March Events at the Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort
Although now a world famous city, Las Vegas began in 1855 with a humble adobe fort along a creek. First settled by Mormon pioneers from Utah, the site later became the center of one of the most important ranches in southern Nevada. Now a state park, the Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort preserves and interprets the birthplace of Las Vegas. Join park rangers for one of our many unique Saturday programs and learn about Las Vegas’ pioneer heritage.
Dutch Oven Battle: Old Fort vs. Spring Mountain Ranch – Let the Dutch Oven battle begin! Rangers from the Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort will head to Spring Mountain Ranch to face off in an epic cast iron cooking competition. Attendees will be able to sample three separate dish categories cooked by both Team Fort and Team Ranch and vote for their favorites.
WHEN: Saturday, March 4, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
WHERE: Spring Mountain Ranch State Park
COST: Admission is $9 vehicle. Nevada residents receive a $2 discount.
History Talk: The Old Spanish Trail/Mormon Road – This talk will focus on the first trade route through Las Vegas: the notoriously treacherous Old Spanish Trail. Join park staff for a diverse and exciting narrative that discusses Spanish padres, New Mexican trade caravans, mountain men, slave traders, horse thieves and Mormon pioneers. Also discussed will be how the course and character of the trail changed over time.
WHEN: Saturday, March 11, 11 a.m.
WHERE: Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park, 500 E Washington Ave.
COST: Admission is just $1.00 per person, kids 12 and younger are free. Cash or check only.
Old Fort Dutch Oven Cook-Off – Join park rangers for one of the Fort’s biggest events of the year, the Fourth Annual Dutch Oven Cook-Off. This is a great opportunity to enjoy delicious food in a historical setting while watching the Dutch oven masters show off their cast-iron cooking skills. Learn about the limitless versatility of the pioneer-era cookware, enjoy live music, sample diverse dishes and vote for the winners. The park opens at 8 a.m. and the public tasting begins at 12:30 p.m.
WHEN: Saturday, March 18, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
WHERE: Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park, 500 E Washington Ave.
COST: Admission is just $1.00 per person, kids 12 and younger are free. Cash or check only.
Painting Unveiling – The Old Fort is excited to announce the unveiling of a new piece of artwork for permanent display in the museum. This 5’x 2’ painting depicts the fort as it looked in 1857 and was purchased with generous contributions from the Las Vegas Centennial Commission and the Friends of the Fort. Come for the official unveiling of this grand painting and take some time to meet the artist, Bradley Giles.
WHEN: Saturday, March 25, 11 a.m.
WHERE: Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort State Historic Park, 500 E Washington Ave.
COST: Admission is just $1.00 per person, kids 12 and younger are free. Cash or check only.
