Henderson is a city in Nevada just a few minutes from Las Vegas that's famed for its museums, casinos, entertainment, and outdoor adventuring. It's a city that runs right up to Vegas and even features its own Strip filled with casinos and hotels, but it doesn't have the crowds or over-the-top glam of Vegas. Beyond the hotels and casinos, you can visit museums and art galleries and enjoy family-friendly entertainment.
Just outside the city limits, you can travel through wetlands in the middle of the desert, view cactus gardens, relax on the shores of a man-made lake, or trek into a national conservation area with hiking, biking, and the opportunity to see ancient Native American art. You can even find art installations in the middle of the desert or catch an aerial show with daredevil pilots. From golfing and camping to casinos and live entertainment, it's all here.
Henderson in Las Vegas - one of the highlights of 11 Most Instagrammable Places in Las Vegas (Read all about Las Vegas here)
Highlights of Henderson
Henderson offers a wide range of things to see and do in town, including a chocolate factory where you can see candy being made, the South Las Vegas Boulevard Strip of hotels and casinos, water parks for kids and adults alike, and the famous Clark County Museum that offers a tour through the entire history of Southern Nevada. You can see the Sky Combat Ace air show, visit a combination casino and brewpub, or even catch a game at a local baseball diamond.
Not far from town, you can visit Lake Las Vegas, a scenic, man-made reservoir featuring lodging, golf, water skiing, sports, and all manner of outdoor fun. You can hit the Clark County Wetlands Park, the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve, the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area, or the Ethel M Botanical Cactus Garden for outdoor adventure from hiking and biking to just relaxing in nature.
History of Henderson
Henderson emerged in the 1940s as a main supplier of magnesium for the war effort during World War II, and Major Avenue is named for the British liaison officer sent to the city on behalf of the Allies. The city nearly died after the war, but it was revitalized and incorporated in the early 1950s. The city that began as just a 13-square-mile area eventually grew to encompass over 92 square miles.
After a factory disaster in 1988, the city revitalized once again, and its economy shifted from industrial to residential, commercial, and hospitality. Though it's in the heart of the Mojave Desert, a man-made reservoir provides not only water and moisture, but even wetlands to explore. Many people come here to enjoy the fun and excitement for which Nevada is known, without the crowds and rowdiness of cities like Las Vegas while still having easy access to these areas.
Good to know about Henderson
Henderson offers a wide variety of leisure and entertainment activities, from movie theater complexes to restaurants, casinos, concert venues, and even Shakespeare in the Park. It's got a thriving arts and culture community that supports many regular events. The city is just a few miles away from the Las Vegas Strip. Henderson also boasts over 37 miles of hiking and biking trails.
In 2013, the city made a renewed commitment to disability access, so if you are a wheelchair user or have mobility issues or any other kind of disability, most businesses will be able to make accommodations. While the Vegas region is often thought of as an adult area, Henderson offers water parks, zoos, museums, and attractions that are family-friendly. While pets are welcome in many outdoor areas, including parks, as long as they're on a leash, they may not be welcome inside many businesses unless they're service animals.
Henderson in Las Vegas
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