Fun Things To Do In Henderson, Nevada in 2023-2024

Here are all the exciting things to do in Henderson in 2023-2024! Whether you're interested in outdoor activities, cultural experiences, or nightlife, there are plenty of activities. Here are a few suggestions to get you started: you can Lake Las Vegas, explore the Clark County Heritage Museum, take a trip to the Ethel M Chocolate Factory and Botanical Cactus Garden, visit the Lion Habitat Ranch, go on a culinary adventure, enjoy the abundant nightlife. There is plenty of shopping as well as dining options within the District at Green Valley Ranch Resort. Outdoor and wildlife adventure can be found at the River Mountain Loop Trail; the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve as well as at the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area. Read on my reviews of best attractions in Henderson!

Henderson Attractions Map

Best Bars

Gambit Henderson

Gambit Henderson

Address: 2031 W Sunset Rd

While you’re visiting Henderson, the Gambit Henderson is a unique place to stop by and experience their multi-venue entertainment setting. Situated on West Sunset Road, the Gambit Henderson sports a vintage feeling back to the day of the Great Gatsby and roaring twenties when drinks were stout and entertainment was great. Gambit Henderson has 3 distinct venues - The Bank bar and lounge, Gatsby's Supper Club and a Speakeasy bar. Once inside The Bank you’ll find an atmosphere that mixes business with pleasure along with comfortable seating that is complete with a bank vault and a mugshot of Frank Sinatra on the wall. Here you can indulge in handcrafted cocktails and nibble on small bites. The Gatsby Supper Club delivers a different feeling which takes you back to the great show lounges of yesteryear with live music nightly to enjoy while devouring great tasting New American cuisine. The third portion of the establishment is an intriguing Speakeasy with its chic Mexican decor that is perfect for sipping their wide selection of tequila and mezcal and enjoying a small plate or too. The Gambit Henderson also has interesting events like the Vintage Car and Cigar Show.

Firelight Barn Dinner Theater

Firelight Barn Dinner Theater

Address: 546 S Boulder Hwy

The Firelight Barn Dinner Theater is a perfect time for families, friends, or a group of people who like to enjoy some stomping entertainment along with a genuine chuckwagon lunch or dinner. Located along South Boulder Highway, the Firelight Barn Dinner Theater is family-owned and features a bright red building with wagons out front. Inside you’ll find a simple decor with a variety of wooden tables which face towards the stage. The entertainment begins when the Jackson family, known as Mama’s Wranglers, hit the stage with their coordinated western wear and assortment of instruments. During the show you’ll hear classic country western songs, a little soft rock, and even some doo-wop at times. The family hits all the right notes throughout the show that highlights each member as an accomplished musician who can play numerous instruments from a fiddle to guitar to banjo to drums and the dancing is ideal for everyone to have some fun. Dinner or lunch is offered as well that brings tasty chuckwagon grub like BBQ, baked beans, and some slaw.

Born and Raised Henderson

Born and Raised Henderson

Address: 10050 S Eastern Ave #170

When you're a Vegas Golden Knight or a UNLV Runnin’ Rebel fan visiting Henderson and want to catch the game with like-minded fans or alumni, then the only place to go is Born and Raised Henderson. Situated on South Eastern Avenue, Born and Raised Henderson has a lively chic nightclub-style interior with an upscale hipster-type atmosphere along with lots of flat screens and memorabilia on the walls for guests to enjoy while watching their favorite games. Open 24/7, the establishment covers all the bases with an eclectic menu of food that sports a new twist on bar bites, sliders, wraps, build your own burgers, and breakfast boasts a fried chicken & donut sandwich. Other must eats include a Buffalo chicken mac & cheese and several tasty Asian bowls like the Dragon Bowl Z. Handcrafted cocktails are stout with plenty of different beers on tap and in the can from local Nevada breweries. They offer two distinct happy hours including one from 12am-6am with discounted drinks and menu items.

Gold Mine Tavern

Gold Mine Tavern

Address: 23 S Water St.

