Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park image

Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park

Tourist attraction Historical landmark State park Visitor center

Built in 1855, this park includes the historic remains of an adobe fort along with a visitor center. People often mention history, Vegas, area, small, nice, great, museum, park, fort, visit,


Address

500 E Washington Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89101

Website

parks.nv.gov

Contact

(702) 486-3511

Price rating

$ $$$

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (664 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Saturday: 8 AM to 4 PM
  • Sunday: Closed
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 8 AM to 4 PM
  • Wednesday: 8 AM to 4 PM
  • Thursday: 8 AM to 4 PM
  • Friday: 8 AM to 4 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: history (35) Vegas (30) area (9) small (9) nice (9) great (9) museum (8) park (8) fort (8) visit (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Jasmine J. 2 years ago on Google • 676 reviews
    We enjoyed this museum and historical building site. Adequate parking area, and friendly staff on site. Open Tues-Sat, 8-4ish. Admission fee required, small gift store and some light snacks available for purchase. Public restrooms for visitors to this state park. Indigenous artifacts, history of the fort and adobe structure. Informative 15 minute video that can be watched, in their small theatre area. Other Las Vegas historical information about the beginning settlers who came to the Las Vegas valley area starting in the 1800's. A nice way to spend the morning or afternoon.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 E B. 1 year ago on Google • 142 reviews
    Hidden piece of Las Vegas history a must for the Battle Born and history buffs. A nice stroll into history. Great place to visit. Once you finish here try to make it Kiel Ranch Historic Park.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ethem C. 1 year ago on Google • 129 reviews
    Great museum and one of the must visit places in Las Vegas I would say. You can information of how Vegas was first established in the desert. And the well preserved artifacts from those years were worth to see. We tried to put ourselves in those peoples' place where they survived in the desert and tried to establish a civilization. No water, no electricity.. tough times.. Admission is 3 dollars per person ( December 2022). There is also a small souvenir shop inside. Parking is free.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bear Le F. 8 months ago on Google • 3 reviews
    Been eyeballing this place to visit for quite some time now. This historical place was definitely a neat one to finally get to visit. We didn't wander and spend as much time as we wanted here but it was great in the time we had before closing. The area was clean and the gal at the counter was absolutely wonderful. Not only did she have tons of knowledge to answer our questions, but she was friendly as could be, and even took us out in the rain to go see inside the fort room. Staff 5 stars. History 5 stars. Experience 5 stars. We will definitely be back.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Katherine B. 3 months ago on Google • 78 reviews New
    The old Las Vegas Mormon Ford is a very special place. The museum is informative and interesting and the grounds are beautiful. They even have a garden and a little zoo!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dena J. 1 year ago on Google
    This is an amazing historical place and I am surprised that there weren't many more visitors. It's only 3 dollars to go and see a slice of history and there is plenty of parking. The gift shop is cute and filled with all kinds of fun facts about the place. Shelly the turtle is adorable and the fish pond is a nice touch. Plenty of picnic tables to sit and take a look back into history.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Johnny R. 7 months ago on Google • 19 reviews
    What a great place for the Family or a single traveler. While visiting this historic place make sure to spend some time in the theater for a presentation of the history of the fort. Was impressed by the historical artifacts displayed in the museum.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Nicholas M. 2 years ago on Google
    Great piece of history that unfortunately seems missed by both locals and visitors. Admission is $3. Parking is plentiful either on the east side of the entrance or at the adjacent Heritage Park (your car will be safe here). Both inside and outside there are wonderful displays of artifacts, informative plaques/videos, etc. This is also a tranquil spot with the small stream running through when you need a break from walking.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dar Finn W. 7 months ago on Google • 307 reviews
    I had no idea this amazing piece of history had been saved! The original walls and equipment. Replicas as needed but just as impressive ! Highly recommend visiting and enjoying some history!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lada P. 2 years ago on Google
    It's a small place but very interesting if you like to know about local history. They have nice artefacts in the main info center and also possibility to see 20minute movie with the earliest history of this place. Than you can go explore the farm. I liked it, because so far I always heard history from the Boulder dam (Hoover dam) building, but roots are stretching far beyond this.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chance E. 1 year ago on Google
    An amazing historic location. You can spend a while walking around enjoying the scenery and there is a lot you can learn about Las Vegas here. If I am not mistaken it is the oldest or one of the oldest buildings in Las Vegas!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Christine B. 2 years ago on Google
    Historical site located in a sprawling city. The entrance is $3 and the oldest Vegas building built in 1855 is located here. You'll find many artifacts and learn a bit of the history of the valley. Well worth the trip.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bruce 2 years ago on Google
    Excellent state park. First settlement in Las Vegas Nevada. Educational experience, nice displays of frontier life. Actual first building! Nice picnic tables and shade cover. $3 entrance fee. Kids under 12 years are free. Original Mormon Church Fort.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tristan R. 11 months ago on Google • 180 reviews
    Lots of information on the beginnings of Las Vegas valley. We spent about an hr there and saw everything inside the museum and the fort area. Very low cost way to experience a part of history.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Miscellaneous M. 2 months ago on Google • 305 reviews New
    Make sure and start your visit in the theater for a presentation of the history of the fort. It's a hidden piece of Vegas history that should be experienced at least once. The Mormon Fort is also a history lesson on how Helen Stewart became the "First Lady" of Las Vegas. Helen played a key role in the development of Las Vegas, Nevada, and was well deserving of the nickname for her lasting contributions.

