Nevada Day Celebration at Ice Age Fossils State Park
Enjoy Nevada Day at Ice Age Fossils State Park with crafts, games, fossil-themed activities, and family-friendly outdoor fun.
Free – $3
1 event found.
Ice Age Fossils State Park
Ice Age Fossils State Park
Ice Age Fossils State Park preserves a remarkable stretch of the Upper Las Vegas Wash where fossils of mammoths, camels, American lions, dire wolves, ground sloths, and other Ice Age animals have been found.
The 315-acre park combines paleontology, local history, desert scenery, and short hiking trails. It is a strong family-friendly stop for anyone interested in fossils, natural history, or the ancient Las Vegas Valley.
Park Highlights
- Visitor center with natural-history exhibits
- Life-size Ice Age animal sculptures
- Short interpretive hiking trails
- Fossil and paleontology programs
- Picnic and shaded seating areas
- Views across the Upper Las Vegas Wash
Visitor Center
The visitor center includes natural-history exhibits, restrooms, drinking water, covered outdoor seating, and a gift shop. Park staff also offer educational programs and may arrange group tours or programs upon request.
Trails
Megafauna Trail: A short 0.3-mile trail featuring life-size sculptures that help visitors imagine the giant mammals that once roamed the Las Vegas Valley.
Las Vegas Wash Trail: A 1.5-mile loop beginning and ending near the Monumental Mammoth. The trail explores the geological forces that shaped the Upper Las Vegas Wash.
Big Dig Trail: A 1.2-mile trail connected to the historic Tule Springs Expedition area. Visitors can walk through trenches associated with the large interdisciplinary fossil dig conducted in 1962–63.
Trail and wash conditions can change after storms. Check with park staff before hiking.
Hours
Wednesday–Sunday: 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Because Nevada State Parks may occasionally adjust operating days or hours, confirm the current schedule before visiting.
Park Rules
- Do not remove or disturb fossils, artifacts, rocks, plants, or historic resources.
- Stay on designated trails and walking paths.
- Camping and campfires are not permitted.
- Drones and other unmanned aircraft are prohibited.
- Motorized off-road vehicles are not permitted.
- Pets are welcome but must remain on a leash no longer than six feet.
Ice Age History
About 25,000 years ago, the Las Vegas Valley was much wetter than it is today. Marshes and spring-fed environments supported large animals including Columbian mammoths, ancient bison, camels, American lions, dire wolves, and ground sloths.
The area’s rich fossil deposits later attracted major scientific interest. The famous Tule Springs “Big Dig” of 1962–63 became one of the largest interdisciplinary scientific expeditions of its type at the time.
Programs and Family Activities
Ice Age Fossils State Park regularly hosts ranger-led programs, fossil-themed crafts, paleontology demonstrations, family activities, and educational events. Some programs are outdoors, while others take place inside the visitor center.
Recent programs have included fossil-making activities and pop-up paleontology labs where visitors can watch fossil preparation and ask questions about the park’s collections.
Group Visits
Group tours and educational programs may be available by request. Contact the park in advance for availability and current requirements.
Ice Age Fossils State Park Details
Address:
8660 N. Decatur Blvd.
North Las Vegas, NV 89085
(Map It)
Phone: (702) 478-9300
Email: iafsp@parks.nv.gov
Visit the Official Ice Age Fossils State Park Website
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Ice Age Fossils State Park 8660 N Decatur Blvd,, North Las Vegas, NV, United States
