Water and the desert.
Is there a more unlikely pair than that?
Not only does it exist, it exists right here in Henderson.
And it has an interesting history to go along with it.
Lake Las Vegas
Despite the name, Lake Las Vegas is actually in Henderson. It’s a 320-acre reservoir with 3,592 acres of developed area around it.
How is that possible, you may wonder?
The lake sits on top of the Las Vegas Wash. Two 12-mile pipes bring water from the valley into Henderson. This allows Lake Mead to supply the water needed for Lake Las Vegas.
The History of Lake Las Vegas
Lake Las Vegas aerial view.Photo byCarol M. Highsmith, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
The idea behind Lake Las Vegas was dreamed up by actor and businessman J. Carlton Adair back in 1967.
He started by purchasing the land and water rights for the property as well as bringing the plan to the Henderson City Council. His goal was to boost the Henderson economy by turning it into a booming tourist spot.
Interestingly, the original name was Lake Adair, not Lake Las Vegas.