By Lisa Russell
There's a lot more to Southern Nevada than just
Las Vegas. Ditch the Strip casinos and come explore the natural, historic and interesting experiences that Southern Nevada also has to offer.
Bonnie Springs Ranch, Old Nevada
Originally built in 1843 as a stopover for California-bound wagon trains, Bonnie Springs ranch is called "an oasis in the desert," where you can stop for a cool drink of spring water. Guided horseback riding and farm animals make Bonnie Springs ranch fun for all ages. Check out the petting zoo and the large animal zoo as well as the aviary, duck pond, cocktail lounge and Old Nevada village.
Bonnie Springs Ranch
1 Gunfighter Ln
Blue Diamond, NV 89004-9700
(702) 875-4300
www.bonniesprings.com
Ethel M Chocolate Factory
About 12 miles from Las Vegas is the Ethel M Chocolate Factory, located very near the Hoover Dam. One of the world's richest men, Forrest Mars named the factory after his mother, Ethel. He was the creator of the Mars Bar, M&M's and the Milky Way. Tour the factory and watch the candy making, and taste free samples. Admission is free for the factory tour and the adjacent cactus garden.
Ethel M Chocolate Factory
2 Cactus Garden Dr
Henderson, NV
(702) 458- 8864
www.ethelschocolate.com
Hoover Dam
Completed in 1935 as a power-generating plan, the Hoover Dam provides irrigation water to seven states. An interpretive video at the visitor's station shows guests the dangerous working conditions that the building crew was subject to.
Bureau of Reclamation
Hoover Dam
PO Box 60400
Boulder City NV 89006
(702) 494-2517
www.usbr.gov/lc/hooverdam/
About the Author:
Lisa Russell is an entrepreneur and writer from Washington State, with a professional background in education, cosmetology and the restaurant industry. She's been published in regional parenting publications, homeschooling publications and has published over 10,000 articles online since 1999. She studied Early Childhood Education at Antelope Valley College.
