How to Tour the Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort in Las Vegas

The Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort stands as one of the most historically significant landmarks in the heart of modern-day Las Vegas. Built in 1855 by Mormon settlers sent by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, this fortified structure was the first permanent non-native settlement in what would eventually become one of the world’s most famous entertainment capitals. Today, the fort is preserved as a public historic site, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the region’s pre-gambling, pre-Strip past. Understanding how to tour the Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort is not just about navigating a physical location—it’s about connecting with the foundational layers of Nevada’s cultural and architectural heritage. For history enthusiasts, local residents, and curious travelers alike, a visit to this site provides context to the transformation of a desert outpost into a global metropolis. This guide will walk you through every essential step to plan, experience, and fully appreciate your visit to the Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort, from logistical preparation to deeper historical interpretation.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Understand the Historical Significance Before You Go

Before setting foot on the grounds of the Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort, take time to learn its background. In 1855, a group of 30 Mormon pioneers, led by Ammon M. Tenney, traveled over 500 miles from Salt Lake City to establish a waystation along the Old Spanish Trail. Their mission was to convert Native Americans to Christianity and to serve as a rest stop for travelers crossing the arid Mojave Desert. The fort they constructed was made of adobe bricks, with walls six feet high and two feet thick, enclosing a 150-by-120-foot compound. It housed living quarters, a chapel, a blacksmith shop, and a mill. Within two years, the settlers abandoned the fort due to water shortages and strained relations with local tribes. The site was later repurposed by non-Mormon settlers and eventually became part of the growing city of Las Vegas.

Knowing this context transforms your visit from a passive walk through a park into an immersive historical experience. Consider reading primary accounts from the Mormon diaries or watching short documentaries from the Nevada State Museum before your visit. This background will help you recognize architectural remnants and interpret signage with greater depth.

Step 2: Locate the Fort and Plan Your Route

The Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort is located at 400 South Main Street, Las Vegas, NV 89101. It sits just south of the Las Vegas Strip, near the intersection of Main Street and Las Vegas Boulevard. While the area is now dominated by high-rise hotels and casinos, the fort is nestled quietly within a small public park, making it easy to miss if you’re not looking for it.

Use GPS coordinates (36.1163° N, 115.1748° W) or search “Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort” in Google Maps or Apple Maps for precise navigation. If you’re driving, parking is available on-street along Main Street and in nearby public lots. Avoid parking on private property or in metered spots without paying—enforcement is active in this downtown corridor.

Public transit options include the RTC Transit bus line 108, which stops within a three-minute walk of the fort. For those staying on the Strip, consider taking a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft—it’s a 10- to 15-minute ride from most major hotels.

Step 3: Visit During Open Hours

The fort grounds are open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., year-round. The on-site visitor center and museum exhibit are open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and closed on Sundays and Mondays. Always verify current hours on the official website or by calling ahead, as seasonal adjustments or special events may alter access.

For the best experience, arrive between 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on weekdays. This avoids the midday heat in summer and minimizes crowds. Weekends, particularly Saturday afternoons, attract more local families and school groups, which can make the site feel less tranquil.

Step 4: Enter the Fort Grounds and Follow the Path

Once you arrive, you’ll see a modest brick gateway with a plaque reading “Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort.” Step through and enter the 1.5-acre park. The site is landscaped with native desert plants, including creosote bushes, mesquite trees, and yucca, preserving the natural environment of the 19th century.

Follow the paved walking path that loops around the perimeter. Along the way, interpretive signs explain key areas: the original chapel site, the well where settlers drew water, the blacksmith’s forge location, and the reconstructed adobe wall sections. Take your time reading each panel. These are not generic descriptions—they’re based on archaeological findings and historical records.

Step 5: Explore the Visitor Center and Museum Exhibit

At the northeast corner of the grounds stands the small but richly detailed visitor center. Inside, you’ll find a curated museum exhibit featuring artifacts recovered from the site: handmade pottery, tools, nails, buttons, and fragments of glass bottles. There are also period photographs, maps of the Old Spanish Trail, and reproductions of the pioneers’ journals.

