ACTIVITIES

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

Red rock desert hills under dramatic cloudy sky with a winding dirt road

Explore Southern Nevada’s Top Outdoor Attractions & Historic Landmarks

Overton, Nevada is a perfect place to stay when on vacation and visiting the Valley of Fire State Park and Lake Mead. Please Contact Us for more information! 

VALLEY OF FIRE STATE PARK

Located just 8 miles from North Shore Inn at Lake Mead.

Nevada’s oldest and largest state park, Valley of Fire, spans nearly 46,000 acres of 150-million-year-old bright red Aztec sandstone. Located a short 10-minute drive from our inn, it offers world-class hiking, ancient rock art, and stunning desert landscapes.

  • Must-See Highlights
    • Atlatl Rock: Climb the staircase to view ancient Native American petroglyphs up close.  
    • Fire Wave & White Domes Trail: Walk through vibrant sandstone slot canyons and iconic pastel rock waves.  
    • Elephant Rock & The Beehives: Marvel at unique, naturally sculpted rock formations along the main scenic drive. 
    • Mouse's Tank: An easy sandy trail leading to hidden natural water basins and historic rock carvings. 
  • Visitor Info
    • Distance: 8 miles from North Shore Inn (East Entrance).  
    • Hours: Open daily from sunrise to sunset.  
    • Visitor Center: Open 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM for maps, exhibits, and gifts.  Entry 
    • Fee: $10 per vehicle ($15 for out-of-state vehicles).
Layered sandstone rock formations in a red desert under a partly cloudy blue sky
Wet savanna with two birds in the foreground, distant mountains, and a cloudy blue sky

OVERTON WILDLIFE AREA PRESERVE

Located just 2 miles south of North Shore Inn at Lake Mead.

Spanning over 17,000 acres where the Muddy and Virgin Rivers feed into Lake Mead, the Overton Wildlife Management Area is a tranquil desert oasis. Just minutes from our hotel, it offers an exceptional escape for birdwatching, photography, hiking, and quiet nature observation.

  • Must-See Highlights
    • World-Class Birdwatching: Spot wild turkeys, waterfowl, sandhill cranes, and dozens of migratory species along the ponds and marshes.
    • Scenic Nature Trails: Walk or drive dirt loop roads through desert washes, cottonwood groves, and tranquil wetlands.  
    • Wildlife & Landscape Photography: Capture stunning reflections on the ponds against the backdrop of surrounding desert peaks.
    • Seasonal Fishing & Outdoor Recreation: Access prime habitats for local wildlife observation, photography, and regulated seasonal hunting.
  • Visitor Info
    • Distance: ~2 miles from North Shore Inn (off Highway 169).
    • Hours: Open 24/7 for foot traffic (vehicle access varies by season/management hours).  
    • Best Time to Visit: Morning and late afternoon offer the best temperatures and wildlife activity.
    • Entry Fee: Free public access. 

LOST CITY MUSEUM

Located just 1.5 miles from North Shore Inn at Lake Mead.

Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1935, the Lost City Museum preserves artifacts from prehistoric Ancestral Puebloan sites submerged when Lake Mead was formed. Located just down the road in Overton, it offers a captivating look into ancient desert life and archaeology.

  • Must-See Highlights
    • Reconstructed Pueblo Ruins: Step outside to explore authentic, full-scale outdoor pueblo buildings built directly on historic foundations.
    • Ancient Native Artifacts: View extensive displays of prehistoric pottery, basketry, tools, and jewelry recovered from local excavations.
    • The Excavation Pit: See a preserved indoor archaeological site showing real artifacts left in their original ground placements.
    • Gift Shop & Native Art: Browse authentic Native American jewelry, art, local souvenirs, and historical books.
  • Visitor Info
    • Distance: ~1.5 miles from North Shore Inn.
    • Hours: Open Wednesday – Sunday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Closed Mon & Tue).
    • Location: 721 S. Moapa Valley Blvd, Overton, NV.
    • Entry Fee: $6 per adult (Free for children 17 and under).
Ancient sandstone temple hall with carved columns and a bright doorway opening to sunlight outside
ATVs with riders on a dirt trail in a red rock desert landscape

LOGANDALE TRAILS

Located just 12 miles from North Shore Inn at Lake Mead.

