor's center featuring indoor and outdoor exhibits and a bookstore.
The 13-mile scenic drive is another big draw for the more than two million people who visit Red Rock each year.
The majestic picturesque views are breathtaking and perfect for the photographer looking to capture the perfect shot or for the outdoor lover who wants to post it on the gram.
Floyd Lamb Park:
Now, let's head northeast to Floyd Lamb Park at Tule Springs. Floyd Lamb Park is a welcome oasis with its 680-acre park that features wildlife, lush vegetation and lakes. There are even views of the Sheep and Spring Mountain Ranges.
The historic Tule Springs Ranch is tucked inside the park and provides opportunities for visitors to learn about a traditional working ranch and some of the early lifestyle of Las Vegas residents.
Peacocks and ducks also roam freely all around the grassy areas and the lakes.
People looking to hold an event in the park can rent the Hay Barn for something as casual as a barbecue or as fancy as a wedding reception. Floyd Lamb's gazebo could also be ideal for a wedding ceremony.
The Springs Preserve:
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Springs Preserve is approximately three miles west of downtown and is considered Las Vegas's birthplace. Before the spring dried up in 1962, it nourished all plant, animal, and human life in the area.
The first human imprint on the Las Vegas Springs dates back between 5,000 to 12,000 years when generations of nomadic Native American tribes lived there seasonally.
Today, the Springs Preserve is a $250 million, world-class, family-friendly attraction that showcases trails, a Botanical Garden, an Open-Air Amphitheater, train rides, the Nevada State Museum, and so much more!
Lone Mountain:
Another hiking treasure in the Las Vegas Valley is Lone Mountain, the last place on our list of popular Las Vegas landmarks and attractions you may not have known about. The mountain north of the Strip offers hikers everything they need to get out and active. But make sure you wear your hiking boots because it's a steep climb, and there is a lot of loose gravel on the trails.
The rugged and well-traveled paths leading up the mountain are usually packed with hikers, and when you get to the summit, and it's time to capture the perfect shot for social media, there's no need to wonder if you'll be able to get your good side because a 360-degree view of the city allows you to pose from any angle.
Now, for those not keen on heights -- you can enjoy the area by walking or running on a trail around the mountain! It's 2.2 miles and moderately challenging, especially during the hot summer, so bring a lot of water to hydrate.
Dogs are also welcome in the area but must be on a leash.
Overall, Lone Mountain is a beautiful place to get your steps in and catch a beautiful sunrise or sunset over the Strip.