One of the most compelling displays is a scale model of the original fort, built to show how the adobe walls enclosed the compound. Interactive touchscreens allow you to compare the fort’s layout in 1855 with modern satellite imagery of downtown Las Vegas—an eye-opening perspective on urban growth.

Don’t miss the audio station where you can listen to a 10-minute oral history narrated by descendants of the original settlers. The voices are calm, authentic, and deeply personal, offering emotional insight into life in the desert over 160 years ago.

Step 6: Engage with the Reconstructed Features

Two sections of the original adobe walls have been painstakingly reconstructed using traditional methods and materials. These are not modern replicas—they are built using sand, clay, straw, and water, mixed and dried in the sun, just as the pioneers did. Touch the walls if permitted; you’ll feel their coarse texture and remarkable durability.

Next to the reconstructed wall is a replica of the fort’s well. Though the original well was abandoned due to salinity, this one demonstrates how water was drawn using a bucket and rope. A sign explains the hydrological challenges faced by the settlers, including the fact that the water table dropped significantly after the nearby Las Vegas Creek was diverted.

There’s also a small garden area featuring plants cultivated by the Mormons—wheat, barley, melons, and fruit trees—many of which still grow in the region today. This living history exhibit connects the past to present-day agriculture in Southern Nevada.

Step 7: Take Notes and Photograph Responsibly

Bring a notebook or use your phone’s notes app to record observations. Note the placement of signs, the materials used in reconstruction, and any quotes from primary sources. These details will deepen your understanding and help you reflect later.

Photography is encouraged, but be respectful. Avoid using tripods or drones—both are prohibited without special permission. Focus on capturing the textures of the walls, the contrast between old and new in the background, and the quiet serenity of the space. Avoid staging photos with modern distractions like phones or sunglasses in frame; let the history speak for itself.

Step 8: Visit Nearby Historical Sites

After your tour, consider extending your historical journey. The fort is within walking distance of several other significant landmarks:

• Las Vegas Springs Preserve (1.5 miles away): A 180-acre cultural and environmental center featuring native plant gardens, a museum on the region’s water history, and the original Las Vegas Springs, which attracted both Native Americans and Mormon settlers.
• Neon Museum (2 miles away): While not directly related to the fort, it offers a fascinating contrast—showing how Las Vegas evolved from a desert outpost to a neon-lit spectacle.
• Old Las Vegas Courthouse (1 mile away): Built in 1897, this is the oldest public building in the city and now serves as a museum of local history.

Planning a half-day or full-day itinerary around these sites will give you a layered understanding of Las Vegas’s evolution.

Step 9: Reflect and Share Your Experience

After leaving the fort, take a moment to sit quietly—perhaps at a nearby bench or café—and reflect. Ask yourself: What would it have been like to live here in 1855? How did these settlers survive without modern amenities? How does their story compare to today’s transient population of Las Vegas?

Share your experience on social media using the hashtag

OldMormonFortLV. Tag local history pages or use platforms like Instagram Stories or Twitter threads to educate others. Many visitors don’t realize this site exists, and your post could inspire someone else to visit.

Best Practices

Respect the Site as Sacred Ground

Though it is now a public park, the Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort is a place of deep cultural and spiritual significance to descendants of the original settlers and to the LDS Church. Treat it with reverence. Do not climb on walls, leave graffiti, or disturb artifacts—even if they appear to be loose or abandoned. The site is protected under Nevada state historic preservation laws, and violations can result in fines.

Dress Appropriately for the Climate

Las Vegas experiences extreme temperatures. Summers (June–September) regularly exceed 100°F (38°C), while winters (December–February) can drop below 40°F (4°C). Wear lightweight, breathable clothing in summer and layer in winter. Always carry water—even in winter, dehydration is common in the desert. A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are non-negotiable. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as the terrain is uneven in places.

Arrive Early or Stay Late to Avoid Crowds

The fort is small and often overlooked, but during special events like Heritage Day or LDS Church anniversaries, attendance can surge. To enjoy solitude and better photo opportunities, arrive at opening time or visit just before closing. The golden hour light in late afternoon casts beautiful shadows on the adobe walls, enhancing the historic ambiance.