Get ready for a rockin’ good time when you step foot into the Gold Mine Tavern within the historic Water Street District in Henderson. Situated on South Water Street, the Gold Mine Tavern has been operating since 1965 bringing great music and fun to the area. Outside you might not see much but once inside you’ll find lots of pool tables, a classic long bar, and plenty of retro-style seating where patrons are letting their hair down while enjoying some truly great live entertainment on the weekends. Open 24-hours a day there is a great happy hour daily that guests flock to and the kitchen with classic pub food is open for quick bites all the time. There is free use of the pool tables every Monday and Tuesday along with karaoke night on Thursday. Weekend entertainment brings in honky tonk-style bands such as The Blenders, Stanley Ave, and local favorite Bad Habit. There’s a huge patio outside for you to lounge in the sun or under lights in the evening making for a perfect time with friends.

Best Restaurants In Henderson

Rachel’s Kitchen at the District

Rachel’s Kitchen at the District

Address: 2265 Village Walk Dr

When you get hungry and want to eat some delicious and reasonably priced food, then you should head over to Rachel’s Kitchen at the District. Located along Village Walk Drive within the District at Green Valley Ranch, this small chain restaurant first opened in the Las Vegas area in 2006. Open for all three meals, Rachel’s Kitchen at the District has a large patio out front with plenty of seating and inside you’ll find a quaint diner atmosphere with plenty of artwork, wood and tiled floors and unique tiled tables with retro-style chairs. Their menu delivers breakfast anytime with plenty of egg dishes, create your own omelet, and freshly baked goodies. For lunch and dinner you’ll enjoy a variety of fresh salads, gourmet sandwiches like the 440 Sandwich, super wraps such as the Curry Chicken Wrap, and healthy pastas from Rachel’s Mac and Cheese to Ryan’s Pesto Pasta. They have superb freshly made smoothies and drinks as well as a nice selection on their kid’s menu.

Parkway Tavern District at Green Valley Ranch

Parkway Tavern District at Green Valley Ranch

Address: 2235 Village Walk Dr #141

When you need to refuel and refresh your body with good food and spirits, then the Parkway Tavern District is an ideal place to choose. Located along Village Walk Drive within the District at Green Valley Ranch, the exterior is a modern industrial-style with a comfortable patio with couch seating which opens up to an interior featuring brick walls, sleek modern furniture, and a lot of flat screens. Open 24-hours serving all three meals, breakfast brings an assortment of goodies with lunch and dinner sharing the same menu delivering dishes from fresh salads to pub-style appetizers to chicken skewers to fish & chips to a variety of street tacos and sandwiches like the prime rib French dip. They have a late night menu featuring tasty items like wings, tenders, eggrolls, and more that you can indulge in while drinking one of the more than 250 beers they serve. The establishment also boasts two separate happy hours for patrons and weekends bring a bottomless cocktail or mimosa to the table.

Pasta Shop Ristorante & Art Gallery

Address: 2525 W Horizon Ridge Pkwy

Now imagine dining at a family-owned restaurant whose founder was the personal cook for Frank Sinatra and Steve Wynn, well that’s what you’ll find along with award winning pasta dishes when you dine at the Pasta Shop Ristorante & Art Gallery. Situated on West Horizon Ridge Parkway, the Pasta Shop Ristorante has been delighting guests since 1989 inside a contemporary style building that features a whimsical, colorful, and art packed interior. The Pasta Shop Ristorante makes fresh pasta daily which is available to purchase onsite as well as supplying many of the fine dining restaurants in Sin City with their tasty pastas. Serving lunch and dinner, crowd favorites at this Italian eatery during the day include meatball sandwich, ravioli pomodoro, lasagna, and the teatro. Dinner brings a more extensive menu with patron pleasers such as Frank’s favorite meat sauce, ravioli Bianca, black squid ink pasta, and an innovative saffron shrimp saute. There is also a variety of standard Italian fare from classic chicken marsala to shrimp scampi to chicken parmesan along with baked rigatoni.

Best Golf Clubs in Henderson

Rio Secco Golf Club

Rio Secco Golf Club

Address: 2851 Grand Hills Dr

One of the more challenging golf courses in the Las Vegas area, Rio Secco Golf Club will even bring the professionals to their knees with its stunning beauty, layout, and pin placements. Located along Grand Hills Drive, the golf course was constructed in 1997 by course architect Rees Jones. The 72-par course is long at 7,313 yards and lies within the diverse terrain of the Black Mountain Range. The layout includes six holes played through steep canyons, six holes played on top of a plateau which boasts views of Sin City, and a desert wash scenery. Signature holes include the par-4 sixth which is 409 yards from an elevated tee box and the postage stamp sized green is guarded by a large rock wall and the par-3 12th hole plays 200 yards with a back to front sloping green making two putts almost impossible from the back of the green. Rio Secco Golf Club is also the home to world renowned golfing coach Butch Harmon’s School of Golf and dining is available at Janelas Restaurant & Bar.

