1. Hoover Dam
Okay, it’s not in Henderson. But it’s the freaking Hoover Dam, yo! And it’s right on the figurative doorstep! Hoover Dam was built during the Great Depression in the 1930s in the Black Canyon of the mighty Colorado River and is fewer than 30 minutes from Henderson.
The dam is a feat of human ingenuity and strength, built by thousands of men who came to tame the mighty Colorado River. It’s a colossal wonder of the engineering world and an iconic location in many movies. Ultimately, Hoover Dam is a unique landmark and a top tourist attraction southeast of Las Vegas you cannot miss.
2. Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve
Seeking one of the best places to visit in Henderson to get some nature viewing? The Henderson Birds Viewing Preserve is on the eastern edge of the Pacific Migratory Flyway.
3. Petroglyphs at Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area
Why not get dusty and enjoy traversing the wild Sloan Canyon National Wildlife Reserve by mountain bike, horseback, or two feet?
Henderson’s wildlife reserve is an awe-inspiring destination with all the rugged ochre-hued rocks, such as the iconic wild Red Rocks. The whole area is crisscrossed with miles of walking trails, making it a great place to explore this cacti-peppered backland using routes such as Dutchman Pass and the Hidden Valley.
4. Lion Habitat Ranch Source
The famous Lion Habitat Ranch in Henderson is just a twenty-minute walk from the M Resort Casino and is a great place to learn about how lions live on the African plains and how the ranch strives to protect these wild lion habitats.
You can book a self-guided tour of the facility or a 90-minute “behind-the-scenes” tour to learn about these beautiful creatures. With experienced trainers, you can witness the animals’ daily feedings, bathing, and watering.
5. Visit the Ethel M Botanical Cactus Garden & Chocolate Factory
Located in the arid Nevada desert at the Ethel M Chocolate Factory in Henderson is the breathtaking 3-acre Ethel M Botanical Cactus Garden. This is Nevada’s most extensive and prolific cacti collection, with over 300 plants on campus.
This unique garden is free and fun. It features a living water treatment facility using bacteria, snails, algae, and fish. The garden recycles 100% of the wastewater from the chocolate factory without using chemicals.
6. Hit the Rides at the Cowabunga Bay Water Park
Calling all thrill seekers, vacationers, and people looking to relax. When the scorching heat of southern Nevada becomes searing, the 23-acre Cowabunga Bay Water Park is the place to visit in Henderson with kids.
Located on the northern fringes of Henderson, this theme park offers visitors the opportunity to chill out by the pools and sun-splashed cabanas or enjoy thrilling rides. With its patchwork of winding water slides, splash pools, tubing rivers, and wave ponds, it is one of the best in America.
7. Las Vegas Distillery
The Las Vegas Distillery is located on Eastgate Road near Henderson in one of the famed parts of the Las Vegas Booze District. Those visiting Henderson will have the opportunity to visit the first Nevada post-Prohibition distillery and producer of craft spirits.
This distillery uses the “grain in glass” brewing method to craft some of the city’s most iconic whiskies, which range from ryes to malts and blacks to oak brews. They also make spirits, like gin, rum, vodka, and moonshine, in-house in the distillery’s two pot stills, Rose and Swan, known as the Las Vegas Angels.
8. Clark County Museum
Step into Southern Nevada’s past! The Clark County Heritage Museum features numerous exhibits within its 30-acre location, with a timeline exhibit detailing southern Nevada from pre-historic to modern times. This is one of the best things to do in Henderson for history buffs.
You can explore Heritage Street’s unique collection of restored historic buildings and homes. These homes are furnished with phonographs, TVs, record players, and various other vintage appliances that offer a doorway into daily life from different decades.
9. The District at Green Valley Ranch Casino
Looking for recreational and business opportunities rolled into one? Located only a short drive from downtown Henderson, the District at Green Valley Ranch is an eclectic mix of hotels, restaurants, and nightlife.
The District is a beautiful maze filled with upmarket boutiques, antique furniture stores, and fun things to do with your kids. If you’ve done Vegas to death, this is one of Henderson’s top places to visit.
10. M Resort Casino
No little flutter at the tables could be complete without a visit to the little sister of Las Vegas – the M Resort Spa & Casino located on the South Las Vegas Strip. The state-of-the-art suites with floor-to-ceiling windows offer views of the mountains or the famed neon-lit Vegas Strip, where the fun never ends.
You can enjoy non-stop entertainment and fine dining at Anthony’s Steakhouse, Studio B Show Kitchen Buffet, Baby Cakes, an artisanal bakery, and a deli. Additionally, guests can indulge in specialty cocktails, craft beers, and wine with five on-site bars, and the free guest parking is a bonus.
11. Sky Combat Ace
This one is for all the Top Gun fans! This aviation center aims to create smiles, joy, and adrenaline-pumping excitement at Sky Combat Ace. Here, you can get behind the controls of a fast turboprop “fighter” plane under the supervision of one of the highly trained SCA fighter pilots.
Whether you are living out a childhood fantasy or a bucket list dream, be sure to book your seat at SCA! Once you do, you can have your own Top Gun Experience, channel your inner Maverick, experience a no-holds-barred aerial dog fight against fellow pilots, or participate in combat action through the towering desert canyons.
12. The Pasta Shop
Are you looking for good food to captivate your eyes and enchant your tastebuds? Situated in the Las Vegas Valley is the vibrant Ristorante & Art Gallery, which doubles as a Pasta Shop that has thrived in the area for 30 years.
Since 1989, this delightful gourmet Italian restaurant has brought artisanal fresh pasta and excellent Italian food to the Las Vegas community. The furnishings are comfortable and bright, with the walls covered with original artwork by famed artist Ann Alenik.
