Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park commemorates the site of the first European structure in the area that would eventually become the city of Las Vegas. The original building still resides on the corner of Washington Avenue and Las Vegas Boulevard and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
This site is representative of an early Mormon westward expansion in the 1850s and went on to serve an important role in the American Civil War, when it was called Fort Baker. In 1989, the city of Las Vegas acquired the fort, and today it's a historic attraction.
Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park - one of the highlights of 10 Unique Museums near Las Vegas (Read all about Las Vegas here)
photo by David Stanley (CC BY 2.0) modified
Highlights of Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park
Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park is located right in the heart of downtown Las Vegas. Its easy access makes it a popular historic visitor attraction that hearkens back to the very origins of the city.
The major attraction in the park is the fort itself, which is the first building ever constructed in what's now downtown Vegas, and it still stands on the original site. Inside the fort, you can visit a museum full of historic artifacts, plus a visitor center with photos, exhibits, and documents tracing its history.
photo by Ken Lund (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified
Good to know about Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park
The first thing to know is that this isn't a typical park. Dogs are not permitted here, except for service animals. Bicycles are also not permitted inside the park. The park is, however, disability accessible, and visitors with disabilities are encouraged to call the park for any accommodations they might need.
It's a violation of Nevada state law to remove, damage, or disturb any artifact, rock, fossil, plant life, historic structure, or feature of a state park. There is a nominal entrance fee to get into the park. Picnic areas are available on-site.
photo by Beneathtimp (CC0 1.0) modified
Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park
Location: 500 E Washington Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89101, USA
Open: Tuesday–Saturday from 8 am to 4.30 pm (closed Sunday–Monday)
Phone: +1 702-486-3511
Start planning your trip
Where to stay in Las Vegas
Circus Circus Hotel, Casino & Theme Park
Fontainebleau Las Vegas
The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower
Treasure Island - TI Las Vegas Hotel Casino, a Radisson Hotel
Luxor Hotel and Casino
SAHARA Las Vegas
Excalibur Hotel & Casino
MGM Grand Hotel & Casino
The LINQ Hotel + Experience