Revere Golf Club

Revere Golf Club

Address: 2600 Hampton Rd

A great option for golfers looking for two-diverse courses at the same golf club is the Revere Golf Club. Situated on Hampton Road, Revere Golf Club was constructed between 1999-2002 and features two distinctly different golf courses created by Billy Casper and Greg Nash that boast views of the Las Vegas Valley. The par-72 Lexington course plays 7,143 yards with a layout that challenges your shot making skills in classic scenarios of elevation changes, bunkers, and small greens. The par-4 third hole is the hardest hole on the course featuring playing 442 yards with a narrow fairway and plenty of desert wash to gobble up errant shots. The par-72 Concorde course plays at 7,034 yards with more forgiving fairways and huge greens. The most demanding hole on this course is the 18th hole playing at 548 yards. The par-5 hole features an elevation change of 100-feet but with 11 bunkers, don’t expect to hit the green in two shots. Dining can be had at the newly renovated Buckman’s which offers cold beverages and a variety of food.

Chimera Golf Club

Chimera Golf Club at Tuscany

Address: 901 Olivia Pkwy

You don’t have to travel to Italy to play a round of golf on a fabulous golf course surrounded by Tuscan-style homes and that’s what you find at Chimera Golf Club at Tuscany. Located along Olivia Parkway, the par 72 golf course was designed by Ted Robinson Jr. and opened in 2003. The 6,903 golf course is named after a mythical Greek fire-breathing creature and is ideal for everyone’s skill level with great views of the Strip, Downtown, and Mt. Charleston along with short par fours that require accuracy over length off the tee box. The golf course has wide fairways and large greens but is loaded with obstacles like 68 white sand bunkers, water features on holes nine and 18 which features a target island-style green and a gorgeous sculpture of a Chimera. All golf carts are outfitted with the newest technology including Digital Caddies GPS tablets to help your game. You can grab a bite to eat at the newly designed Slice 19 Bar and Grill which is open for all three meals and cold libations.

Reflection Bay Golf Club

Reflection Bay Golf Club

Address: 75 Montelago Blvd

Golfers are flocking to the Reflection Bay Golf Club to enjoy an interesting and intriguing golf course surrounded by a picturesque landscape of lush vegetation and multi-million dollar homes. Situated on Montelago Boulevard along gorgeous Lake Las Vegas, the Jack Nicklaus Signature designed golf course was constructed in 1998. The 7,261-yard par-72 course features many unique items with five holes located along a one and half mile stretch of Lake Las Vegas as well as holes playing through rock arroyos, and desert valleys. The are several must play holes including the par-3 eighth hole at 199-yard that boasts palm trees, beaches, and plenty of bunkers; the 164-yard par-3 17th hole feels like the green is floating on the lake, the par-5 18th hole at 561-yard brings elevation change into play along with water, bunkers, and a small green. When you’re hungry you can grab a bite to eat or a cold beverage at the onsite clubhouse which also hosts large functions like weddings and corporate gatherings.

Desert Willow Golf MacDonald Ranch

Desert Willow Golf MacDonald Ranch

Address: 2020 W Horizon Ridge Pkwy

One of the best relaxing golf courses in Las Vegas that is ideal for a quick round with the family or your friends is the Desert Willow Golf MacDonald Ranch. Located along West Horizon Ridge Parkway, the executive-style par-60 golf course was designed by Billy Casper and Greg Nash and features a hilly terrain, plenty of bunkers, water hazards, and carved greens. The 3,811-yard course features six par-4’s and 12 par-3’s was constructed on the foothills of the Black Mountain Range and boasts a great time for a quick round of golf in Sin City. The golf course has three holes with water hazards like the par-3 fifth hole that plays 116-yards with water behind the green; the ninth hole is a 349-yard par-4 with water on two sides of the large green, and the par-4 18th hole plays at 328-yards with a lake separating the green from the fairway during your approach. The Willows will help you get rejuvenated with food and drink during or after your splendidly quick round.

