Uniquely Vegas is a series of articles and photos that VegasChanges.com is composing to showcase the many unique and offbeat things to see and do in the Las Vegas Valley, as well as day trips and more.
On this venture we are taking a road trip to Mesquite, Nevada to visit two museums, the Virgin Valley Heritage Museum and Donkey History Museum. Are they worth a visit (see below)?
Many people that take the 80-mile drive to Mesquite from Las Vegas are heading to play golf at one of the 9 public courses, relax at a spa or are using it as a starting point to visit many of the nearby National Parks.
This museum is located in a Pueblo, revival-style building that is one of only two in Nevada, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It brings the history of the Virgin Valley, specifically Mesquite, Bunkerville and Southern Nevada. They feature many collections, exhibits, artifacts and much more.
The artifacts are from 1875 to 1935, and include the valley’s first slot machine, vintage handmade quilts, antique wedding dresses, and a historic loom. When visiting, be sure to check out early telephones and movie projectors, a television from 1949, and a thorough collection of historic photographs.
Next to the museum is the first fire station in the Virgin Valley that was built before the firetruck arrived. The firetruck was too large to fit into the building (see photos below). Official Website
This museum is dedicated to chronicling the many contributions of donkeys to mankind’s advancement. They have many different displays on the historical and cultural importance that donkeys have made around the world.
They have multiple galleries, including collections dedicated to pop culture, military service, and international memorabilia. These include, vintage photographs, life-size displays, a virtual reality theater, gift shop, gem panning and more (see photos below).
This museum is an outreach for Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue. This organization rescues, cares for, and “adopts out” donkeys that were rescued from all over the U.S. Its mission is to provide a safe and loving environment to all donkeys that have been abused, neglected or abandoned and wild burros under threat of destruction. Official Website
To be upfront, we visited Mesquite for two days and did much more than visit museums. But this is about these two museums. So, are they worth a visit? Yes, if you are into history and are visiting Mesquite. A staff member at both museums walked us around explaining in detail what we were looking at. That was very informative. Both museums are free, but donations are appreciated.
Address & Hours:
- Virgin Valley Heritage Museum – 35 W Mesquite Blvd, Mesquite. Tues-Sat 10am-4pm
- Donkey History Museum – 355 W Mesquite Blvd F10, Mesquite. Tues-Thu 10am-4pm and Fri-Sun 9am-5pm
