As you are probably aware, Nevada is famous for offering world-class shows and outstanding casinos. But did you also know there is much more to the state than just gambling and nightlife? Sometimes it can be a really nice thing to get away from work for a while to recharge your battery and regroup. Nevada could be just the place.
While its bright light images tend to overshadow other attractions, Nevada is also a great place for outdoor activities such as skiing , mountain biking, hiking and fishing. Any one of these could be just the thing you need to regenerate your mind and body.
While most visitors head straight to the casinos and shows, if you want to do something different, consider the following places to visit:
#1 Hoover Dam
The Hoover Dam is a great monument to the resilience of the American people. It was built during the Great Depression. The project, thought useful for providing water and hydroelectric power, was also useful for providing jobs in the middle of what can be described as the toughest economic period the world has ever experienced.
The 45-minute drive to the dam from Las Vegas provides scenic views of the desert landscape that surrounds the city. Hoover Dam is the largest water reservoir in the country and attracts millions of visitors annually. A visit to the 726-foot dam can help give you a different perspective on life.
#2 The Valley of Fire
A drive down to the Valley of Fire is sure to stretch your imagination. This is one of the oldest state parks in Nevada. It spreads over an area of over 42,000 acres. You don’t have to be an artist or have an incredible imagination to appreciate the unique sandstone formations that have made this park famous.
The park is renowned for the giant sand dunes that have formed over millions of years. The sand dunes in the park are believed to have solidified during the dinosaur age over 150 million years ago.
Human beings first came to the Valley of Fire 3,000 years ago. The rugged landscape is just as breathtaking today as it was to the first humans who arrived in the area thousands of years ago.
The area is great for taking a drive through or hiking. Be careful about the high temperatures. In the peak of summer afternoons, temperatures can soar to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
#3 Lake Tahoe
Nevada is a state of contraries. Although it’s mostly known for its dry desert landscape, it has many surprises for visitors such as Lake Tahoe. The massive freshwater lake is approximately two million years old and is the second deepest lake in the United States.
Driving up to Lake Tahoe is an adventure in itself. You’ll enjoy the breathtaking views from the winding road up to the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Lake Tahoe is 22-miles long and offers the perfect setting for getting away from all the hustle and bustle of everyday life any time of the year. It’s a popular site for skiing, mountain biking, fishing and boating.
Be Safe
With millions of visitors trooping into the state each year to enjoy the gambling, shows and site seeing, it is important to always be safe – especially in your vehicle. Nevada state laws are quite strict when it comes to car insurance. Drivers are required to carry at least liability coverage to meet car insurance requirements in Nevada. So drive safe, slow down when necessary and make sure your policies are up to date should you decide to visit.
Nevada is the perfect place to go if you want to let your hair down. Be sure to check out both the man and nature-made spectacles and forget all about your business for a while. Then, return to work with a head full of fresh, new ideas to start or grow your empire.