Fancy traveling back to see what life was like during the 1800’s in America? Well, I’m sure there was more to life back then that this but what a fun way to get a glimpse of things!
We took a quick day tour to Spring Mountain Ranch while we were staying in Vegas. At the time of our visit, they had two activities going on at that time: The Civil War Experience and The Mountain Man Rendezvous. Here’s how that went!
Spring Mountain Ranch
What is this place?
Spring Mountain Ranch State Park is a public recreation area near Red Rock Canyon in Nevada. It’s just around 30 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, which makes it a great place to drive to when you can’t think of anything to do at Las Vegas during the day.
There are different activities and events being held simultaneously around the park. You can have a picnic, join a yoga class or participate in special living history programs where they feature re-enactments of historical periods, like what we did (more on that below!)
Entrance Fee & Getting Around
It’s a huge park with lots of different areas and you’ll definitely need a car to go around the different spots. There’s an entrance fee of $9 per vehicle when you enter the park but you don’t have to pay any additional fees when you park inside. You can go around the different areas and there are designated parking spots all around.
Civil War Experience
As mentioned, they hold a lot of different re-enactments and demonstrations of historical events here at Spring Mountain Ranch. First stop today was learning more about the Civil War.
The Civil War was fought in the United States from 1861 to 1865 as a result of a long controversy over slavery. I may be a history lover but I’m not well-versed with American History. So this was a great opportunity to learn more. And what better way to learn than by immersing yourself in it, right?
We weren’t able to watch the actual reenactment of the battles and all (going back for that next time!) but we were able to partake in the Civil War Experience. There were men dressed in uniform doing drills and teaching anyone interested to participate.
Here, you can try out some of the Civil War uniforms (we tried on the hats,) and participate in mock drills.
The mock drills might be better suited for kids. We tried it for a while but then got a little bored. Haha. But it’s a good immersive experience for kids learning about history. I’d bring my son here next time, given the chance!
Mountain Man Rendezvous
On another area of Spring Mountains Ranch Park, there were costumed re-enactors who bring the fur-trade of the 1830’s to life.
“Mountain Man Rendezvous was an annual gathering (1825–1840) at various locations held by a fur trading company at which trappers and mountain men sold their furs and hides and replenished their supplies” (source). Mountain Men were explorers who lived in the wilderness and earned their living via the fur-trade.
Here at the gathering, there were different teepees and tent set-ups all around the field. You could participate in activities such as throwing a tomahawk, haggling with a fur trader or testing your skills with a bow and arrow.
I was okay with just going around and taking photos! Everything was just so nice to photograph!
They also had this 26-star flag, which became the official American Flag on July 4th, 1837. It really makes you feel as though you’re traveling back in time, doesn’t it?
But my favorite moment was visiting Silver’s Camp! These mountain men let me wear one of their fur hats.
I also asked if I can borrow the gun. When they agreed, I held it like I was about to shoot and the two men started shouting “STOP!!! DON’T AIM IT AT ANYONE!!” Hahaha.
“Number one rule: don’t aim a gun at anyone or anything you don’t wanna shoot. Think that all guns are loaded, even if they are not!”
After that fun encounter and photo-op, we decided to roam around and explore the other tents.
My aunt had fun looking at all the trinkets.
I really liked this but figured it might not be age appropriate yet for my son (he was just 2 at that time haha!)
There were a lot of different items that captured the spirit of the times. It would seriously make a great stop if you’re with kids and interested to learn more about that era.
Tips When Visiting Spring Mountain Ranch
I really enjoyed my time at Spring Mountain Ranch State Park. Here are some tips if you’re planning to visit:
- Check out the very informative website of Nevada State Parks for park rules and schedule of events. You can find information here not just for Spring Mountain Ranch but also for other state parks in Nevada. Here’s a link to the one for Spring Mountain Ranch State Park.
- Bring your own water, drinks and food. I couldn’t find any information if there are any establishments inside the park where you can grab a bite but we didn’t see any when we were there so I’m guessing there are none (please let me know if you know otherwise.) It’s an awesome place for a picnic though so if you have time to spare, have a picnic and enjoy the amazing view.
- Bring a car. Aside from biking and driving a car, I don’t know if there’s any other way to get around this place. As mentioned, it’s huge and you’ll definitely need to ride a car to get from one are of the park to another.
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47 Comments
Amy Arnold
January 8, 2018 at 10:22 pmThis looks like a really neat experience.
Sheena Sy Gonzales
January 10, 2018 at 1:37 amIt really was!!
Carrie @ Curly Crafty Mom
January 9, 2018 at 3:23 amThis looks like such a neat place and perfect for you to bring the kids along, too! $9 per vehicle isn’t bad either!
Sheena Sy Gonzales
January 11, 2018 at 5:28 pmRight? I would really love to go back and bring Luke!
Jennifer
January 9, 2018 at 3:59 amThis looks like so much fun!!
Sheena Sy Gonzales
January 11, 2018 at 5:27 pmIt really was!
Sheena Sy Gonzales
January 11, 2018 at 5:27 pmIt was!!
Sheena Sy Gonzales
January 11, 2018 at 6:02 pmIt was!!
Mercy
January 9, 2018 at 8:54 amThis is a fun destination, the rock mountain in the background looks magnificent. I like your furry headpiece too, looks like you were back in time.
Sheena Sy Gonzales
January 11, 2018 at 6:01 pmHaha yeah I had to borrow that hat!