Logandale Trails System offers over 45,000 acres of spectacular red sandstone recreation area managed for off-highway vehicles, hiking, and rock crawling. Just a short drive north of our inn, it’s a premier desert playground featuring rugged canyon tracks and stunning red rock formations.

  • Must-See Highlights
    • OHV & ATV Riding: Explore over 200 miles of designated trails ranging from easy sandy paths to extreme rock-crawling obstacles.
    • Ancient Rock Art: Discover hidden petroglyph sites carved into red sandstone cliffs throughout the canyon walls.
    • Hiking & Wildlife: Walk secluded trails through desert washes to spot desert bighorn sheep, desert tortoises, and wild flora.
    • Sand Dunes & Slickrock: Test your off-road rig on open sand dunes, slickrock bowls, and steep desert climbs.
  • Visitor Info
    • Distance: ~12 miles from North Shore Inn (Logandale, NV).
    • Hours: Open 24/7 year-round.
    • Vehicle Access: High-clearance 4x4, ATV, UTV, or dirt bike recommended for deep sand/rock trails.
    • Entry Fee: Free public access.

LAS VEGAS

Located just 1 hour south of North Shore Inn at Lake Mead.

Known as the Entertainment Capital of the World, Las Vegas offers world-class dining, iconic shows, nightlife, and gaming. Situated just an hour drive down I-15, our inn provides the perfect tranquil basecamp to enjoy the energy of the city by day or night—without the resort fees and traffic.

  • Must-See Highlights
    • The Las Vegas Strip: Walk past world-famous resorts, catch the Bellagio Fountains, or explore high-end shopping and dining.  
    • Shows & World-Class Entertainment: Experience headliner concerts, Cirque du Soleil performances, and live theater.
    • Fremont Street Experience: Head downtown for zip-lining, street performers, and the massive LED canopy display.
    • Unique Museums: Visit iconic spots like The Atomic Museum, The Mob Museum, and Madame Tussauds.  
  • Visitor Info
    • Distance: ~60 miles / 1 hour drive from North Shore Inn.  
    • Hours: 24/7 year-round.
    • Best Time to Visit: Evenings for city lights, entertainment, and cooler temperatures.
    • Entry Fee: Free to explore the Strip and Fremont Street (attraction and show prices vary).
Las Vegas Strip skyline with the Bellagio fountains and turquoise lake at sunset
Ancient sandstone temple hall with carved columns and a bright doorway opening to sunlight outside

HOOVER DAM

Located ~1.5 hours south of North Shore Inn at Lake Mead.

A National Historic Landmark and engineering marvel of the modern world, Hoover Dam stands 726 feet tall across the Black Canyon of the Colorado River. It holds back Lake Mead and offers incredible panoramic views, guided tours, and rich history.

  • Must-See Highlights
    • Guided Powerplant & Dam Tours: Walk deep inside the dam's massive canyon walls to see the heavy generators and internal construction tunnels.
    • Mike O’Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge: Walk across the high pedestrian walkway for breathtaking, photogenic overhead views of the dam and river.
    • Visitor Center & Exhibits: Explore 3D interactive displays, historic films, and exhibits detailing how the dam was built during the Great Depression.
    • Scenic Lake & Canyon Overlooks: Enjoy sweeping vantage points overlooking both Lake Mead and the winding Colorado River below.
  • Visitor Info
    • Distance: ~80 miles / 1.5 hour drive from North Shore Inn.
    • Hours: Open daily, 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Visitor Center & Tours open 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM).
    • Location: Nevada / Arizona border (off US-93).
    • Entry Fee: $10 parking; Visitor Center and tour tickets range from $10 to $30 (children 3 and under free).

ECHO BAY BOAT LAUNCH

Located ~20 miles south of North Shore Inn at Lake Mead.