Breweries and Wineries

Bad Beat Brewing

Bad Beat Brewing

Address: 7380 Eastgate Rd #110

A superb watering hole in Henderson that caters to the connoisseur of craft beer along with people looking to have a good time is Bad Beat Brewing. Situated on Eastgate Road, Bad Beat Brewing was opened by Nathan Hall out of his love for poker and handcrafted beer. After selling everything he owned, Hall chose a nonchalant facility to begin crafting his dream. The brewery’s interior is open with plenty of large tables and modern seating and sports five handcrafted beers year round that range from a German hefeweizen to an Japanese lager to an amber lager to an IPA, and an Italian pilsner. The brewery also produces a special beer every month of the year that follows the climate, holidays, or festive events held at the establishment like trivia or painting night. While you’re there indulge in a pint, a unique tasting flight, or purchase something to go when you leave. There’s no food served but you’re welcome to bring your own or indulge in the food trucks parked out front.

Lovelady Brewing

Lovelady Brewing

Address: 20 S Water St

Supporting family-owned businesses is a great idea and Lovelady Brewery has been serving up tasty handcrafted beers and supporting the community of Henderson since the 1950s. Located along South Water Street, their first location has a fantastic Arts Deco facade with a huge neon sign with an open interior that is friendly, and full of chalkboards explaining their handcrafted offerings. They have been fortunate enough to open a second location in Henderson along North Green Valley Parkway. They only sell beer but the family has been honing their trade for decades to come up with some of the tastiest beers in the country. There are nine handcrafted beers offered year round with flavors like a Mexican-style lager, amber lager, several IPAs, a Bavarian-style, and a few fruity ones too. Patrons enjoy different flights, a pint, or even a growler to go. Everyone is welcome from children to dogs and they also hold exciting events like yoga and painting parties for the patrons to interact with each other.

Mojave Brewing

Mojave Brewing

Address: 107 S Water St #100

There’s lots of places to grab a cold beer but not many that offer a large selection which they handcrafted themselves and the Mojave Brewery is just that place. Situated on South Main Street, Mojave Brewing is locally-owned and housed in a renovated Bank of America building that sports a fabulous exterior that opens up to a large airy space on the inside and a large patio area. The establishment has a high-energy atmosphere with 20 handcrafted beers and hard cider for you to indulge in while relaxing on the patio or inside. The handcrafted beers include a brown English ale, a blonde ale, Italian pilsner, American lagers, fruity flavors, IPAs, and a couple of stout beers. They also offer a couple of hardy ciders from a dry strawberry lemonade to a grapefruit flavor to an excellent mango & habanero flavor that is sure to knock your socks off. There’s no food available but the tasting flights and pints are worth trying.

Vegas Valley Winery

Vegas Valley Winery

Address: 7360 Eastgate Rd Ste 123

A unique place to relax, take a tour of the winery, enjoy a glass or two of wine, and learn more about how to make great tasting wines from a variety of grapes is for you to stop by the Vegas Valley Winery. Located along Eastgate Road in the Henderson Booze District, Vegas Valley Winery boasts a great atmosphere with an interior packed with wine casks, artwork, maps, and plenty of seating for groups of any size. The winery offers wine tastings of their handcrafted products that are made from grapes onsite from regions in the USA and the World. Tasting flights include a variety of flavors which can be mixed or sipped individually. While enjoying some fine wine there’s small bites from the kitchen available and tours of the winemaking facilities. Other special events like live music on the weekends, yoga classes, and paint and sip parties also take place o a regular basis. Their sister company Grape Expectations is situated next door which offers classes on how to turn your grapes into wine.

CraftHaus Brewery

CraftHaus Brewery

Address: 7350 Eastgate Rd STE 110

Looking for a brewhouse with a little bit of a European flare, then you should stop by the CraftHaus Brewery and enjoy a pint or two. Located along Eastgate Road in the Henderson Booze District as well as a taproom within the Las Vegas Arts District on East California Street, the CraftHaus is the creation of Wyndee and Dave Forrest. The two UNLV grads came up with the idea while traveling through Europe and currently house their idea in a modern-style building that has a fun interior with cuckoo clocks, plenty of European touches, and a stellar tiled floor. They offer five handcrafted beers year round that include European-style beers from the Czech Republic to Germany and you find IPAs. They boast a variety of seasonal handcrafted beers with fruity ascents or a heavier texture during the winter months. Guests can enjoy tasting flights and the kitchen provides plenty of tasty sausage treats to devour. Patrons can take a 30-minute tour of the brewing facilities which includes a flight of their beer when you're finished.

