At 500 E Washington Ave, the Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park preserves the beginnings of Las Vegas around its adobe fort, built by Mormon settlers in 1855. The small site has exhibits on early settlement and pioneer life, plus a short film about the city’s history. Outside, look for the artificial creek with fish and the resident tortoise, Helen Shelly. A Fallout: New Vegas display adds a gaming-history note to this quieter stop away from the Strip.
The fort and the settlement
Mormon settlers established a permanent settlement here in 1855, beside the springs that once supplied water in the Las Vegas Valley. The fort became a stop for people traveling the route between Salt Lake City and Los Angeles. The settlement was abandoned in 1857, and the site later served other purposes, including as a military post, store, ranch and hotel.
The spring-fed creek once made this place an oasis in the desert. Paiute people, traders, emigrants and gold seekers all came to the area for its water and grass. The name Las Vegas comes from the Spanish words for “the meadows.” The site is a place to learn about the city’s early settlement and the people who lived in the valley before it became known for its casinos.
What remains today
The beige and red adobe fort is the oldest structure still standing in Las Vegas. Only part of the original building remains; other sections have been reconstructed. Walking around the fort gives you a sense of its scale and setting, while the visitor center and museum add context with historical artifacts, photographs and exhibits.
Exhibits cover aspects of pioneer life, including clothing, daily routines and food. A short film explains the fort’s role in the early history of Las Vegas. The museum also has a display related to Fallout: New Vegas, connecting the site’s history with the city’s gaming culture.
The grounds and resident animals
The park grounds include an artificial creek with fish and a tortoise called Helen Shelly. Ranger Whiskers, a feral cat, also roams the site. If you see the cat, ask a park ranger before approaching. These details give families something to look for beyond the exhibits and fort itself.
Planning your visit
The park is at 500 E Washington Ave. Admission is $3 per person. Visitors have reported that the admission receipt can also be used to enter other state parks that day, so keep it with you if you plan to visit another park.
The site is compact, and a visit of around 45 minutes is enough for the fort, exhibits and film. Allow more time if you want to explore slowly or speak with park staff about the area’s history. The park is closed on Mondays and Sundays.
Preguntas frecuentes
How much does admission cost?
Admission is $3 per person.
How long do you need at the Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort?
Allow about 30 to 60 minutes for the fort, exhibits and short film.
What can you see inside the museum?
The museum has historical exhibits, artifacts, photographs and a short film about the fort’s role in Las Vegas history. It also has a Fallout: New Vegas display.
Can you visit other state parks with your admission receipt?
The admission receipt can provide access to other state parks that day. Keep it if you plan to visit another park.