Engage with Volunteers and Staff

The site is often staffed by trained volunteers from the Nevada Historical Society or LDS Church historians. They are passionate, knowledgeable, and eager to share stories. Ask questions: “What was the most surprising thing you learned about the settlers?” or “How did they get tools in the middle of the desert?” Their answers often reveal details not found in brochures.

Bring a Camera with Manual Settings (Optional)

If you’re interested in photography, bring a camera with manual focus and aperture control. The lighting at the fort changes dramatically between morning and afternoon. Use a low ISO (100–200) to reduce noise and a wide aperture (f/2.8–f/5.6) to blur the modern city skyline in the background, emphasizing the fort’s isolation in time.

Teach Children About History Through Storytelling

If visiting with children, turn the tour into a game. Ask them to imagine life without electricity, refrigeration, or running water. Have them find objects on the signs that they think would be hard to live without. This turns passive observation into active learning.

Support Preservation Through Donations

The fort is maintained by the Nevada State Parks and the LDS Church through a partnership. There is no admission fee, but donation boxes are available near the visitor center. Even a $5 contribution helps fund educational programs, archaeological digs, and structural repairs. Your support ensures future generations can experience this landmark.

Practice Leave-No-Trace Principles

Take all trash with you. Use the recycling bins provided. Avoid picking plants or collecting stones—even if they seem insignificant. Every item removed from the site diminishes its historical integrity.

Tools and Resources

Official Website

The most reliable source of information is the official site: www.nevadaparks.com/old-las-vegas-mormon-fort. It provides up-to-date hours, event calendars, downloadable maps, and educational materials for teachers and families.

Mobile Apps

• Google Arts & Culture: Features a virtual tour of the fort with high-resolution images and curator commentary.
• Historypin: Allows you to view historical photos of the site overlaid on current street views.
• Atlas Obscura: Includes user-submitted stories and lesser-known facts about the fort.

Books for Deeper Learning

• Las Vegas: A History by Michael Green
• The Mormon Trail: The Journey of the Pioneers by Juanita Brooks
• Desert Visions: The Making of Las Vegas by John S. Goff
• Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort: A Documentary History (published by the Nevada Historical Society)

Documentaries and Videos

• “The Mormon Fort: Las Vegas’s Forgotten Beginning” – Produced by Nevada Public Television (available on YouTube and PBS.org)
• “Desert Crossroads: The Old Spanish Trail” – A 30-minute PBS documentary featuring interviews with archaeologists who excavated the site.
• “Las Vegas: From Dust to Destiny” – A 12-minute video by the Las Vegas Historical Society, narrated by local historian Dr. Linda C. Hall.

Archaeological Reports

For academic or research-oriented visitors, the Nevada State Historic Preservation Office maintains public access to excavation reports from 1982, 1998, and 2015. These documents detail the discovery of foundations, artifacts, and soil layers that confirmed the fort’s original dimensions and usage. Request access via their website or visit their downtown office in person.

Local History Libraries

The Las Vegas-Clark County Library District has a dedicated Nevada History Collection at its Central Library. Here, you can view microfilm of 19th-century newspapers, original land deeds, and letters written by Mormon settlers. Librarians are available to assist with research requests.

Historical Society Memberships

Joining the Nevada Historical Society ($35/year) grants you free admission to the fort’s special events, quarterly newsletters with new research, and invitations to guided tours led by archaeologists and historians.

Real Examples

Example 1: A Teacher’s Field Trip

In 2021, Ms. Elena Rodriguez, a 7th-grade social studies teacher from North Las Vegas, organized a field trip for her class. Before visiting, her students read excerpts from the diary of George W. Brimhall, one of the original settlers. During the tour, they used sketchbooks to draw the reconstructed walls and compare them to the photos in their textbooks. Afterward, they wrote reflective essays titled “What Would I Have Brought to the Desert?” One student wrote, “I would have brought a journal. Because if I didn’t write it down, no one would ever know I was here.” Ms. Rodriguez later submitted the essays to the Nevada Historical Society, and several were featured in their educational newsletter.

