Lake Las Vegas, Artificial reservoir in Henderson, Nevada

Lake Las Vegas is an artificial reservoir in Henderson, Nevada, that covers roughly 320 acres and is held in place by an earthen dam. The water body sits within a hilly landscape and is flanked by residential areas, golf courses, and hotels.

The reservoir traces back to a 1965 plan when a developer conceived the idea of a desert resort. A land exchange later made it possible to build the dam that holds back water in this arid region.

The name references the nearby desert city, though the reservoir itself sits about 20 miles away in Henderson. Visitors will find Mediterranean-style architecture along the shoreline, with arcades and plazas that recall Italian villages and serve as backdrops for walks.

The reservoir is accessible year-round, though summer months can be extremely hot. Parking is available near the hotels and golf facilities, from where visitors can walk to the shoreline.

The water comes mostly from Lake Mead through a pipeline built during World War II. In addition, the basin collects annual stormwater from the Las Vegas Wash, which would otherwise flow unused into the desert.