The adobe building closest to the creek, where the reclamation office was, is the only surviving part of the original fort structure. There you'll find pioneer artifacts — an old pump organ, a "bishop's couch," a spinning wheel, butter churner, a replica of the first U.S. flag to fly in Nevada with 19 stars and 13 stripes, among other things.

The creek itself had long since dried up, after being diverted into the city's water supply in the early 20th century. However, a segment of the creek has been re-created to provide a glimpse of what was.

"It's obscure because of its location," said Chris Macek, supervisor at the Mormon Fort State Historic Park. "It's away from most of the tourist areas."

The fort attracts only about 12,000 visitors a year.

Still, Macek agrees this is where Las Vegas began and is well worth a visit.

"If you want to see how Las Vegas was born and get a sense of it all ...," he said, then this is the place to come.

He said 30 minutes is probably the minimum time required for a quick tour.

Nevada State Parks recently spent $4.5 million to add a new visitors center and enhance the park's re-creation of the past.

The Daughters of Utah Pioneers installed several plaques in the fort. One commemorates the first post office in the state, while the other focuses on the fort.

This historic park helps visitors outline the history of Las Vegas through five distinct eras: (1) A home for American Indians and perhaps explorers; (2) an outpost of Mormon territory; (3) a railroad stop; (4) a boomtown in mining and dam building; and (5) today's tourist mecca.

Future park development may include the re-creation of more historic features and a full-scale visitors center. Historic interpretation is and will remain the focus of the park.

Because it can be plenty hot here in the afternoon, a morning visit is best. Because of its location near the north end of Las Vegas Boulevard, visitors could see the park in the early morning and then travel south to Fremont Street and then to the Strip.

For children and teens, a scavenger hunt list is available from the visitors center. Kids will be searching for specific items within the park.

The park and visitors center are open year-round, from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday, Closed Sundays. Admission is $3 for adults and $2 for children, ages 6-12. Under age 6 free.

To visit the park, take I-15 Exit No. 44 (Washington Avenue) and go east. After crossing North Las Vegas Boulevard, turn right into the fort's parking lot. Cashman Field Center Stadium is just southeast of the fort.