Local

Re-discovering the Springs Preserve

I visited Springs Preserve. I had been before, a few years ago, but I had never seen their indoor galleries, which were the perfect excuse to get out of the heat. 

Jannelle explores Springs Preserve's dinosaur exhibit. (Jannelle Calderon/The Nevadan)

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I’m always thinking, “That sounds like fun!” when I see a new exhibit, a cool event, or a unique place in Las Vegas (and even around the state). So I’m challenging myself to get out there more, and I will report back here in the newsletter and share my experience and what I learned.

This week I started off easy. I visited Springs Preserve. I had been before, a few years ago, but I had never seen their indoor galleries, which were the perfect excuse to get out of the heat. 

Now through Oct. 5, there’s a “Dino Safari” exhibit that showcases 18 moving dinosaurs. In the image above you can see the comparison of my foot to that of a Weewarrasaurus, which lived in what we now know as Australia. 

We moved on to the next gallery where the focus is more on the Las Vegas Valley—how Indigenous people lived in the area, how it grew through migration, the railroad, and the Hoover Dam, the plants and animals you can find here, and the landscape, from flash floods to how mountains are created. 

My favorite part? I’m torn between the train replica that showed how people would travel back when Las Vegas connected Los Angeles and Salt Lake City (that’s my little cousin pretending to be a passenger), and seeing the lizards, snakes, and gray fox (pictured taking a nap). 

Despite this outing being pretty low stakes and easy, I do feel fulfilled and excited to keep exploring. 


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Authors

  • Jannelle Calderón is The Nevadan / El Nevadense newsletter editor. A bilingual storyteller, she’s passionate about highlighting the human side of policy and showcasing Nevada’s vibrant cultures. She previously reported for The Nevada Independent and is a graduate of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Jannelle also writes Vegas Somos, a Spanish-language newsletter dedicated to breaking down the issues that matter most to Nevada’s Latino communities.

    In her free time you can find her exploring Las Vegas’ food scene, shooting with her vintage film camera, or hanging out with her four fur-babies.

    Have a story tip? Reach Jannelle at jannelle@couriernewsroom.com. For local reporting in Nevada that connects the dots, from policy to people, sign up for Jannelle’s newsletters.