Situated on the quiet northern arm of Lake Mead, Echo Bay is a premier destination for boaters, anglers, and water sports enthusiasts. Located just a 20-minute scenic drive along Northshore Road from our hotel, it offers direct water access, boat launches, and beautiful desert shoreline scenery.

  • Must-See Highlights
    • Boating & Water Sports: Easily launch powerboats, jet skis, kayaks, and paddleboards to explore the tranquil waters of Lake Mead's Overton Arm.
    • Premier Desert Fishing: Known as one of the best fishing spots on the lake for striped bass, largemouth bass, and catfish.
    • Rogers Spring: Stop by this natural artesian desert spring located along the scenic drive to Echo Bay for a quick hike and wildlife viewing.  
    • Scenic Shoreline & Wildlife: Enjoy quiet shorelines framed by striking red rock outcroppings and desert vistas. 
  • Visitor Info
    • Distance: ~20 miles from North Shore Inn.  
    • Hours: Open 24/7 year-round.
    • Facilities: Public launch ramp, boat trailer parking, and land-based marina services. 
    • Entry Fee: Lake Mead National Recreation Area vehicle pass required ($25/vehicle or Interagency Pass).  
Sunlit pink mountains beyond a blue lake at dusk
A deep rocky canyon splitting a barren desert plain beneath distant mountains.

DOUBLE NEGATIVE

Located just 9 miles from North Shore Inn at Lake Mead.

Created in 1969 by renowned land artist Michael Heizer, Double Negative is an iconic piece of modern earthwork art. Cut into the top of Mormon Mesa overlooking the Moapa Valley, this massive artwork consists of two 50-foot-deep trenches carved across a natural canyon—making it a world-famous destination for art lovers and desert adventurers.

  • Must-See Highlights
    • Massive Land Sculpture: Experience the scale of two trenches spanning 1,500 feet long and 30 feet wide, created by displacing 240,000 tons of desert rock.  
    • Conceptual "Negative Space": Stand inside the monumental cutouts where the physical artwork is defined by what has been removed.  
    • Panoramic Mesa Views: Enjoy sweeping, unobstructed 360-degree views of Mormon Mesa, the Virgin River Valley, and the surrounding desert peaks.
    • Off-Road Desert Journey: Enjoy a classic Nevada desert trek along Mormon Mesa Road leading up to the rim of the mesa.  
  • Visitor Info
    • Distance: ~9 miles northeast from North Shore Inn (Overton, NV).  
    • Hours: Open 24/7 year-round.  
    • Access: High-clearance 4WD vehicle recommended for traveling unpaved mesa rim dirt paths.  
    • Entry Fee: Free public access (owned by the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles).  

CLARK COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS

Located ~4.5 miles from North Shore Inn at Lake Mead.

Spanning 190 acres in nearby Logandale, the Clark County Fairgrounds is Southern Nevada’s premier venue for community events, livestock exhibitions, and outdoor festivals. It is best known for hosting the annual Clark County Fair & Rodeo, which draws tens of thousands of visitors every spring.

  • Must-See Highlights
    • Clark County Fair & Rodeo: Experience professional PRCA rodeo action, carnival rides, livestock shows, and live music every April.  
    • 4,500-Seat Rodeo Arena: Catch thrilling equestrian shows, dirt competitions, and outdoor sporting events year-round.
    • Exhibit Halls & Animal Pavilions: Explore local art, agricultural showcases, and youth 4-H animal exhibitions.
    • Sports Complex & Parks: Enjoy lighted ballfields, walking paths, and quiet green spaces during community sports and gatherings. 
  • Visitor Info
    • Distance: ~4.5 miles north from North Shore Inn (Logandale, NV).  
    • Hours: Open during scheduled events, games, and festivals.
    • Location: 1301 W. Whipple Ave, Logandale, NV.  
    • Entry Fee: Varies by event (free access for select public park areas and sports games).
Three piglets in colorful capes running in a straw-covered pen