Northern Mockingbird
ParkNevada, US
Springs Preserve
Springs Preserve is an extraordinary 180-acre attraction celebrating Las Vegas's natural and cultural heritage.
About
Springs Preserve is an extraordinary 180-acre attraction celebrating Las Vegas's natural and cultural heritage. This award-winning destination seamlessly blends botanical gardens, museums, and interactive exhibits, offering a unique escape from the Strip into the vibrant heart of the Mojave Desert's history and ecology. It serves as a vital educational and recreational hub, dedicated to exploring Nevada's landscapes and wildlife while promoting sustainable living.
Visitors can marvel at the diverse plant life in the Botanical Gardens, home to over 1,200 species of desert-adapted plants, including a stunning Cactus Garden with over 300 species. The Origen Museum features engaging exhibits like the thrilling Flash Flood simulation and live animal displays showcasing desert inhabitants such as the Gray Fox, Desert Cottontails, Gila Monsters, and various lizards and snakes. During spring and fall, the seasonal Butterfly Habitat allows guests to walk among free-flying Painted Lady, Blue Morpho, Giant Owl, and Monarch butterflies, highlighting their crucial role as pollinators.
More than just a nature retreat, Springs Preserve provides an immersive journey through time with Boomtown 1905, a recreated historical streetscape of early Las Vegas, and the Nevada State Museum, featuring a 20,000-year-old Columbian Mammoth skeleton. With miles of scenic trails, educational programs, and family-friendly attractions like playgrounds and a splash pad, the Preserve offers a memorable experience that educates and inspires appreciation for the desert environment and its rich history. Don't forget to bring the Snappit nature identification app along to scan local species.
buffs and cultural explorers * Individuals interested in sustainability and conservation
What to do here
Explore the award-winning botanical gardens, delve into regional history at the Nevada State Museum, experience the interactive exhibits in the Origen Museum, and step back in time at Boomtown 1905. Take a ride on the train, hike the scenic trails, and engage with the various educational and conservation-focused displays. For families, the playgrounds and seasonal splash pad offer active fun.
Seasonal info
The Butterfly Habitat is open seasonally during the spring and fall. During excessive heat warnings (105 degrees Fahrenheit or more), outdoor trails, train rides, and other outdoor tours may be closed for guest safety. Spring is particularly vibrant for blooming plants in the botanical gardens.
Accessibility
Springs Preserve is largely wheelchair-accessible, with the exception of some unpaved portions of its historic trails. The Exploration Loop Trail is fully paved and wheelchair-accessible. Wheelchairs are available for free on a first-come, first-served basis at the ticketing window. Strollers are also available for rent.
Don't miss
1
Origen Museum
Features the dramatic Flash Flood Exhibit and live animal displays.
2
Nevada State Museum
Houses a 20,000-year-old Columbian Mammoth skeleton and exhibits on Nevada's history.
3
Botanical Garden
Spanning eight acres, it showcases over 1,200 species of desert-adapted plants, including the Cactus Garden.
4
Boomtown 1905
A recreated historical streetscape offering a glimpse into early Las Vegas life.
Wildlife you might spot
12Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.
Snap map for this place
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Good to know before you go
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the Preserve spans 180 acres with many trails and exhibits to explore.
Apply and reapply sunscreen frequently, especially when visiting outdoor areas, as the Las Vegas sun can be intense.
Bring your own water bottle and non-alcoholic beverages; outside food is also permitted in coolers no larger than 24″ x 15″ x 18″ (no glass containers, dry ice, or loose ice).
Check the Springs Preserve website or app before your visit for current hours and any seasonal closures of outdoor attractions due to extreme heat.
Take advantage of the free onsite parking; EV charging stations are also available.
Consider purchasing a membership if you plan to visit multiple times, as it offers unlimited entry, discounts, and early access to outdoor areas.
Frequently asked questions
- The Springs Preserve offers a wide array of attractions, including the Origen Museum with its Flash Flood Exhibit and live animal displays, the Nevada State Museum featuring a Columbian Mammoth skeleton, and the expansive Botanical Garden with over 1,200 desert-adapted plants. You can also explore Boomtown 1905, a recreated historic street, and enjoy miles of interpretive trails. Seasonally, don't miss the Butterfly Habitat.
- Yes, the Springs Preserve is largely wheelchair-accessible, with most main attractions and the paved Exploration Loop Trail accommodating wheelchairs. Wheelchairs are available for free on a first-come, first-served basis at the ticketing office. While some historical unpaved trails may be less accessible, the Preserve strives to provide an inclusive experience.
- At Springs Preserve, you can observe a variety of Mojave Desert wildlife in the live animal exhibits, including desert cottontails, various lizards and snakes, Gila monsters, and the adorable Gray Fox. The seasonal Butterfly Habitat showcases numerous butterfly species, and the outdoor trails feature a desert tortoise habitat, along with diverse bird species in the cienega wetlands.
Recent snaps at this place
Jun 7, 2026
i
Photo attribution
(c) Katrina Smith, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
Jun 4, 2026
i
Photo attribution
(c) Katrina Smith, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
Jun 4, 2026
i
Photo attribution
(c) Katrina Smith, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
Jun 4, 2026
i
Photo attribution
(c) Katrina Smith, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
Jun 4, 2026
i
Photo attribution
(c) Katrina Smith, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
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