LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – Nevada has the second largest capacity for outdoor recreation in the nation and soon there will be new places promoting all the state has to offer—one-stop shops for both visitors and locals alike called Adventure Centers.
From the red rocks of Gold Butte National Monument to the towering dunes of Tonopah, 86% of Nevada is public land waiting to be explored.
“My favorite place to go is Lincoln County. There is a state park there called Cathedral Gorge State Park. It is absolutely incredible,” shared M.E. Kawchack, Chief Deputy Director for the Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs. Kawchack believes the vast treasures of the Silver State should be accessible to all.
“There are so many places in Nevada that are kind of hidden gems,” Kawchack argued. To showcase the unlimited outdoor opportunities, the Nevada Division of Tourism came up with a new concept called Adventure Centers.
“Outdoor recreation is a growing economy… It contributes $6 billion to Nevada’s GDP,” Kawchack reported. After winning a $3.7 million federal grant from the Department of Commerce, an Adventure Center will be built in Boulder City.
“When we come to Vegas, we don’t come to visit all the normal Vegas things. We prefer the hiking and the biking. That is why we stay in Boulder City so we can be next to the Mountain Loop Trail and Lake Mead,” explained Dan Beecher.
Beecher and his wife Mitsi from Lincoln, Nebraska stopped in at the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce for some ideas about what else to explore in the area and are excited the Adventure Center that will be built next door will help people plan for adventures throughout the state.
“I think it is great to get more people outside and doing things instead of playing video games and watching TV,” Mitsi Beecher contended.
A second Adventure Center will be built in Carson City. Travel Nevada says not only will they bring jobs, they will also promote local small businesses offering outdoor activities.
With designs for the Adventure Centers complete, construction bids will open this summer. Groundbreaking is set for next year.
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