Shopping in Henderson

Galleria at Sunset

Galleria at Sunset

Address: 1300 W Sunset Rd

Everybody likes to go shopping when on vacation and one of the best places to go in Henderson for mid-range shopping is the Galleria at Sunset. Located along West Sunset Road, opened in 1996, the Galleria at Sunset is Henderson's first and only indoor mall with over one million-square feet of shopping pleasure for you to browse. You’ll find something for everybody inside with plenty of mid-range department stores that range from Kohl’s to Dillard’s to Macy’s to JC Penney, and a large H &M store. Other smaller shops like Vans, Guess, Victoria’s Secret, Forever 21, and Hot Topic. There are major jewelry stores like Zales, Kays, and Morgan Jewelers as well as a couple of gyms including the Camp Harder Boxing Gym and D1 Sports Training. Don’t worry about getting hungry because the food court has plenty of quick bite options and there is casual/upscale dining available at Red Robin and Rodizio Grill.

The District at Green Valley Ranch

The District at Green Valley Ranch

Address: 2240 Village Walk Dr

The District at Green Valley Ranch is a superb thing to do in Henderson which can help you relax in an environment that features plenty of shopping and dining opportunities within a pedestrian friendly outdoor mall. Once you are at the District at Green Valley Ranch you can walk the cobblestone streets or sit in one of the many grassy areas enjoying a nice day away from the glitz and hustle of Las Vegas. When you visit you will be pleased with more than 30 shopping venues that range from outdoor equipment at REI to children’s clothing at Jeanie and Jack to home furnishings at Williams-Sonoma to health and beauty products at AVEDA-Gianna Christine. Dining offers plenty of choices with Rachel’s Kitchen, King’s Fish House and the Balboa Pizza Company as well as fifteen other eateries. Throughout the year the District at Green Valley Ranch also hosts a variety of events that range from a farmer’s market to an evening of wine, beer and food from local businesses.

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More Attractions

Lake Las Vegas Water Sports

Lake Las Vegas Water Sports

Address: 15 Costa Di Lago Ste

Experience the fun and excitement of all your water sport favorite activities when you stop by Lake Las Vegas Water Sports. Located at Costa Di Lago, Lake Las Vegas Water Sports has everything you need to rent for an exciting day on the water of the 320-acre Lake Las Vegas. Enjoy away from the hustle and bustle while you try standup paddle boarding or kayaking and you can rent an electric boat for a relaxing sailing opportunity to rejuvenate your soul. For the adrenaline rush seekers there is a Flyboard experience that jettisons you into the air or try the unique E-Foil lessons which has you hoovering along the water while you balance yourself on your board. Another great activity to raise your blood flow is the Cable Park where you learn how to wakeboard or get pulled in a tube around the lake. For those searching for a romantic or group luxury idea, renting the yacht La Contessa with its professional crew, two fully-stocked bars, and delicious catering services are there for your choosing.

Sunset Station Strike Zone

Sunset Station Strike Zone

Address: 1301 W Sunset Rd

Many bowling alleys have closed around the country and if you want to have some dynamite fun with your family or friends rolling your ball down the lane again, then you should try Sunset Station Strike Zone. Situated on West Sunset Road within the Sunset Station Hotel and Casino, this full-service bowling alley has 72-lanes ready for you to roll the pins over. Once inside the decor reminds you of the good old days of bowling with family and friends with rentals and cheap priced bowling games. One of the best times to go is during Cosmic Bowling where the alley lights up like a disco with a live DJ spinning all your favorites as you roll your ball down the lane. The arcade area is superb for adults and children of all ages with all the latest video games and tabletop games like foosball or air hockey. There is a snack bar with candies, soft drinks, and assorted snacks while grownups can indulge in a lively libation at the KingPin Lounge.

