Less than 20 miles southeast of Henderson is the Hoover Dam. A National Historic Landmark, and recognized as one of America's Seven Modern Civil Engineering Wonders by the American Society of Civil Engineers, the dam entertains more than a million visitors and tour-goers annually. Lake Mead National Recreation Area in nearby Boulder City offers opportunities for a leisurely afternoon outdoors or multi-day, multi-activity trips, and dinner or dinner-and-dance cruises are available on a Mississippi-style paddlewheeler.
Ghost towns of the Old West are popular tourist destinations; several exist within an hour's drive of the city. EthelM. Chocolates, a mainstay in Henderson though originating in Tacoma, Washington, offers tours of the chocolate factory (samples included) and the botanical cactus gardens on its grounds.
Henderson's Veterans Memorial Wall on Water Street honors not only those who have fought for their country, but those who played a part in Henderson's heritage. The wall was dedicated in 2004 and is inscribed with more than 1,000 names.
The Clark County Museum tells the story of southern Nevada in a variety of exhibits, including prehistoric dioramas, Native American collections, a walk-in mine, and a pueblo. Heritage Street, an outdoor exhibit of the museum, offers a look at the structures and homes of the early 1900s, including a replicated newspaper print shop, historic homes, and the 1932 Boulder City Depot. The Howard W. Cannon Aviation Museum at the airport tells of the history of aviation in the region.
The Nevada Chamber Symphony, founded in 1985, presents four concerts and a holiday pops series each season. Many performances are free at a variety of venues, some outdoors, throughout the city.
The Arts Council of Henderson, a nonprofit group, works to bring arts programming to Henderson residents. One of the Council's ventures is the annual Nevada Shakespeare in the Park, presented in cooperation with the city of Henderson, American Nevada Corporation, and the Clark County School District. Shakespeare in the Park presents one play per season over one October weekend, with a performance each day. An Elizabethan Festival precedes each daily performance. Theatre in the Valley presents community theater in a season of four to five shows per year.
The St. Patrick's Day Parade and Block Party, celebrating 39 years in 2005, is celebrated in March in downtown Henderson. For nearly a week in April the FLW Outdoors EverStart Series offers fishing competition action at Lake Mead. In late April at the Lake Las Vegas Resort, crews compete in the Dragon Boat Race and Festival. ArtFest happens over Mother's Day weekend in May in downtown Henderson's Water Street district, featuring more than 200 artists, music, food, and fun kids' events. Also in May, Bon Appetit magazine spends the weekend at several area hotels and resorts, offering culinary demonstrations, wine tastings, brunches, and dinners during the Annual Bon Appetit Wine & Spirits Focus. Fourth of July events and fireworks happen citywide. September features the Super Run Car Show, with car cruises and drag racing, concerts, and food at Water Street and various locations throughout the city. The Nevada Silverman, an iron-distance triathlon event in November, offers spectators and participants views of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
While no sports teams reside in the city of Henderson, nearby Las Vegas offers enthusiasts many opportunities to cheer for their favorite sports. The Las Vegas 51s, triple A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers, play minor league baseball at Cashman Field in Las Vegas. The AFL's Las Vegas Gladiators play professional indoor football at the Thomas & Mack Center. The Las Vegas Wranglers, members of the ECHL Division, also play at the Thomas & Mack Center. The new Las Vegas Strikers of the National Premier Soccer League play at the Bettye Wilson Soccer Complex. The University of Las Vegas offers collegiate sporting events in baseball, soccer, football, and basketball. The Las Vegas Moter Speedway offers NASCAR and other motor sports events. High-profile boxing matches are often scheduled in Las Vegas.
Henderson and nearby areas are an outdoor lover's paradise. The city of Henderson offers visitors 621 acres of outdoor opportunities in 40 parks—Henderson's parks and recreation system is nationally recognized. Among Henderson's outdoor amenities in the park system and beyond are 42 ballfields, 50 tennis courts, more than 11 miles of trails, and 10 golf courses. The city of Henderson's bird viewing preserve is a 147-acre migratory bird and wetland area featuring basins, ponds, and lagoons; signs, kiosks and nature trails guide visitors.
The Lake Mead National Recreation Area consists of a man-made lake in a massive crater created during the building of the Hoover Dam, offering opportunities for boating, swimming, kayaking, hiking, horseback riding, and fishing. Bootleg Canyon, also in Boulder city, is heralded as one of the best mountain biking spots in the U.S. and offers more than 20 miles of challenging terrain. Red Rock Canyon, a 197,000-acre National Conservation Area, presents a variety of outdoor opportunities, including hiking and biking trails, rock climbing, a visitor's center with interpretive programs, and Spring Mountain State Park. Ten area golf courses beckon year-round.
The Galleria at Sunset mall is anchored by Dillard's, Robinsons May, JCPenney, and Mervyn's, and offers 140 stores and restaurants on two levels with fountains, skylights, and desert flowers in its indoor landscaping. The District at Green Valley Ranch, part residential development and part stylish shopping mecca, offers a "main street" shopping experience for its loft residents and visitors alike, with 40 upscale shops and restaurants on the development's street level. Shoppers looking for bargains can head to the Las Vegas Outlet Center, featuring 135 outlet shops. Shoppers in Henderson's Water Street District area will find a variety of unique shops, boutiques, galleries, and restaurants. The Country Fresh Farmers Market operates throughout the spring and summer on Fridays in the Water Street District. Henderson's variety of restaurants satisfy urges for area favorites like steak and Mexican food; other tastes tempted include French, Chinese, Italian, Japanese, Greek, and Thai.
Visitor Information: Henderson Convention and Visitors Bureau, 200 Water Street, Henderson, NV 89009; telephone (702)267-2171; toll-free (877)775-5252; fax (702)267-2177; email info@visithenderson.com