City residents’ favorite areas for taking a walk include the campus of the University of Nevada Las Vegas, which was established in 1957. The university may not have any remarkable buildings, but there are shade trees, and in early evening the paths are blissfully not crowded. Be sure not to miss the desert garden, which is lovely. The location is at 4504 S. Maryland Parkway. In the campus, there is Marjorie Barrick Museum of Natural History. The museum centers on desert mammals, reptiles, and insects native to the southwest. It also contains exhibits focusing on the area’s anthropology, archeology, and early-day architecture. It opened at 8am–4:45pm Mon–Fri, 10am–2pm Sat, and free from admission charge.
Another place is Nevada State Museum. The Nevada State Museum system is one of the best in the United States, and its Las Vegas branch is well deserving of a visit. The emphasis is on the anthropology and natural history of southern Nevada, with dioramas containing stuffed bighorn sheep, cougars, and other impressive wildlife. On a totally different subject, head for the excellent Cowboy Up! Exhibition which charts more than 100 years of rodeo history. Temporary displays include items such as Indian baskets, fiber arts, and saddle blankets. Located at 700 Twin Lakes Drive 5205, open 9am-5pm daily, and there is admission charge.
One of the most pleasant parks in the Las Vegas area, Foxridge Park, has been the setting every September since 1994 for the “Shakespeare in the Park” festival. Each year a different work by Shakespeare plays to the crowds. The Green Show preceding each performance features mimes, jugglers, and madrigal singers. All shows are free. It’s located at Valle Verde Drive just north of Warm Springs Rd, Henderson.