Lorenzi Park

A Piece of Vegas History

Located just a couple miles northwest of the Las Vegas Strip, Lorenzi Park is one of the city's oldest green spaces with a story as colorful as Vegas itself. The man behind it arrived in the Las Vegas Valley in 1911, lured by stories of underground artesian water that could turn desert into productive farmland. The following year, David G. Lorenzi bought 80 acres on the edge of town - roughly two miles west of what is now downtown Fremont Street. When he struck one of the most productive wells of the era, his first instinct was to plant a vineyard and produce European-style wines. Las Vegas in 1912, however, was decidedly a beer-and-whiskey crowd, and the wine idea went nowhere. The abundant water found a better purpose: filling the twin lakes that would define the property for the next century.

When Lorenzi opened his Lake Park to the public in 1926, it was a fairly ambitious operation for a desert outpost. The grounds included a pool, a dance pavilion, orchards, and the twin lakes, each with its own small island. Lorenzi kept admission prices low and made his money from the extras: rowboat rentals, ice cream, fireworks, prize fights, horse races, dance contests, beauty pageants, and a band shell that brought in live music every week and doubled as an outdoor movie screen. During Prohibition, the resort also became a popular spot for local socialites looking to socialize away from prying eyes.

The park's journey through time didn't stop there. In the 1940s, it transformed into the Twin Lakes Lodge, a resort and dude ranch. Perhaps most intriguing was its 1950s role in Nevada's divorce industry - providing temporary homes for those establishing residency to file for divorce. In 1966, the City of Las Vegas purchased the property, opening it to the public. The park's historical significance earned it spots on both the City of Las Vegas Historic Property Register in 2009 and the Nevada State Register of Historic Places in 2013.

What You'll Find There

Spanning 80 acres, the park's most distinctive feature has to be its twin lakes - Lorenzi's original vision brought to life. These artesian-fed bodies of water each contain a small island, and both were fully rebuilt as part of a $30 million renovation completed in 2013. The historic Band Shell Island - where live bands once played and movies were screened as far back as the 1920s - was restored as part of that same project, and some structures from the Twin Lakes Lodge era still stand, giving you glimpses into Vegas's past while you enjoy its present. If fishing is your thing, grab your Nevada fishing license and try your luck catching trout, catfish, or carp.

For sports enthusiasts, the park features baseball fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, and even a roller hockey area. Little ones can burn off energy at multiple playgrounds scattered around the grounds. The walking trails that circle the lakes make for an ideal morning stroll or an evening wind-down after a day in the busy city.

Natural Beauty

Lorenzi Park provides something relatively uncommon in Las Vegas - expansive green spaces where you can briefly forget you're in the desert. The contrast between the lush park environment and the typically arid Vegas landscape is refreshing.

If you're into birdwatching, bring your binoculars. The lakes attract a variety of birds including ducks, geese, and other waterfowl. During migration seasons, you might spot some interesting visitors taking a break from their long journeys. Don't miss the rose garden, which adds a touch of color and fragrance to the park - especially beautiful when in bloom, offering a quiet spot for reflection away from the typical Vegas chaos.

Things to Do

The picnic areas scattered throughout the park come equipped with tables and BBQ grills - ideal for family gatherings or casual meet-ups with friends. Many are situated near the lakes and playgrounds, making it easy to keep an eye on the kids while preparing lunch.

The Sammy Davis Jr. Festival Plaza hosts community events year-round, from cultural celebrations to concerts. With its large stage and grassy seating area, it's a popular gathering spot that brings together locals and visitors alike.

Good to Know

The park welcomes visitors daily from 7AM to 11PM, with restrooms available at various locations within the grounds.

If you're visiting with children, you'll appreciate the multiple playgrounds with equipment suitable for different age groups. Some areas offer shade and benches where you can relax while supervising the little ones. During summer months (typically June through August), the seasonal water play feature becomes an instant hit with kids looking to cool off from the notorious Vegas heat.

Unlike the nearby Strip, Lorenzi Park offers a genuine touch of local Las Vegas life - where residents come to unwind and visitors can experience the city beyond the casinos and shows.