Located just outside of Las Vegas, the Ethel M Chocolate Factory produces gourmet chocolate for the local marketplace. This facility offers self-guided tours for visitors who’d like to see how the candy is made. The Ethel M company manufactures a variety of dark and milk chocolates with premium fillings, such as peanut butter, pecan and lemon. An on-site botanical garden, cafe and gift shop are some other highlights of the chocolate factory.

The Ethel M Chocolate Factory tasting room

Factory Highlights

The Ethel M Chocolate Factory owns and manages the Cactus Garden, a 3-acre botanical oasis that’s one of the largest of its kind in the American Southwest region. Visitors can stroll meandering trails that are surrounded by more than 300 species of succulents and cacti. Most of the plants at this desert-type garden are native to Nevada and Arizona. Some of the species at the Cactus Garden are imported from Australia and South America.

After admiring the botanical attraction, you can enjoy light treats at the Cactus Garden Cafe. This modern eatery serves the pecan brittle Mojave milkshake, espressos and other refreshing beverages. You can also taste some of the cafe’s signature fresh-made bites, like the chocolate-covered oranges and strawberries. Handmade brownies and cupcakes with seasonal flavors are also sold at the signature cafe.

If you’re interested in exploring the behind-the-scenes action at the Ethel M Chocolate Factory, take the self-guided Viewing Aisle tour. As you navigate the facility, you’ll see experienced chocolatiers at work. You’ll also view the automated procedures that yield large batches of chocolate candies that eventually end up at regional stores. After the tour, you’ll probably develop some cravings for the company’s famous treats. Fortunately, the on-site Chocolate Shoppe is stocked with the latest selections of chocolate candies with delicious fillings, such as butter pecan and creme.

Do you want to learn more about the company? Take the Chocolate Tasting Class. Some of the sessions focus on the subtle details relating to the taste, texture and other characteristics of the candy. Wine tasting is also integrated into some of the classes at this chocolate factory.

Location and How To Get There

Situated in the northern end of Henderson, the Ethel M Chocolate Factory is just a short drive from the Las Vegas Strip. Free on-site parking is accessible just off Sunset Way. You can also take the Regional Transportation Commission 212 bus and get off on East Sunset Road. Interstate 515 links downtown Las Vegas with this commercialized area of Henderson.

Click to visit the Ethel M Chocolate Factory official website.

Note: This information can change without notice. Confirm all details directly with the company in question.

Having an arch-gravity design, the historic Hoover Dam is an iconic landmark that serves an important role in Nevada’s electrical network. Using water from Lake Mead and the Colorado River, this structure is located a short drive away from Las Vegas. The famous dam is named in honor of the America’s 31st president.

Photo Credit: Bureau of Reclamation
photographer Jamel Carry

Background and History

Constructed in the 1930’s, the Hoover Dam has been one of the most vital infrastructure components in the American Southwest. This dam provided a strong economic stimulus to the sparsely populated Las Vegas area during the Great Depression. In fact, Boulder City was originally established to facilitate the construction and management of the dam. Today, the dam is one of the top man-made attractions in Nevada.

Visiting the Site

The visitor center at the Hoover Dam hosts several permanent exhibits that cover the history of the structure and the surrounding area. This facility includes a detailed topographical model of the local geography, including Lake Mead and the adjacent mountains. An observation deck is also located inside the visitor center.

The powerplant tour is the main attraction at the site. Led by experienced guides, this tour offers an exclusive glimpse into the mechanical aspects of the electrical infrastructure. Visitors will see the turbines, pipes, generators and other massive workings that generate electricity for the state of Nevada. The 70-second elevator ride takes guests more than 500 feet underground. A theater and other exhibits present the fascinating story of the powerplant.

Located outdoors at ground level, the Winged Figures of the Republic are some other notable landmarks at the site. You can also check out the Old Exhibit Building, which served as an important military base during World War II. The Arizona and Nevada spillways are visible from the walkways at the site. Additionally, the Nevada intake towers are some prominent structures of the dam infrastructure.

Location and Transportation

Connected to Interstate 11 and Route 172, Hoover Dam Access Road leads to the official parking facilities at the Hoover Dam. RVs, buses and other large vehicles could be parked at the Boulder Dam lot that overlooks the Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge. A covered parking garage with multiple levels is located close to the visitor center. Boulder City is located just a short drive away from the dam. Additionally, Las Vegas is less than an hour’s drive from the attraction. Many resorts on the Las Vegas Strip offer organized tours to the site.

Click to visit the Hoover Dam official website.

Note: This information can change without notice. Confirm all details directly with the company in question.