Mormon History & Culture in Nevada

[hispaleo]

Hello everybody,

I am travelling to Nevada (Las Vegas) shortly and I am interested to learn about the Mormon history and culture in the area. Places to see (interesting arquitecture related to Mormonism?) and/or Mormon museums, if any.

Grateful for any input.

cheers!

Daniel

[Moksha]

Over the years, I think many Mormons have stayed at and visited Circus Circus.

Look for folks watching the big dollar machine up front and listen for the expression, "Oh, my gosh" if a jackpot is hit. That will be a Mormon visiting Las Vegas.

Interesting fact, Howard Hughes surrounded himself with Mormons.

[skippy740]

There's a larger temple in Las Vegas and a smaller temple in Reno, NV. You won't be allowed inside without being a member in good standing and possess a Temple Recommend, but you should enjoy the grounds!

I didn't find anything on LDS.org.

Depending in your schedule, you might want to travel to Saint George, UT. You'll find a lot of LDS history there.

[hispaleo]

thanks!

[Doctor Steuss]

The Temple grounds are beautiful, and because it is up on the mountain, it provides for a great view of the city (you may want to just head up that way at night for the view). If you go to the Temple grounds, make sure to go all the way to the back, as there's a fountain and some benches back there that provide for some good "thinking" space. I've been really lucky to live just a few blocks away for some time now, and make use of the grounds often for reading.

The Old Mormon Fort is probably the only "Mormon History" type site that is within the Las Vegas Valley. It is at 500 E. Washington (Google maps is your friend... but that's essentially around LV Blvd & Washington). It is only open until about 4:30, so you have to go early. It is only $3 for adults (and I think $2 for kids).

If I had my druthers, I'd probably make use of the fantastic weather by going swimming instead of hitting up the Fort... to each their own.

[Guest User-Removed]

When you get to Las Vegas near Cashman Field is the Old Fort...This is the first settlement that the Latter Day Saint pioneers constructed when they entered the valley. It's on Las Vegas Boulevard North. They usually have docents in there conducting tours.

[skalenfehl]

I just got back from a weekend get-away in Nevada. I wanted to visit the Las Vegas temple, but didn't find it in the short time I was there. I should have been better prepared. Take lots of pictures!

[Fiannan]

There's a larger temple in Las Vegas and a smaller temple in Reno, NV. You won't be allowed inside without being a member in good standing and possess a Temple Recommend, but you should enjoy the grounds!

I didn't find anything on LDS.org.

Depending in your schedule, you might want to travel to Saint George, UT. You'll find a lot of LDS history there.

Ever seen the casino in the old part of Vegas with the cowboy smoking a cigar and pointing at the casino with a big neon hand? I have joked with my wife that the temple in Vegas should have a big neon Moroni doing the same thing -- just without the cigar.

[Over43]

Wallace Stegner, in his book "Mormon Country" discusses the LDS settling of Las Vegas (Thousand Springs), Reno and many other parts of Nevada. A tell-tale sign of Mormon settling in Nevada (according to Stegner) are the rows of poplars found on ranches, etc. It was suggested by Brigham Young to plant the poplars as shade, wind breaks and firewood.