The Salt Room Henderson

The Salt Room Henderson

Address: 10624 S Eastern Ave Ste G

One of the best ways to relieve and rejuvenate your body while you're visiting Henderson is to try one of the many services at The Salt Room Henderson. Located along South Eastern Avenue in the Horizon Marketplace, The Salt Room Henderson opened in 2014 by Ava Mucikyan and since then expanded to three locations. Salt Room offers a variety of spa treatments that include Himalayan Salt including the first salt cave to open in the Henderson/Las Vegas area. The interior is fabulous with salt blocks mixed into the walls with subtle lighting to help relax and rejuvenate your body. The spa offers a large variety of treatments from messages to facials to body treatments that include Maderotherapy and Halotherapy. The Himalayan Salt used during the Halo therapy has unique qualities which helps people with asthma, eczema, psoriasis, and respiratory problems. They offer numerous packages for you to combine multiple treatments and couples are welcome. The spa has meditation and yoga classes as well as spiritual health through energy healing.

Above All ATV Rentals and Watercraft Rentals

Trying one of the many tours at Above All Las Vegas ATV and Watercraft Rentals are a great thing to do in Henderson for families who are searching for outdoor adventure. You will be thrilled with the variety of activities that is offered by Above All Las Vegas ATV and Watercraft Rentals which range from a guided ATV tour to ziplining to horseback riding to watercraft rentals. There are guided ATV tours to Eldorado Canyon, Mount Charleston as well as the Valley of Fire or you can choose to rent an ATV and create your own outdoor adventure. Other opportunities include horseback riding in Red Rock Canyon and there is even an evening ride that includes a western BBQ. Adrenaline junkies can soar through the air on a zipline course at Bootleg Canyon which has over 1.56-miles of cables that includes a 2,546-foot run. If you are looking to get out on to Lake Mead or Lake Mohave, then Above All Las Vegas ATV Tours and Watercraft Rentals have just the right equipment for rent with jet skis and Bayliner boats.

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Lion Habitat Ranch

Lion Habitat Ranch

Nature and animal lovers of all ages find a trip to the Lion Habitat Ranch is a perfect thing to do in Henderson for learning more about big cats and their natural habitat. The Lion Habitat Ranch is situated on 8.5-acres and features 40 African lions that can viewed by the general public in a variety of ways. There are several packages for visitors to choose which range from a back of the scene tour with a specialist to feeding the big cats to just walking around watching these amazing animals play. While you are at the Lion Habitat Ranch you can learn about the different conservation tactics being used around the world to save these magnificent animals. Also residing on the ranch is Ozzie the giraffe who is an expert at painting interesting pictures while you watch.

Emerald Island Casino

Emerald Island Casino

Address: 120 Market St

If you like to gamble but don’t want to break your vacation budget, then a superb thing to do in Henderson is to stop at the Emerald Island Casino. The emerald Island Casino will fascinate you once you enter the facility with numerous murals depicting life in Ireland. From this cultural transformation you can head straight to one of the 400 gaming machines that range from video poker to video slots to keno. Don’t worry because the price is right with each game costing a penny to play. Enjoy the excitement of gambling while playing some of the newest and hottest electronic gambling games in the world. When you get hungry you can stop by the Emerald Island Grille where you will find tasty daily specials and a reasonable priced menu of international dishes.

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Ethel M Chocolates Factory and Cactus Garden

Ethel M Chocolates Factory and Cactus Garden

Address: 2 Cactus Garden Dr

One of the best things to do in Henderson for foodies and families who like chocolate is to take a trip to the Ethel M Chocolates Factory and Cactus Garden. Once you enter the Ethel M Chocolates Factory and Cactus Garden there a variety of activities for you to enjoy from learning how to make chocolate in one of their classes to viewing the factory while employees make award winning chocolate based on the Mars family recipes. When you are finished viewing the self-guided tour of the factory you can enter the tasting room where you can indulge in the many different chocolates delights created at the factory. Another portion of the Ethel M Chocolates is the cactus and botanical garden. You can take a stroll through the garden area while viewing a desert landscape filled with 300 species of plants from around the world including Southwestern United States, South America and Australia. The beauty of the garden is enhanced flowering plants, trees and shrubs which thrive in the dry climate of Southern Nevada.

