Nevada State Museum Announces Extension of its Featured Exhibit, “The Old Spanish Trail: Connecting a Network of Paths”

 The Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas, located within the Las Vegas Springs Preserve at 309 S. Valley View Blvd., has announced the extension of its featured exhibit, The Old Spanish Trail: Connecting a Network of Paths. Due to strong public interest since its debut last fall, the exhibit will now remain open to the public through Monday, July 7.

“We are delighted with the response to this exhibition,” said Curator of History and Material Culture for Nevada State Museum, Josef Diaz. “Thanks to the generosity of our artifact lenders, we have extended the run of the show making it possible for even more people to visit and discover how this tremendous story of the Old Spanish Trail unfolds in our exhibit.”

The museum is uniquely positioned to host the exhibit, as its location coincides with a key stop along the Old Spanish Trail—an approximately 2700-mile trade route that connected New Mexico to the Los Angeles area via Nevada. Established in 1829 by Mexican merchant Antonio Armijo, the trail traversed high mountains, arid deserts, and deep canyons, serving as a vital commercial link between regions.

Called “the longest, crookedest, most arduous pack mule train in the history of America” by Colorado historian Leroy R. Hafen, the Old Spanish Trail played a crucial role in transporting wool, textiles, and piñon nuts from New Mexico in exchange for horses and mules from California. The exhibit explores the significance of this trade network through illustrated wall panels, maps, textiles, and historical artifacts.

Compiled by Curator Diaz, a full document containing additional context and copies of the text displayed throughout the visit can be found HERE.

The Old Spanish Trail exhibit is featured alongside the museum’s permanent collection, an interactive experience that chronicles Nevada’s history from prehistoric times to the present. The 13,000-square-foot gallery highlights Nevada’s state fossil, the Ichthyosaur, as well as stories of Native Americans, pioneers, miners, railroad workers, ranchers, and entrepreneurs. Visitors can also explore exhibits on the Hoover Dam, the atomic era, and Las Vegas’ transformation into the entertainment capital of the world—including a dazzling pink, sequin-adorned display of vintage showgirl costumes.

The museum, including the Old Spanish Trail, is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Monday. Admission for museum members is free. Non-members purchase admission at the Springs Preserve box office. Nevada residents: $9.95 adults, $4.95 children (ages 3-17.) Non-Nevada residents: $18.95 adults, $10.95 children (ages 3-17.)

Founded in 1982, the mission of the Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas, serves to educate a diverse public about the history and natural history of Nevada. The museum collects, preserves, exhibits, and disseminates material that contributes to an understanding and appreciation of the state. For more information, visit https://www.lasvegasnvmuseum.org/