Springs Preserve

We've always wanted to visit the Springs Preserve, but have never gotten around to it... it's a little pricey. However, on Memorial Day they had a free day! Admission and all attractions were absolutely free.

We knew it would probably be packed, but we decided to brave it anyways.

I'm glad we did... we had so much fun!

Las Vegas was (ironically) founded by the Mormons, who came here (ironically) because of the spring water source.

If they could see it now... this place is dry.

And probably not exactly what Brigham Young had envisioned when he sent the pioneers out here to begin things.

But, we like it.

The Springs Preserve is a 180-acres institution, and is all about preserving the spring, the history of Las Vegas, the animals and plants of the Mojave desert, and conservation. It has a little bit of everything. We spent about 4 hours there, before Josh decided he had had enough, and didn't see half of it.

She let me do her hair. In pigtails! And they are kinda-sorta even. Go me!

Super-strong lizard-lifting boy.

Feeling the different types of soil in the Mojave.

A snack + water break.

A palm mohawk that was totally taken by accident.

Goofs.

Climbing. I loved that there was a kids area, where kids could climb and run and explore. Totally allowed.

A rattlesnake. That rattled every 30 seconds. For Grammy.

Spinning in the desert tortoise shells.

Train. The train business was big business in early Las Vegas.

Checking out the "spring."

They LOVED rebuilding the early town and Hotel Nevada. And, yeah, so did I.

We're getting tired by this point. Can ya tell?

Digging for "archaelogical trash". That's not really trash. Because archaelogical trash tells a story.

Adam, my little scientist, was so in love with trying to read everything and take it all in... he was so disappointed when we had to leave!

We had such a fun day. It was the most perfect weather (low 80s!) for Memorial Day ever and we got to spend it at a new place together. SO fun!