Looking to take a group off the main drag while in Vegas? Here are a few suggestions of where to go to experience nature, delve into history, or check out a bit of the Old West.
1. Some Unusual Local History: A few minutes off of the Strip, the Atomic Testing Museum gives groups the opportunity to learn about the history of the Nevada Test Site in the desert outside of Las Vegas. Within the museum, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institute, visitors can check out artifacts, interactive displays, multimedia presentations, and environmental re-creations that focus on the atomic age and new technologies. Tours generally last 45 minutes to an hour, and may be arranged to go longer, if necessary. Group tours cost $8 per person for a minimum of 10 guests. Light catering may be done in the museum's auditorium.
2. Exploring Nature, Nearby: Your team can take a breather from the glitz of Vegas by taking one of the many tours at Springs Preserve. The 180-acre complex consists of cultural institutions, botanical gardens, trails, and a wetland habitat. Among the group outings are guided excursions to the desert landscape botanical garden, which includes hands-on activities and interpretive stations. Springs Preserve also offers tours that explore the sustainable architecture on its campus, walks that delve into archaeological and local cultural history, and specialized tours that include cactus of the Mojave desert, desert animals, and native plants. The organization can also combine tours, or weave in special classes on topics that include eco-friendly cleaning tips and recipes, yoga, arts and crafts, and gardening. The preserve has a number of indoor and outdoor spaces for receptions, meetings, or other events that can be added into tours or class programs.
3. An Old West Vibe: About 45 minutes from the Strip is the Techatticup Mining Camp, a gold-mining town that dates to the 1860s. Eldorado Canyon Mine Tours can bring groups on excursions to the mine (outdoors and within the side of a mountain) that last one hour and cost $12.50 per person. Planners will need to arrange for transportation to and from the site and can coordinate with the tour company to have on-site events. The company also rents canoes and kayaks for use on the Colorado River.