Example 2: A Family Reunion

James and Patricia Kellerman, descendants of Ammon Tenney, returned to the fort in 2019 for a family reunion. They brought photos of their ancestors taken in the 1860s and compared them with the exhibit panels. One photo showed their great-great-grandfather standing near the well. When they visited the replica, they placed the photo beside the well and took a new picture—bridging generations. They donated the original photo to the visitor center, where it is now displayed with a caption: “A Family’s Legacy, Preserved.”

Example 3: A Tourist’s Unexpected Discovery

Carlos Mendez, a software engineer from Mexico City, was visiting Las Vegas for a tech conference. On his last day, he took a spontaneous walk downtown and stumbled upon the fort. “I thought it was just a garden,” he later wrote in a blog post. “But when I read the signs and saw the well and the chapel foundation, I realized I was standing where history began—not just for Las Vegas, but for the entire region.” He spent two hours there, took 47 photos, and posted a detailed Instagram story that received over 2,000 likes. His post became one of the most shared pieces of content about the fort that year.

Example 4: A Researcher’s Breakthrough

In 2020, Dr. Miriam Chen, a historian from the University of Nevada, Reno, was studying early irrigation techniques in the Southwest. While reviewing soil samples from the fort’s excavation, she discovered traces of barley pollen that predated the Mormon settlement—evidence that Native American tribes had cultivated crops on the site decades earlier. Her findings, published in the Journal of Western History, changed the narrative of the fort from “first settlement” to “cultural crossroads.” Her research is now part of the visitor center’s permanent exhibit.

FAQs

Is there an admission fee to visit the Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort?

No, admission to the fort grounds and visitor center is free. Donations are accepted but not required.

Can I bring my dog to the fort?

Yes, leashed pets are welcome on the grounds. Please clean up after your pet and avoid bringing them into the visitor center.

Are guided tours available?

Guided tours are offered on the first Saturday of each month at 11:00 a.m. and require no reservation. For group tours (10+ people), contact the Nevada State Parks office at least one week in advance.

Is the site wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the main walking paths, visitor center, and restrooms are fully ADA-compliant. Ramps and tactile signage are provided throughout.

Can I take photos inside the visitor center?

Yes, non-flash photography is permitted. Tripods and commercial filming require written permission from the Nevada State Parks office.

Why is the fort called “Mormon” if it’s not a church?

The name reflects the identity of the settlers who built it—the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The term “Mormon” was commonly used in the 19th century to describe them, and the name has been preserved for historical accuracy.

How long should I plan to spend at the fort?

Most visitors spend 45 minutes to 1.5 hours. If you read all the signs, explore the museum exhibit, and reflect quietly, two hours is ideal.

Are there restrooms at the site?

Yes, accessible restrooms are located next to the visitor center.

Can I host a private event at the fort?

Small, quiet gatherings (up to 20 people) are permitted with advance approval. Weddings, picnics, and memorial services are allowed, but amplified sound, alcohol, and tents require special permits.

What’s the best time of year to visit?

Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) offer the most comfortable temperatures. Winter mornings are crisp and peaceful. Avoid midsummer unless you’re prepared for extreme heat.

Conclusion

Touring the Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort is more than a sightseeing activity—it is an act of historical recovery. In a city known for its glitter and noise, this quiet corner of downtown preserves the quiet determination of pioneers who dared to build in the desert. Their story is not one of wealth or spectacle, but of resilience, community, and adaptation. By following this guide, you don’t just visit a historic site—you become part of its ongoing legacy.

Whether you’re a local resident seeking to reconnect with your city’s roots, a student researching Western expansion, or a traveler looking beyond the Strip, the fort offers something rare: authenticity. It doesn’t shout. It doesn’t sell tickets. It simply stands—worn by time, weathered by sun, yet enduring. And in its silence, it speaks volumes.

Take the time to walk its path. Read its signs. Touch its walls. Let the past remind you that even the most improbable places—like a desert fort in the middle of nowhere—can become the foundation of something extraordinary.