Amy-Anne Williams
January 9, 2018 at 5:14 pmSpring Mountain Ranch seems incredible, how awesome to go to a place like that! I adore your photographs, and they capture the whole place pretty well. I can see why you’d definitely need a car, and snacks would be essential for any trip similar! The 26 star flag would really make me feel like a time traveller, as well as wandering about in those hats haha. Looks like a great time and just the sort of thing I love, I’ll definitely have to go if I find myself anywhere near it!
Sheena Sy Gonzales
January 10, 2018 at 1:37 amThe flags are one of my favorite details!!
Yuliya Oleynykova
January 9, 2018 at 7:01 pmThis looks like a wonderful day. I love exploring different tribes, cultures etc. This looks so much similar to ‘shamans’/
Sheena Sy Gonzales
January 10, 2018 at 1:35 amYes it looks awesome right? ??
Courtney
January 10, 2018 at 10:27 pmI love the ranch. It looks so charming there.
Sheena Sy Gonzales
January 11, 2018 at 6:02 pmYes it really was super charming!
Elegant Duchess
January 11, 2018 at 3:30 amI love going back in time and exploring history! This looks like a fun day! Xx
Sheena Sy Gonzales
January 11, 2018 at 6:02 pmRight? It was a lot of fun!
Federica Di Nardo
January 11, 2018 at 6:00 pmWow!!! Beautiful place and experience!
Sheena Sy Gonzales
January 11, 2018 at 6:14 pmIt really was beautiful!
wendee
January 11, 2018 at 8:48 pmthis looks like so much fun
Sheena Sy Gonzales
January 12, 2018 at 12:30 amYes it was!
Miki
January 12, 2018 at 2:29 amThis looked like a lot of fun! Cute spot! The fur hat section looked like it would’ve been really cool to check out.
Sheena Sy Gonzales
January 12, 2018 at 9:23 amHey Miki, yeah it was fun that they let me try out the “props”
Missy May
January 12, 2018 at 4:37 amI would totally enjoy this this. Looks like a great experience for sure. Great photos captured.
Sheena Sy Gonzales
January 12, 2018 at 9:22 amI believe you would!! It was fun.
Priscilla
January 12, 2018 at 7:23 amGreat pictures! It looks like you had an amazing time there!
Sheena Sy Gonzales
January 12, 2018 at 9:23 amWe really did, thanks Priscilla!
Alexandra
January 12, 2018 at 11:19 amNice trip!
Like always, love for you!:)
Sheena Sy Gonzales
January 12, 2018 at 2:50 pm<3
Laura Mitbrodt
January 12, 2018 at 3:35 pmThis ranch looks so cool,, I want to go
Sheena Sy Gonzales
January 12, 2018 at 4:21 pmYou should!
Susie @ Mile High Dreamers
January 14, 2018 at 8:19 amYou guys found the coolest experiences when you were in Vegas! This is definitely a great way to experience life ‘back in the day’ and give us a little appreciation for the culture, and how lucky we are now!
You pull that hat off phenomenally!
Sheena Sy Gonzales
January 14, 2018 at 3:09 pmThanks Susie! It was really all God’s grace and perfect timing that we were able to catch that event while we were there!!
Nancy
January 14, 2018 at 10:59 amI’ve heard some things about the civil war experience (mostly re-enactments) but never knew it’s right outside of Vegas! Pretty cool to see that there are things going on outside of Vegas and it’s so close by! It’s nice that you don’t need to pay any additional fees besides parking.
Pretty neat that you got some hands-on experience with the tour! I definitely need to give this place a visit if I end up in that area! Oh man, I would be scared if anyone aims a gun at me, loaded or not XD. Hope you enjoyed your time there! Thank you for sharing
Sheena Sy Gonzales
January 14, 2018 at 3:10 pmYes I really love that all you need to pay for is parking! Super worth the time and effort.
Kassy
January 14, 2018 at 6:53 pmWow, that looks like a great place to visit and learn more about American history. Seeing the people in costume really sets the feeling for how life was back in a different time! The photos are great. 😀
Sheena Sy Gonzales
January 14, 2018 at 11:23 pmAgree! Thanks so much Kassy!!
Sharan
January 14, 2018 at 9:12 pmWow! This looks so cool. I’d never known a place like this exists. I’m definitely going to add it to my travel bucket list.
Sheena Sy Gonzales
January 14, 2018 at 11:23 pmYes it’s an awesome place!
the adventurer
January 15, 2018 at 6:52 amWho knew such a place was close to the Vegas strip! I live a few hours away by car so will definitely add this to my travel list for short weekend trips =o)
Sheena Sy Gonzales
January 15, 2018 at 3:35 pmYes super near! You’ll enjoy it!
Bernadette Rihana
January 15, 2018 at 12:11 pmThis place sounds wonderful. Definitely a place I’d enjoy visiting! x
Sheena Sy Gonzales
January 15, 2018 at 3:35 pmOh it was really awesome! 😉
Shireen L. Platt
January 21, 2018 at 1:15 pmMy husband and I plan to visit Las Vegas in the future so this post is brilliant and I’m going to bookmark it! We both are not gamblers nor are we party people so this place sounds perfect for us. xx
Shireen?Reflection of Sanity
Sheena Sy Gonzales
January 21, 2018 at 3:15 pmYAY! So happy to hear that Shireen! I’m actually writing a blog post about what to do in Vegas if you’re not into gambling and partying haha! Keep an eye out for that 😉
Zorica
February 26, 2018 at 8:41 pmSuch an interesting place.