  • 5/5 Daniel R. 9 months ago on Google • 40 reviews
    It's smaller than most parks, but so much history and things to see. The visiting center is full of information. I was pleased with my visit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Omar 9. 3 years ago on Google
    Probably on of the most underrated places to go in vegas, people need to go there!! It’s amazing, full with history and a wonderful staff very friendly and knowledgeable. I had a great time of my own, taking pictures and watching the 10+ video they tour you about the general history of las vegas valley. The admission is just $3 dollars, very affordable, buy a book or a souvenir while being there, support the cause. Btw follow me on instagram @omarenergyphoto
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Efraim P. 3 years ago on Google
    While it is a small place, it is very educational. We watched the indoor displays and walk in the outdoor area. Well maintained and important to understand the history of the Las Vegas history.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Sti M. 10 months ago on Google
    We had a good time learning about the early Las Vegas history and how the Mormons built the fort. Our kids had a great time doing the scavenger hunt.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Steven D. 10 months ago on Google
    Super cool history. This place is a must if you really want to understand how las vegas was built even to this day. Helen Stewart is the archetype of most strong western woman. I am not a member of the LDS but their history is amazing.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sherri C. 1 year ago on Google
    This is where Vegas began. Super visitors center and museum. The oldest standing structure in all of Nevada is STILL here. Friendly and informed staff. Great gift shop too! Not far from the Neon Museum, and right next to the Natural History museum.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 C H. 1 year ago on Google
    Quite an interesting state park right near the downtown area. The staff was SUPER friendly and was excited to show us around. It’s amazing to think that just about 100 years ago, Las Vegas was still just a very small settlement and has exploded in what it is today. Worth a visit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Predrag I. 3 years ago on Google
    Where Las Vegas began... is the sign that greets those who wish to see this monumental structure. On its own it is nothing special but when introduced to history and importance of the place for what the city of Las Vegas is today, it is more than worth knowing.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 John E. 6 months ago on Google • 15 reviews
    Great history of Las Vegas I knew nothing about. Very interesting. Only $3 and open to experience and look around.

  • 5/5 Brian C. 1 year ago on Google
    Really well done historic park right on Las Vegas Blvd. We were impressed immediately with how well the history was presented in the displays. There is a really great video as well. The park rangers were very welcoming and informative.

  • 4/5 Jeff V. 3 years ago on Google
    Neat little state park talks allot of history of Vegas! $3 park fee! It's real big but very interesting!

  • 4/5 Justin M. 3 years ago on Google
    One of the smaller state parks, but the ranger on hand was very informative and nice. The ruins are well preserved, and give a nice glimpse back to life from the 1860s. The desert tortoise was a great touch!

  • 5/5 Adam N. 1 year ago on Google
    There's great information here on the history of the Las Vegas area and the staff are friendly and happy to answer your questions. They have models as well as the restored grounds you can see from the road. I was expecting a big hike across the property but it's really not big you can go through it in 30 minutes or really check out the details and spend an afternoon there

  • 5/5 Don F. 2 years ago on Google
    Very nice historic park. I did a blacksmith class that was amazing and well done. They were also offering a dutch oven cooking class that looked really fun. Check their website for the class offerings.

  • 5/5 Robert M. 2 years ago on Google
    Go back in time in the middle of a sprawling city! You will find out what Las Vegas was like before the casinos, hotels, and traffic. $3 for entry. Free parking. Lots information packed in a small place at the visitor center including old pictures, miniature models, tools, and much more. Make sure to see a wonderfully made video about the history. When you step outside you will see remains of the old fort, wagons, an adobe building, walls, and a creek. They also have a nice gift shop. Check it out!

  • 4/5 ritacate 10 months ago on Google
    I brought my toddler grandchildren. Their highlights were playing in the gravel, checking out a drain and eating ice cream. They also enjoyed the bridges.

  • 5/5 Jeannine S. 2 years ago on Google
    Wonderful place for kids to learn about Vegas history, and to run around just being kids!

  • 5/5 Mumble “Mumblestein” S. 2 years ago on Google
    An important and interesting historical site from very early Las Vegas. It's a really well presented and maintained facility. A lot of new work is being done to the grounds that improve the experience. I look forward to visiting in the future. A great value at 3 bucks too (2021 dollars).

  • 5/5 James H. 2 years ago on Google
    Fully explains how Las Vegas was founded and the people involved. The visitor center tells you What to expect when you get to the outside exhibits and has a good film. Plan to spend a good hour or more.

  • 5/5 Sheila K. 2 years ago on Google
    So much history within the Vegas valley ... I can't imagine what the pioneers went through they had to be incredibly strong !! A small museum but definitely worth a visit !!

  • 5/5 Tracy S. 2 years ago on Google
    Such a truly interesting place to experience. So much more goes into the history of the area, then I knew before I visited. A great little film and the still have part of the original fort

  • 5/5 Philip S. 2 years ago on Google
    Great spot to check out for an hour and see the humble beginnings of Las Vegas


Call (702) 486-3511 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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