History
Henderson grew up about ten years prior to World War II as a housing community for workers at the Basic Magnesium Plant there. After the war, magnesium production was no longer needed and the town shrunk by two-thirds almost overnight. Henderson was incorporated as a city in 1953 and slowly began to grow. Today, the area is home to luxury resort hotels, golf courses, and a sea of elegant homes.

Attractions
The city of Henderson offers a variety of attractions. Among the most popular are:

• Ethel M Chocolate Factory – Founded by retired Mars chocolate executive, Forrest Mars, Ethel M Chocolates creates luxury chocolate candies in the heart of the desert. Visitors can tour the facility and sample the wares. (The first chocolate is free.)

• Ethel M Botanical Garden – Adjacent to the chocolate factory, this three-acre botanical garden contains over 350 species of desert plants.

Outdoor activities in the area include championship golf courses, a variety of water sports offered along Lake Las Vegas, and side trips to the nearby Lake Mead Recreation Area and Valley of Fire. The city of Henderson hosts a full schedule of events, including the Dragon Boat Festival, the Grand Prix of Henderson, and the Henderson Live! Music Festival.

Visiting Henderson
Henderson is just a short drive from Las Vegas and makes a nice place to stay for families and those not wishing to stay amidst the glitter of the Strip or downtown Las Vegas. Henderson is home to several luxury resorts, including the 349-room Ritz Carlton Resort and Spa, the Green Valley Ranch, and the 490-room Lowes Lake Las Vegas. The area offers a full complement of restaurants, with specialties ranging from ethnic to fine-dining.

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