Clark County Heritage Museum

Clark County Heritage Museum

Address: 1830 S Boulder Hwy

For travelers that are interested in learning more about the history of Nevada’s southernmost county then a great thing to do in Henderson is to visit the Clark County Heritage Museum. Located on 30-acres the Clark County Heritage Museum contains thousands of artifacts and numerous exhibits that concentrate on the early Indian tribes in the area, the influence of the railroad, mining and gambling. As you walk the grounds you will have an opportunity to view exhibits that feature artifacts such as arrowheads, historic photographs, mining equipment, railroad locomotives, the 1932 Boulder City train depot as well as an 1898 Dewy slot machine. Some of the previous exhibits housed at the Clark County Heritage Museum include the Tribal Treasures which featured pottery from the Pueblo Indians, Training the Gunners at the Las Vegas Army Air Field during WWII and Tops and Toes which concentrated on fashion. Also within the grounds are eight historic houses along Heritage Street which feature period furnishings and plenty of interactive signage to help explain the significance of each house.

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Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve

Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve

Address: 350 E Galleria Dr

If you are a bird watcher or just like to view wildlife then an excellent thing to do in Henderson is to take a trip to the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve. Situated on 140-acres within one of the many water reclamation facilities in the area, the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve features thousands of migratory birds from over 200 bird species. When you visit the area you can view the birds at nine different ponds which are surrounded by either pavement or soft ground. There is a ¾-mile trail which features numerous interpretive signs about the various species of birds you can see which range from the American Avocet to Black-necked Stilts to Spotted Sandpipers to Lucy’s Warblers and you can even see some Desert tortoises. There are guided tours available in the morning hours led by qualified biologists and you can purchase a bird viewing guide at the gift shop.

Photo by Nick Varvel

Cowabunga Bay Water Park

Cowabunga Bay Water Park

Address: 900 Galleria D

One of the most entertaining things to do in Henderson for families and visitors that want to escape the heat of the summer is to go to Cowabunga Bay Water Park. Located just minutes from Strip, Cowabunga Bay Water Park resides on 25-acres with 30 water slides, a wave pool, a cabana pool, a children’s area and a lazy river. The water theme park is fashioned after a 1950s and 60s beach blanket party with a fun atmosphere which is ideal for families. While you are visiting the Cowabunga Bay Water Park you can experience such water slides as Surfin’ USA, Wild Surf, the Breaker and a 72-foot drop while sliding down the Zuma Zooma. Other attractions include the Children’s cove with specialty water slides for the young ones, the Surf-a-Rama wave pool, the Cowabunga Lazy River and you can relax like a king at the Cabana-a-Rama pool in your personal cabana. There are carnival style games and several restaurants that can help create a carefree day of water fun for the whole family.

River Mountain Loop Trail

River Mountain Loop Trail

When you are interested in getting outdoors to hike, bike, horseback ride or another type of outdoor activity then a super thing to do in Henderson is to take a trip to the River Mountain Loop Trail. Designated in 2010 as a National Recreational Trail, the River Mountain Loop Trail is 35-miles in length and encircles the River Mountains. The multi-use trail is ideal for all types of recreational opportunities and connects the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Boulder City, Hoover Dam, Henderson and the Las Vegas Valley. The trail has plenty of interpretive signs to help you learn about the wildlife and eco-system of the greater Las Vegas Valley as well as a variety of other items such as the Old Spanish Trail. In addition there are portions of the River Mountain Loop Trail which are dog friendly and a 15-mile section which can accommodate horseback riding. Trail heads vary from primitive to full facilities so plan ahead with water, food and other necessities.

Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area

Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area

Address: Nawghaw Poa Rd

One of the best things to do in Henderson when you want to get out and enjoy the natural surrounding and some interesting ancient rock art is to plan a trip to the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area. Created in 2002, the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area encompasses more than 48,000-acres of fascinating geologic formations and over 300 rock art panels that contain over 1,700 individual components which date from the Archaic to historic era. Also within this conservation area you will find superb hiking inside the North McCullough Wilderness Area and numerous miles of challenging biking trails as well as opportunities for horseback riding. In addition to these outdoor activities you can simply view the wildlife which ranges from Desert Bighorn Sheep to Grey Fox to Red-Tailed Hawks and you might spot a Desert Tortoise.

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