
Las Vegas is a city that's known the world over for it's casinos, neon lights and wild parties. To people like myself who prefer more traditional and historic cities, Vegas may seem nothing more than an over commercialized tourist trap. However, even in Vegas, you can find incredible history, culture and nature if you know where to look. Here are 10 hidden wonders of Sin City. Although they might not stay hidden for long once this post gets out.
Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Garden

This first one is pretty self explanatory. It's an elaborate 14,000 square foot garden, located inside the world famous Bellagio Hotel. What makes this garden unique, is that it changes with the seasons, exactly as it would in nature. So if you want to see the pretty flowers, it's probably best if you not visit in winter. That is, unless you want to see the fancy display they set up for Chinese New Year.
Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art

Since we're already in the Bellagio, let's stay there for this next one. I won't lie, art museums typically bore the hell out of me. But this one isn't so bad, as it displays badass Samurai suits and swords, as well as some other exotic pieces, including a large Faberge Egg. And of course, there are also the typical priceless paintings from Europe. I honestly don't know why this museum exists. I'm probably the only person on earth who would travel to Vegas to look at art.
The Contortion Sisters

Las Vegas is famous for its circus performances. In fact, they're one of the city's main attractions. Even more in fact, these two sisters perform every other night with the world famous Cirque du Soleil, so you're probably wondering why I included them in a piece that's supposed to be about the "hidden" attractions of Vegas. Well, these two sisters are none other than Erdenesuvd and Buyankhisheg Ganbaatar. Don't worry, I can't pronounce them either. What gets them on this list is their country of origin. The two sisters immigrated to the U.S. from Mongolia, the contortionist capital of the world. By attending their show, you are actually experiencing the culture of one of the most exotic and remote nations on earth. Probably the last thing you expected in modern Vegas. And how often do you see Mongolian people in the U.S. Exactly, practically never. So if you've always wanted to visit Mongolia, but know you never will, the Contortion Sisters are probably the closest you'll get.
Vegas Mob Museum

I don't think this one needs much explanation. The name pretty much says it all. If you're interested in the mob, or Las Vegas history in general, stop by this unique museum located on
300 Stewart Avenue.
Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition

This is one of Las Vegas' newer attractions, established just a few years ago. If you love history, or even if you just loved the movie, this museum is an absolute must. The exhibition is located inside the city's famous Luxor Hotel. The museum hall itself is an exact replica of the Titanic, and displays replicas of the ship's elegant rooms, as well as actual artifacts that were salvaged from the wreck, and even pieces of the actual vessel.
Old Mormon Fort

Most people are completely unaware that Las Vegas wasn't always the city we know today. Believe it or not the infamous "Sin City" was actually established by, wait for it..... the Mormons. That's right, in the mid 1800s, a group of Mormons settled in Clark County, which was than part of the Utah Territory. It was around this fort that the city began to develop, eventually becoming the Las Vegas we know today. Gambling, strippers and wild parties, not quite what the Mormons had in mind.
Liberace's Mansion

Located on 4982 Shirley Street, this elegant mansion was once the home of the famous gay pianist, Liberace. Unfortunately, the mansion is currently undergoing restoration, so at the moment, you can only visit by booking a private tour.
AWSOME DAY TRIPS
If you've seen all the sites I mentioned above, or if you've simply just had enough of Sin City and want to get out for a while, a day trip to some of the area's nature reserves may be just what you need.
Red Rock Canyon

If you don't want to travel very far, this will be the best option for you. This spectacular canyon is located just west of the city, and contains a large number of hiking trails, which will lead you through narrow canyons and spectacular sandstone formations. I will warn you though, it's best to avoid this area in the summer when temperatures reach the triple digits.
Spring Mountains National Recreation Area

This reserve is located just west of Red Rock Canyon, so you might as well visit both. This is also the best option for summer travelers, as the higher altitude means temperatures are here are much cooler. The reserve contains forests, caves, a spectacular waterfall and the region's highest mountain. At certain times of the year, one can even see snow. A visit to this reserve will give you the opportunity to witness landscape and habitat, not normally associated with Nevada. Just make sure you bring a good topo map and hiking shoes.
Valley of Fire

This one is my favorite and is an absolute MUST on any visit to the region. This spectacular state park is located about 40 miles northeast of downtown Vegas, but trust me, it's worth the drive. This region contains some of the most spectacular geology in the country. As soon as you enter, it becomes obvious how this region got its name. In addition to its impressive geologic features, the park also contains Native American ruins and petroglyphs, two more things you don't normally associate with Nevada. The park is especially spectacular at dusk and sunset, when colors of the rocks at their most vivid. That being said, this is another place that's best avoided during the summer.
Lost City Museum

This attraction is located really close to Valley of Fire, so you might as well visit both, especially if you're interested in ancient history. Long before Vegas came about, this region was home to the Ancestral Pueblo or "Anasazi", the same tribe that inhabited the American Southwest. In 1935, the CCC built this museum in Overton, after archaeologists unearthed the ruins of a Puebloan settlement. However, most of what you see today is not original and was largely reconstructed, but it's still worth a visit, as this is the only such site in Nevada. The museum displays pottery, shells and jewelry found at the site.
Emerald Cove

This last one is actually located in Arizona, but it's still close enough to Vegas for a day trip, and is certainly worth the detour. This spectacular site is located on the Colorado River, and can only be reached by a kayak tour, which must be booked in advance. The trip will set you back 120 bucks, but if you had a lucky night at the casino, I would highly recommend it. Tours depart from Willow Beach and take about half a day.
Thanks for reading. I hope I've inspired you to see the hidden sites Las Vegas.
Girl's Behavior
Guy's Behavior
Flirting
Dating
Relationships
Fashion & Beauty
Health & Fitness
Marriage & Weddings
Shopping & Gifts
Technology & Internet
Break Up & Divorce
Education & Career
Entertainment & Arts
Family & Friends
Food & Beverage
Hobbies & Leisure
Other
Religion & Spirituality
Society & Politics
Sports
Travel
Trending & News
Most Helpful Opinions